General Semi-Structured Discretization for Flow and Geomechanics on Diffusive Fracture Networks

Abstract

Abstract A novel approach is introduced for simulation of multiphase flow, geomechanics, and fracture propagation on very general semi-structured grids. Complex networks consisting of both natural and hydraulically stimulated fractures are able to be represented using a diffusive zone model in large scale reservoirs. A mass conservative method called the enhanced velocity mixed finite element method is used to model multiphase flow with a fully-compositional equation-of-state model. Its recent reformulation on semi-structured, spatially non-conforming grids allows very general local refinement and dynamic mesh adaptivity. Iteratively coupled geomechanics is simulated, which can predict fracture opening on fixed networks based upon induced stresses and poromechanical effects. In the most complex case, it is coupled with the phase field method to model nucleation and branching of non-planar fractures in highly heterogeneous media. Several examples are demonstrated to model fracture networks. The general semi-structured discretization can simulate flow and geomechanics on networks of fractures in large reservoirs with local resolution where desired. Dynamic adaptive mesh refinement can be used for both tracking transient flow features such as sharp the propagation of new fractures via hydraulic stimulation. This framework allows the seamless ability to switch from production to propagation scenarios, by varying the degrees of physics. This work demonstrates a capability to perform high-fidelity simulations on complex fracture networks in large reservoirs at a reasonable computational cost. The gridding algorithms are straightforward extensions to traditional finite difference reservoir simulators. It can also be coupled with state-of-the-art complex phase field fracture propagation. This extends the capabilities of many legacy reservoir simulators to handle more physics.