Novel Forward Model Quantifies Uncertainty of Fracture Networks

A major portion of the uncertainty found in shale reservoirs is the result of the distribution and properties of the fracture network. However, explicit fracture models are rarely used in uncertainty quantification because of their high computational cost. This paper presents a work flow to match the history of reservoirs featuring complex fracture networks with a novel forward model. The efficiency of the model allows fractures to be characterized explicitly, and the corresponding uncertainty about the distribution and properties of fractures can be evaluated.

Introduction

For low-permeability unconventional shale reservoirs, the fracture network greatly determines the performance of the wells.