A new numerical well test method of multi-scale discrete fractured tight sandstone gas reservoirs and its application in the Kelasu Gas Field of the Tarim Basin

The cretaceous gas reservoir in Kelasu Gas Field of the Tarim Basin is a rare ultra-deep and ultra-high pressure fractured tight sandstone gas reservoir where multi-scale discrete fractures of matrix, fracture and fault are developed, so its development cannot be conducted just based on static and dynamic reservoir description. In order to solve this problem, this paper establishes a numerical well test model of vertical wells based on matrix, fractures and faults (large fractures and small faults) by combining the random generation of natural fracture networks with the unstructured discrete fracture modeling method to break through the traditional continuous medium well test model. In addition, the model is solved by using the finite element method with mixed element, and the typical well test type curves under different random fracture networks are obtained. And the following research results are obtained. First, based on the observed data, the fracture network distribution modes of fractured tight sandstone gas reservoirs are classified into three categories. The influence of random generation of fracture networks on typical well test type curves is discussed. The results of discrete fracture well test model are compared with those of the traditional continuous medium well test model, and the applicable conditions of the traditional continuous medium well test model is determined. Second, there are great differences between the results of discrete fracture model and those of dual porosity medium model. 1 The dual porosity medium model is a special case of the discrete fracture model, in which the fractures are evenly distributed within infinitely small spacing. Third, the characteristics of well test type curves under three fracture network distribution modes are discussed. The well test type curves that cannot be interpreted by the conventional dual/triple porosity continuous medium model are successfully interpreted by using the established well test interpretation model of random discrete fracture. The curve matching effect is ideal and the interpreted parameters are reasonable. In conclusion, the new model and the new method reveal the development mechanism of step-by-step production and coordinated gas supply between media of different scales, explain the development characteristics of large inter-well productivity difference and abnormal rapid inter-well pressure response, and provide a reference for the development of similar gas reservoirs.(c) 2023 Sichuan Petroleum Administration. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communication Co. Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).