Naturally fractured reservoirs can be treated as dual-porosity media consisting of a primary rock matrix system as well as fractures. These dual-porosity formulations coupling matrix and fracture deformations as well as fluid flow in both systems are first presented. The finite element solution for any directional wellbore drilled in a dual-porosity medium is given. Mud weight considerations are presented for both permeable and impermeable boundary conditions. A case study for inclined wellbore problems was also conducted. The effects of single- and dual-porosity, time, and mud weight are parametrically studied allowing for a better understanding of the physical characteristics governing borehole problems.

Keywords:
mpa, stress direction, matrix, lt 2, equation, dual-porosity approach, fractured reservoir, pressure distribution, spe isrm 78240, radial stress
Subjects:
Wellbore Design, Hydraulic Fracturing, Reservoir Characterization, Wellbore integrity, Reservoir geomechanics
Copyright 2002, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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