Abstract
Abstract. We present an extension of the MUFITS reservoir simulator for modelling the ground displacement and gravity changes associated with subsurface flows in geologic porous media. Two different methods are implemented for modelling the ground displacement. The first approach is simple and fast and is based on an analytical solution for the extension source in a semi-infinite elastic medium. Its application is limited to homogeneous reservoirs with a flat Earth surface. The second, more comprehensive method involves a one-way coupling of MUFITS with geomechanical code presented for the first time in this paper. We validate the accuracy of the development by considering a benchmark study of hydrothermal activity at Campi Flegrei (Italy). We investigate the limitations of the first approach by considering domains for the geomechanical problem that are larger than those for the fluid flow. Furthermore, we present the results of more complicated simulations in a heterogeneous subsurface when the assumptions of the first approach are violated. We supplement the study with the executable of the simulator for further use by the scientific community.
Highlights
Reservoir simulation remains an essential area for forecasting various parameters of subsurface exploration and natural flows
A provides a fast option for calculating ground displacement
Uncoupling the ground displacement from the fluid flow makes it possible to implement method B in a post-processing module of the simulator, removing the necessity to re-run MUFITS simulations in order to change the mechanical properties of the rocks
Summary
Reservoir simulation remains an essential area for forecasting various parameters of subsurface exploration and natural flows. The capabilities of the reservoir simulators, i.e., the computer programs for modelling the flows in geologic porous media, are constantly improving. The modern simulators can account for additional physical phenomena and technological processes. The modelling of Darcy flows is often coupled with rather sophisticated approaches for geomechanics, multiphase transport in wellbores, and other processes (Fig. 1). More common in petroleum reservoir simulation is the development and utilisation of universal software packages allowing for conveniently integrated workflows for coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical modelling and history matching of the models (Fanchi, 2006). The flows occur under a much wider range of temperatures. This necessitates the application of sophisticated models accounting for phase transitions and reactive transport under both low and high temperatures. The plastic deformations of rocks in the brittle-ductile transition zone
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