Tensorial fracture-matrix ensemble relative permeabilities in naturally fractured reservoirs: Evidence from discrete fracture and matrix simulations

Abstract

The prediction of water breakthrough and oil recovery for naturally fractured reservoirs (NFRs) cannot be performed accurately without dynamic upscaled relative permeability functions. Relative permeability is commonly assumed to be a scalar quantity, although a justification for NFRs has yet to be presented. In this study, we show how accurate this assumption is for fracture-matrix ensemble relative permeabilities determined by numeric simulations of unsteady-state core flooding. Numerical determination of relative permeability requires a realistic flow model, a spatially adaptive simulation approach and a sophisticated analysis procedure. To fulfil these requirements, we apply discrete fra..