Semi-Analytical Model Based on the Volumetric Source Method to Production Simulation from Nonplanar Fracture Geometry in Tight Oil Reservoirs

Fracturing measures are common practice for horizontal wells of tight oil reservoirs. Thus, production estimation is a significant problem that should be solved. However, previous models for the production of fractured horizontal wells of tight oil reservoirs have some problems. In this paper, we present a semi-analytical model based on the volumetric source method to simulate production from nonplanar fracture geometry in a tight oil reservoir. First, we developed an analytical model based on the volumetric source method in nonplanar fracture geometry with varying widths. Second, the model was coupled with fracture flow and solved by the Gauss–Seidel iteration. Third, the semi-analytical model was verified by a numerical reservoir simulator. Finally, sensitivity analysis was conducted for several critical parameters. Results of validations showed good agreement between this paper’s model and the numerical reservoir simulator. The results from the sensitivity analysis showed that (1) production increases with an increased number of fracture segments; (2) production drops more quickly with a smaller fracture half-length in the first stage, and it drops slowly with a smaller fracture half-length in the second stage; (3) cumulative production increases more quickly with a bigger fracture conductivity; and (4) cumulative oil production from a fracture with a constant width and without stress sensitivity coefficient is smaller than that from a fracture with varying widths and with stress sensitivity coefficient. This research provides a basis and reference for production estimation in tight oil reservoirs.