The development of naturally fractured reservoirs, especially shale gas and tight oil reservoirs, exploded in recent years due to advanced drilling and fracturing techniques. However, complex fracture geometries such as irregular fracture networks and non-planar fractures are often generated, especially in the presence of natural fractures. Accurate modelling of production from reservoirs with such geometries is challenging. Therefore, Embedded Discrete Fracture Modeling and Application in Reservoir Simulation demonstrates how production from reservoirs with complex fracture geometries can be modelled efficiently and effectively. This volume presents a conventional numerical model to handle simple and complex fractures using local grid refinement (LGR) and unstructured gridding. Moreover, it introduces an Embedded Discrete Fracture Model (EDFM) to efficiently deal with complex fractures by dividing the fractures into segments using matrix cell boundaries and creating non-neighboring connections (NNCs). A basic EDFM approach using Cartesian grids and advanced EDFM approach using Corner point and unstructured grids will be covered. Embedded Discrete Fracture Modeling and Application in Reservoir Simulation is an essential reference for anyone interested in performing reservoir simulation of conventional and unconventional fractured reservoirs. Highlights the current state-of-the-art in reservoir simulation of unconventional reservoirs Offers understanding of the impacts of key reservoir properties and complex fractures on well performance Provides case studies to show how to use the EDFM method for different needs

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods could be considered as the future of oil production. Particularly, Huff-n-Puff (HnP) EOR is a very promising technique implemented in unconventional reservoirs. HnP efficiency strongly depends on injection gas properties and formation characteristics. The main goal of this thesis was to emphasize oil recovery mechanisms for different injection gases as well as successful HnP execution criteria. In addition, gas diffusion was modeled by two methods. The Eagle Ford formation was chosen as a simulation environment due to its reduced oil production over the last five years. Research process included four major steps. First, the Eagle Ford reservoir was modeled using its typical characteristics and production. Based on sensitivity analysis results, appropriate permeability values, water saturation, porosity, and wettability were selected for primary production case. Second, a series of numerical laboratory experiments were conducted in order to evaluate oil recovery mechanisms and static mixing behavior between reservoir fluid and injection gas. Third, the HnP simulations were performed considering multiple design realizations and gas diffusion correlations. According to the sensitivity analysis results, optimum HnP gas injection patterns were chosen for comparison purposes. Finally, the economic feasibility of the EOR projects was evaluated by deterministic and probabilistic models. Oil and gas price forecast, oil and gas production prognosis, and fiscal system were modeled during this assessment. The research results suggested that rich hydrocarbon gases possessed better mixing behavior with reservoir fluid independently of its gas-oil ratio compared to the CO2. However, the HnP process with CO2 injection outperformed lean hydrocarbon gas operation. As a consequence, it was concluded that condensing drive dominated during the HnP process with hydrocarbon gases and vaporizing drive in CO2 HnP. The effect of the other oil recovery mechanisms was less vital. Therefore, field gas composition was considered as a decisive HnP design variable. Economic evaluation contributed to the profitable HnP project identification. Eagle Ford’s black oil was founded as the only reservoir fluid in which it is profitable to implement gas injection. Ultimately, the research provided valuable models for the HnP process implementation

Geothermal energy is the thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth's core, mantle, and crust. Geothermal technologies are used to generate electricity and to heat and cool buildings. To develop accurate models for heat and mass transfer applications involving fluid flow in geothermal applications or reservoir engineering and petroleum industries, a basic knowledge of the rheological and transport properties of the materials involved (drilling fluid, rock properties, etc.)—especially in high-temperature and high-pressure environments—are needed. This Special Issue considers all aspects of fluid flow and heat transfer in geothermal applications, including the ground heat exchanger, conduction and convection in porous media. The emphasis here is on mathematical and computational aspects of fluid flow in conventional and unconventional reservoirs, geothermal engineering, fluid flow, and heat transfer in drilling engineering and enhanced oil recovery (hydraulic fracturing, CO2 injection, etc.) applications.

The massive increase in energy demand and the related rapid development of unconventional reservoirs has opened up exciting new energy supply opportunities along with new, seemingly intractable engineering and research challenges. The energy industry has primarily depended on a heuristic approach—rather than a systematic approach—to optimize and tackle the various challenges when developing new and improving the performance of existing unconventional reservoirs. Industry needs accurate estimations of well production performance and of the cumulative estimated ultimate reserves, accounting for uncertainty. This Special Issue presents 10 original and high-quality research articles related to the modeling of unconventional reservoirs, which showcase advanced methods for fractured reservoir simulation, and improved production forecasting techniques.

The Enhanced Oil Recovery Series delivers a multivolume approach that addresses the latest research on various types of EOR. The second volume in the series, Gas Injection Methods, helps engineers focus on the latest developments in one of the fastest growing areas. Different techniques are described in addition to the latest technology such as data mining and unconventional reservoirs. Supported field case studies are included to show a bridge between research and practical application, making it useful for both academics and practicing engineers. Structured to start with an introduction on various gas types and different gas injection methods, screening criteria for choosing gas injection method, and environmental issues during gas injection methods, the editors then advance on to more complex content, guiding the engineer into newer topics involving CO2 such as injection in tight oil reservoirs, shale oil reservoirs, carbonated water, data mining, and formation damage. Supported by a full spectrum of contributors, this book gives petroleum engineers and researchers the latest research developments and field applications to drive innovation for the future. Helps readers understand the latest research and practical applications specific to foam flooding and gas injection Provides readers with the latest technology, including nanoparticle-stabilized foam for mobility control and carbon storage in shale oil reservoirs Teaches users about additional methods such as data mining applications and economic and environmental considerations

Unconventional Shale Gas Development: Lessons Learned gives engineers the latest research developments and practical applications in today’s operations. Comprised of both academic and corporate contributors, a balanced critical review on technologies utilized are covered. Environmental topics are presented, including produced water management and sustainable operations in gas systems. Machine learning applications, well integrity and economic challenges are also covered to get the engineer up-to-speed. With its critical elements, case studies, history plot visuals and flow charts, the book delivers a critical reference to get today’s petroleum engineers updated on the latest research and applications surrounding shale gas systems. Bridges the gap between the latest research developments and practical applications through case studies and workflow charts Helps readers understand the latest developments from the balanced viewpoint of academic and corporate contributors Considers environmental and sustainable operations in shale gas systems, including produced water management