A Unique Methodology To Estimate Fracture Permeability in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs (NFR)

Abstract

AbstractFracture Permeability is one of the key parameter in determining the producibility of a Naturally Fractured Reservoir (NFR). Fluid flow in naturally fractured reservoirs is controlled largely by the distribution, orientation, and interconnectivity of the fracture system. The characterization of Naturally Fractured Reservoirs (NFR) represents additional challenges to that of conventional reservoirs because it is not only required the description of two separate means (matrix and fracture) but also it is necessary to undertand their interaction. Among the list of potential parameters that can contribute to understand the complexity of NFR is the fracture permeability. It is very important to estimate the fracture permeability correctly for the successful development of NFR, because the fractures have considerably higher permeability and govern the fluid flow in the reservoir1. These reservoirs commonly have low matrix permeabilites (to md), and a well-developed natural fracture system must be present to provide sufficient deliverability for economic production. A detailed fracture analysis is crucial to estimate fracture permeability in NFR.In this paper, we present an integrated unique methology for estimating fracture permeability by utilizing logs, borehole images and production data. The results of this methology were encouraging and helped to estimate fracture permeability in the naturally fractured reservois (NFR).