Naturally Fractured Reservoirs: Recognition, Characterization, and Modeling

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Disciplines: Reservoir

Course Description

The behavior of Naturally Fractured Reservoirs (NFRs) is distinctly different from that of matrix-dominant "conventional" reservoirs. In this 2-day course we review NFR production characteristics and how to use them to help recognize and describe NFRs. Fluid flow is addressed, to understand both the impact of fracture permeability and processes involved with fracture-controlled drainage of a reservoir. Outcrop analogs provide a reference for fracture systems encountered in the deep subsurface. We address procedures used in characterizing NFRs, including geological (fracture orientation, density, spacing, etc.) and engineering (PLT, PTT tests), plus special considerations when sampling a heterogeneous, discontinuous fracture system. Finally, we review synthesizing these data in order to construct a geologic reservoir model and ultimately a flow-simulation model.

Topics include:

• Recognition of NFRs.
• Characteristics of natural fracture systems (static and dynamic).
• Understanding the causes and effects of fracture-dominated production behavior.
• Tools and methods for interpreting and integrating geologic and dynamic flow data to characterize subsurface fracture systems.
• Geological and flow-simulation modeling of NFRs, and deciding which approach to use depending upon circumstances.

Learning Level

Intermediate

Course Length

2 Days

Why Attend

• Understand the data and methods to be used for screening reservoirs, to recognize if their flow behavior is strongly influenced by natural fractures.
• Learn basic principles of the occurrence of natural fracture systems.
• Learn basic principles of fluid flow in natural fracture systems.
• Learn to understand key data and tools for geological and reservoir engineering characterization, with emphasis on developing a common understanding across disciplines.
• Learn about commonly used approaches for modeling (geologic and flow-simulation) of naturally fractured reservoirs, and how to decide which modeling approach to use. and how to apply the characterization of fractures as a basis for model-building.

Who Attends

This course is for Geologists and Reservoir Engineers. Some experience working with naturally fractured reservoirs (NFRs) is desirable but not required. General background or experience with reservoir characterization is useful. The course is meant to straddle the fence between reservoir engineering and geology, so techniques associated with both disciplines will be addressed.

Special Requirements

Students must bring their own laptops.

CEUs

1.6 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are awarded for this 2-day course.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be received no later than 14 days prior to the course start date. Cancellations made after the 14-day window will not be refunded. Refunds will not be given due to no show situations.

Training sessions attached to SPE conferences and workshops follow the cancellation policies stated on the event information page. Please check that page for specific cancellation information.

SPE reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule courses at will. Notification of changes will be made as quickly as possible; please keep this in mind when arranging travel, as SPE is not responsible for any fees charged for cancelling or changing travel arrangements.

We reserve the right to substitute course instructors as necessary.

Instructor