Effects of Triaxial Stress and Strain on Multiphase Flow in 3D-Printed Fractured Reservoir Rock Analogues

• Author / Creator

  Sanchez Barra, Angel de Jesus

• The oil and gas industry, fundamental to the global energy economy, faces an ever-increasing quest for new reserves to meet growing demand. Hydrocarbon reservoirs, dynamic systems by nature, undergo significant changes throughout their lifecycle, particularly due to deformation from effective stress variations during production and stimulation operations. This thesis introduces an integrated approach to characterizing the impact of geomechanical processes on multiphase-flow mechanisms within naturally fractured reservoirs. It examines the effects of stress dependency (both normal and shear stresses) on porosity, absolute permeability, drainage relative permeability, drainage capillary pressure, and matrix-to-fracture flow contributions using 3D-printed fractured reservoir rock analogues, which include intact and fractured components to mimic actual reservoir conditions.
  This research systematically investigates the Akal KL reservoir, analyzing its geological attributes and stress-strain behavior over its exploitation cycle. A key innovation is the use of binder-jet additive manufacturing (3D printing technology) to create sandstone models that closely replicate the reservoir rock’s porosity, permeability, and other critical properties. These 3D-printed analogues provide a new method to study reservoir rock behaviors under various stress scenarios, overcoming challenges posed by the heterogeneity and scarcity of natural samples.
  A specialized multiphase triaxial experimental setup was instrumental in assessing the stress-dependent flow properties of these analogues, providing crucial insights into the geomechanical behaviors that influence multiphase flow in fractured porous media. Experimental findings, such as the observed stress-dependent drainage relative permeability in 3D-printed analogues, were incorporated into dynamic flow simulations of Akal KL to estimate the uncertainty in oil recovery due to changes in relative permeability. These insights highlight the significant influence of stress alterations on reservoir flow and recovery processes, providing valuable strategies for enhancing hydrocarbon extraction in fractured reservoirs.
  The study’s experimental outcomes contribute to understanding the practical aspects of hydrocarbon recovery, considering the stress sensitivity of naturally fractured reservoirs during depletion, with Akal KL serving as a key case study. The stress-path sensitivity of multiphase flow in fractured porous media significantly affects hydrocarbon recovery, geothermal processes, radioactive waste repositories, and carbon capture and storage operations, highlighting the broad applicability and importance of this research.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Geomechanics
  • Two-phase flow
  • Binder-jet additive manufacturing

• Graduation date

  Fall 2024

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Doctor of Philosophy

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-tr0z-0n72

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Library with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.