Reservoir Simulation and Optimization of Hydraulic Fracturing: Case Study in Jilin Tight Oil Field

Abstract

Combing horizontal wells with hydraulic fracturing is a powerful technology used to stimulate unconventional tight reservoirs and has increased production performance of tight oil reservoirs. The analysis of optimal hydraulic fracture patterns, the effects of their properties and the controlling factors affecting oil production all need to be studied to advance tight oil recovery. This thesis uses reservoir simulation models for a Jilin tight oil reservoir in China. The relationship between the variables of a rate decline prediction formula and the fracture geometry parameters are analyzed. The outcomes can be used to forecast future production performance based on known information gained about the existing fracture patterns in tight oil reservoir. Impacts of hydraulic fracture patterns and fracture closure on production performance of this tight oil reservoir are studied. A sensitive study is performed to identify the most influential factors and the optimal properties for hydraulic fracturing in the Jilin field.