How can fracture networks be used to enhance fluid flow in subsurface reservoirs?

1 Fracture network characterization

The first step to use fracture networks to enhance fluid flow is to characterize their geometry, distribution, and properties. This can be done by using various methods, such as borehole logging, core analysis, seismic imaging, geostatistics, and numerical modeling. These methods can provide information on the fracture orientation, density, length, aperture, connectivity, and transmissivity, which affect how fractures influence fluid flow. Fracture network characterization is crucial for understanding the reservoir behavior and designing optimal strategies for fluid injection or extraction.

4 Fracture network optimization

The fourth step to use fracture networks to enhance fluid flow is to optimize them, which means to find the best combination of fracture network characteristics and stimulation parameters to achieve the desired fluid flow objectives. This can be done by using various approaches, such as analytical models, numerical simulations, machine learning, and optimization algorithms. These approaches can evaluate and compare different scenarios of fracture network design and operation, considering the trade-offs between costs, benefits, risks, and uncertainties. Fracture network optimization can maximize the efficiency and profitability of the reservoir, as well as minimize the environmental and social impacts of fluid production.

5 Fracture network challenges

Using fracture networks to enhance fluid flow in subsurface reservoirs comes with a number of challenges due to the complexity and uncertainty of the fracture systems and fluid processes. Characterization of the fracture network is often limited by data availability and resolution, as well as the heterogeneity and variability of properties. Stimulation of the fracture network is constrained by technical and economic feasibility, as well as environmental and social regulations. Monitoring of the fracture network is hampered by the difficulty and cost of acquiring and interpreting data, as well as signal interference and noise. Optimization of the fracture network is complicated by nonlinearity, multiphysics behavior, uncertainty, and sensitivity of model parameters and outcomes.

6 Fracture network opportunities

Despite the challenges, using fracture networks to enhance fluid flow in subsurface reservoirs also offers numerous opportunities. Fracture network characterization can be improved by integrating and synthesizing multiple sources and scales of data, as well as developing and applying new methods and models of fracture analysis and representation. Stimulation of fracture networks can be enhanced by optimizing and adapting the techniques to the specific fracture and fluid conditions, as well as implementing and evaluating new technologies and materials of fracture creation and modification. Additionally, fracture network monitoring can be advanced by deploying and utilizing novel and reliable tools and sensors, as well as refining and validating new methods and models of fracture and fluid detection and quantification. Finally, fracture network optimization can be achieved by incorporating and balancing multiple objectives and constraints, as well as exploring and exploiting new scenarios and solutions of fracture network design and operation.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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