LAUSR

In this research, the reservoir fluids flow patterns induced by a hydraulic fracture are studies numerically to make the fracture and reservoir a best match. A 3D model coupling the reservoir system and the fracture system was established firstly. Then, fracture-flow fractions were calculated to analyse the contribution of the hydraulic fracture collecting and transmitting reservoir fluids. Sensitivity analysis of parameters implies that both permeability and fracture conductivity have significant influences on fracture-flow fraction, influences of oil viscosity and fracture half length are much less, while the influence of drawdown pressure is the least. Fracture-flow fraction is proved to be an effective method to diagnose reservoir fluids flow patterns, and the higher the fracture-flow fraction, the more likely bi-linear flow pattern occurs. Finally, plates of fracture-flow fractions were drawn to provide guidance in optimising the fracture geometry and a synthetic application example demonstrates how these plates are easily used. [Received: August 5, 2014; Accepted: September 22, 2015]