Chapter 12 - Multiphase Flow in Unconventional Petroleum Reservoirs

Abstract

This chapter discusses physical processes and their mathematical description of oil and gas flow and production in unconventional reservoirs. To describe oil/gas flow behavior in low-permeability, heterogeneous porous or fractured, and stress-sensitive unconventional reservoirs, a mathematical model is presented to incorporate key physical processes, i.e., non-Darcy flow, Klinkenberg effect, and geomechanical coupling, as well as adsorption. It shows that the mathematical model is suitable for modeling various types of tight and shale oil and gas reservoirs using discrete-, hybrid-, double-, and other multiple-continuum conceptual models for multiscaled fracture systems. The mathematical models and numerical approaches can be used and further improved upon for quantitative studies of unconventional reservoir dynamics, fractures and their effects on oil or gas production, well and stimulation design, and optimal production schedules in the field, as demonstrated using a simulation example.