A Numerical Investigation on Stress Dependent Permeability in Jointed Reservoirs

Stress dependent permeability is a great problem in petroleum engineering and natural fractured reservoirs. Permeability in a fractured porous medium is mainly controlled by the geometry and interaction of the pores and fractures as well as stress state. Interaction between stress and permeability in jointed reservoirs is a crucial factor during different stages of life of a reservoir such as assessment, productivity and management. Also, reduction in reservoir pressure significantly influence on the reservoir permeability. In this study, it is intended to find the relationship between the stress sensitivity and production rate. For this purpose, distinct element code is used to develop numerical modeling of a reservoir to evaluate the relationship between stress sensitivity and productivity rate. The results of numerical simulations indicated that with increasing the bulk modulus of rock joints, the skin factor increases and consequently the well productivity decreases.