Identifier

etd-11072016-101103

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Petroleum Engineering

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

In this endeavor we attempt to better understand gas transport in shale gas reservoirs, specifically the impact and effects of different physical phenomena. We start by documenting the nature of the reservoirs and the need for accurate modeling of various physical phenomena in multiple interconnected continua. The physical phenomena of interest include non-linear Forchheimer flow, Knudsen diffusion in the form of slip "Klinkenberg" flow and adsorption/desorption. The numerical methods used in the reservoir simulator are also introduced, along with a derivation of the main equations used. Various verification and validation results are compared against manufactured and analytical solutions and finally advanced features including mesh adaptivity and multi-block support are showcased. Several detailed parameter survey studies are conducted with realistic and exaggerated field values to identify the need for advanced physics models based on deviation from Darcy models. Recommendations as to the applicability of each model are presented along with suggested best practices of when to apply these models in real simulations. A redefinition of the SRV is proposed, based on the need to apply a non-Darcy flow model. This new definition would highlight the need for advanced (and costly) non-linear flow ow models near the wells and hydraulic fractures. The judicious application of computationally intensive physical models in the SRV and lower fidelity models further away is presented as an efficient alternative to large scale high fidelity simulations.

Date

2016

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Tyagi, Mayank

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.4288

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