Fractal Analysis of Pressure Transients in the Geysers Geothermal Field

Abstract

The conventionally accepted models for the interpretation of pressure transient tests in naturally fractured reservoirs usually involve simplistic assumptions regarding the geometry and transport properties of the fractured medium. Many single well tests in this type of reservoirs fail to show the predicted behavior for dual or triple porosity or permeability systems and cannot be explained by these models. This paper describes the application of a new model based on a fractal interpretation of the fractured medium. The approach, discussed elsewhere [2], [6], is applied to field data from The Geysers Geothermal Field. The objective is to present an alternative interpretation to well tests that characterizes the fractured medium in a manner more consistent with other field evidence. The novel insight gained from fractal geometry allows the identification of important characteristics of the fracture structure that feeds a particular well. Some simple models are also presented that match the field transient results.