Fluid flux throughout matrix-fracture interface: Discretizing hydraulic fractures for coupling matrix Darcy flow and fractures non-Darcy flow

Abstract

The objective of this paper is focusing deep insights on reservoir fluid flux from a structurally complicated matrix to non-uniformly propagated hydraulic fractures. A hypothetical unconventional reservoir is considered with stimulated and un-stimulated reservoir volume. A Semi-analytical multilinear flow regimes model is developed for pressure distribution by coupling matrix Darcy flow model and hydraulic fracture non-Darcy flow model. Hydraulic fractures are discretized to several segments with a specific fluid flux to these segments. The study has reached to several conclusions such as: fluid flux from SRV matrix to hydraulic fractures may have a significant impact on reservoir performance and discretizing hydraulic fractures to several segments may give different pressure behavior, flow rate, and productivity index than single segment fracture. The novel point presented in this study is presenting a semi-analytical model that couples matrix Darcy flow and hydraulic fracture non-Darcy flow using trilinear dual porosity model and discretizing hydraulic fractures.