Modeling transient temperature coupled pressure behaviour for waterflooding well with induced fractures: Semi-analytical model, numerical model, and case studies

Abstract

Waterflooding is a widely used technique for developing unconventional reservoirs. Long-term waterflooding can lead to the formation of multiple induced fractures. Accurately tracking the location, extent, and dynamic behavior of these induced fractures is crucial. To enhance monitoring capabilities, data obtained from distributed temperature sensors are used to track temperature variations within the wellbore and at the bottom of the well. Combining temperature and pressure inversion techniques helps mitigate the issue of multiple solutions while offering a more comprehensive characterization of multi-induced fractures from various perspectives. In this study, this work presents a model for temperature coupled pressure (TCP) transient analysis. Additionally, this work utilizes COMSOL Multiphysics software to develop and solve a dynamic wellbore temperature (DWT) model. This work proposes a workflow that describes the dynamic behaviour of multi-induced fractures. During model development and solution, this work employs both pressure and temperature transient analysis methods, examining time-dependent non-linear pressure drop and heat transfer variations. Our results reveal that induced fractures exhibit convective heat exchange with the wellbore, resulting in significantly higher temperatures at the induced fracture locations compared to other wellbore locations. By analyzing temperature-wellbore location curves, this work can accurately identify the locations of induced fractures. The TCP model successfully extracts characteristic parameters of induced fractures, while the DWT model allows for monitoring the locations and heights of these fractures. By combining the workflows of both models, this work achieves a comprehensive characterization of the physical properties of induced fractures. In conclusion, this advancement empowers engineers to manage the development of such fractures effectively, thereby averting potential adverse effects on production well performance and preventing the need for well abandonment.