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Numerical Calculation of Equivalent Permeability Tensor for Fractured Vuggy Porous Media Based on Homogenization Theory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 August 2015

Zhaoqin Huang*
Affiliation:
School of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Huadong), Qingdao 266555, China
Jun Yao*
Affiliation:
School of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Huadong), Qingdao 266555, China
Yajun Li*
Affiliation:
School of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Huadong), Qingdao 266555, China
Chenchen Wang*
Affiliation:
School of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Huadong), Qingdao 266555, China
Xinrui Lv*
Affiliation:
School of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Huadong), Qingdao 266555, China
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Abstract

A numerical procedure for the evaluation of equivalent permeability tensor for fractured vuggy porous media is presented. At first we proposed a new conceptual model, i.e., discrete fracture-vug network model, to model the realistic fluid flow in fractured vuggy porous medium on fine scale. This new model consists of three systems: rock matrix system, fractures system, and vugs system. The fractures and vugs are embedded in porous rock, and the isolated vugs could be connected via discrete fracture network. The flow in porous rock and fractures follows Darcy’s law, and the vugs system is free fluid region. Based on two-scale homogenization theory, we obtained an equivalent macroscopic Darcy’s law on coarse scale from fine-scale discrete fracture-vug network model. A finite element numerical formulation for homogenization equations is developed. The method is verified through application to a periodic model problem and then is applied to the calculation of equivalent permeability tensor of porous media with complex fracture-vug networks. The applicability and validity of the method for these more general fractured vuggy systems are assessed through a simple test of the coarse-scale model.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Global Science Press Limited 2011

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