A computationally efficient model for fracture propagation and fluid flow in naturally fractured reservoirs

There is a need to develop computationally efficient models for oil and gas production from naturally fractured reservoirs. In this paper, we present an efficient, integrated fracturing-production simulator by combining a boundary element method (for fracture propagation) and a general Green's function solution (for fluid flow) that eliminates the need to discretize the matrix domain. First, the model is validated against analytical solutions and then compared with a fully numerical model. A comparison of results and computation time shows that our simulator significantly reduces the computation cost without any significant loss in accuracy. The simulator is then applied to investigate the effect of cluster spacing and pumping schedule on production from a hydraulically fractured horizontal well in a naturally fractured reservoir. The results show an optimal cluster spacing that can maximize the contact area between fractures and reservoirs while maintaining the highest production rate. Based on the chosen optimal cluster spacing, we observe that changes in the pumping schedule can have an impact on the production rate due to changes in the created fracture network.