Flow Simulation in Fractures Using Non-Linear Flux Approximation Method

Abstract

The discrete fracture model (DFM) and the embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM) are both the most widely used methods to simulate fractured wells’ production. In general, DFM represents fractures using an unstructured grid, and EDFM represents fractures using 2D virtual polygon grids embedded into 3D corner point grids. However, both EDFM and DFM suffer from non-orthogonal grid effects. Based on the non-linear flux approximation, this work presents a new flux scheme for DFM and EDFM that is capable of simulating fractured reservoir production in second-order accuracy. Two test cases are set to verify the accuracy of this method. Finally, this work is used to simulate the production of one fractured horizontal well belonging to the Y-oil field. Orthogonal design is used to optimize the parameters. The results show that this method is capable of improving accuracy while keeping the solution effective. This method exhibits good practicability and has practical significance for fractured reservoir development.