Building and Utilizing a Discrete Fracture Network Model of the FORGE Utah Site

Abstract

The FORGE site in Milford Utah is being designed as an EGS laboratory with funding provided for the next five years to allow investigators to interactively develop and optimize EGS methodology. In preparation for this process, it is necessary to develop baseline models using Earth modeling, continuum modeling and discrete modeling methods. One of the methods employed comprises building a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) model of the site. DFN models are particularly well suited to predicting hydraulic stimulation outcomes because they represent the pre-existing natural fracture network where much of the fluid flow is expected to occur. They can also be used to select optimal well trajectories and aid in the interpretation of well test results. This work shows the workflow used to develop the FORGE Utah DFN baseline model and suggests the potential utility of the model for use by future investigators.