Pseudo-steady flow in reservoirs with fractal geometry

Abstract

This master thesis describes the pseudo-steady flow period of gas in fractal reservoirs. I have developed both the m(P)-solution and the P2-solution for flow of compressible fuids. The high velocity flow term is also taken into account, which leads to an additional pressure drop when compared to against Darcy flow.

It is based on Chang and Yortsos one phase ow model from 1990. The fractal model could give a more accurate picture of some sparsely fractured reservoirs, which could not be described by a homogeneous conventional model. Such networks could exist in conventional reservoir rocks, sandstone or carbonates, or reservoirs with fractal geometry. The rock properties will showpower law dependency.

The production rate is obtained by simultaneous solution of the reservoir flow equation and the vertical tubing flow equation. We can optimize the production, and look at its influence, by change of various reservoir parameters.This makes it possible to improve production forecasting, and aid design of wells in sparsely fractured reservoirs.