A Well Test Model Based On Embedded Discrete-Fracture Method For Pressure-Transient Analysis Of Fractured Wells With Complex Fracture Networks

In this study, a well test model based on the embedded discrete-fracture method (EDFM-WTM) is proposed for the pressure-transient analysis of fractured wells with complex fracture networks (CFNs). The proposed model overcomes the limitations of continuum-fracture models that cannot accurately obtain pressure-transient responses of wells with discretely distributed fractures. The model is verified using the stripe-fracture model in KAPPA software and shows excellent advantages over the stripe-fracture model in both computational performance and simulation workflow simplicity, due to the use of an advanced mesh-generation algorithm and the solution operators. Seven typical flow regimes can be observed on this model's pressure-transient responses. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is conducted to study the impacts of complex fracture networks. The type curves are developed, and the impacts of fracture properties on pressure-transient responses are also analyzed in detail. The results show that the flow regimes of aAIJdip 1aAI and aAIJdip 2aAI are mainly influenced by the properties of natural fractures, such as their length and number, and that generating a symmetric and orthogonal fracture network around a well can maximize the fluid-supply area.