Virtual Elements for Representation of Faults, Cracks and Hydraulic Fractures in Dynamic Flow Simulations

Representation of discrete faults at reservoir scale in numerical modelling is a sophisticated task, since discretization has to be in agreement with grid convergence criteria of the numerical simulator applied. An accurate spatial representation of faults and fractures in dynamic flow simulations is essential for an assessment of fluid flow in faults. In the context of the present study the Virtual Element concept for discrete fault integration into regional-scale dynamic models was developed taking into account variable fault geometries without modifying the initial gridding scheme. Coupled multi-phase flow simulations were successfully undertaken to validate the implementation of the developed concept.