Fluid dynamics in naturally fractured tectonic reservoirs

Abstract

This study presents analytical models for naturally fractured tectonic reservoirs (NFTRs), which essentially correspond to type I fractured reservoirs, including the effects of the nonlinear gradient term for radial flow, single phase (oil), for constant rate in an infinite reservoir. Using an exact solution of Navier–Stokes equation and Cole–Hopf transform, NFTRs have been modeled. Our models are applied for fissured formations with extensive fractures. Smooth and rough extension fractures were analyzed using single and slab flow geometries. The motivation for this study was to develop a real and representative model of a NFTR, with extension fractures to describe its pressure behavior. A discussion is also presented with field examples, regarding the effect of a quadratic gradient term and the difference between the nonlinear and linear pressure solutions, comparing the Darcy laminar flow equation, with the exact solution of the Navier–Stokes equation applied to the diffusion equation and boundary conditions in wellbore.