Fully Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Modeling by COMSOL Multiphysics, with Applications in Reservoir Geomechanical Characterization

T. Freeman[1], R. Chalaturnyk[1], and I. Bogdanov[2]
[1]University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
[2]Centre Huile Lourde Ouvert et Expérimental (CHLOE), France
Publié en 2008

Because of the complex nature of geomaterials and presence of solid and fluid within a single system, it is crucial to consider all the physics involved within the geomaterial system. A fully coupled thermo-hydromechanical model is developed. The model consists of a three-phase flow model designed as a set of coupled PDE application modes that when coupled with the Heat Transfer Module and Structural Mechanics Module, it forms a thermo-hydro-mechanical model.

The integrated non-isothermal flow and geomechanical analysis yields astonishing results indicating the importance of geomechanics in petroleum engineering problems. The results from the analyses demonstrate the impact of geomechanical properties on multiphase flow behavior and vice versa.

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