Modeling and Analysis of Stimulation and Fluid Flow in the Utah FORGE Reservoir

Abstract

In this paper we simulate fluid flow and energy transport in the stimulated rock mass at the toe of the injection well in the Utah FORGE. First, we verify the numerical approach with an analytical model for heat transport in a single fracture in hot impermeable rock. After that, using reservoir data during stimulation, we estimate the rock mass permeability and investigate the fluid flow capacity from the injection well to the production wellbore through the fracture network resulting from the Stage3 hydraulic stimulation of the Well16(A)78-32. The influence of fracture geometry and stimulated permeability change on fluid flow in response to step-rate injection schedule is also assessed. Both the numerical calibration of the permeability using the pressure and pumping rate and the seismic events triggering fronts analysis show good approximation in FORGE reservoir permeability. The study helps assess the best location for the planned production well and is useful for measurements aimed at characterization of the rock mass transport properties.