Advances in Fractured Reservoir Modelling using Discrete Fracture Networks (DFN)

Modelling of fractured reservoirs has evolved over the years with dual continua techniques such as dual porosity (DP), dual permeability (DK), multiple interacting continua (MINC) and subdomain modelling (SD). These methods capture the unique flow characteristics of fractured reservoirs along with effects such as transient flow between matrix and fracture as well as gravity drainage effects through various fracture representations. However, previously it was difficult to accurately capture the effects of heterogeneously distributed fracture networks with varying fracture size, orientation and intensity.

The introduction of discrete fracture networks (DFNs) allows for explicit fracture representation which includes varying orientation, size, intensity, spatial distribution, shape and transmissibility. New developments in simulation technology allows for incorporating DFNs directly into traditional grid-based models with fast and efficient computation. Easily import DFNs on the fly and visualize the impact of various realizations of fracture networks on well performance.