The effect of orthorhombic anisotropy and its implication for oil recovery and reservoir exploitation

Results of an experimental study of shear‐ and compressional‐wave propagation in an orthorhombically anisotropic medium are presented. The experiments were performed on a physical model consisting of two sets of fractures. The first set consisted of orientated rubber inclusions simulating weak material‐filled cracks. The second set consisted of a system of closely spaced parallel fractures simulated by thin plates of epoxy resin, superimposed orthogonally on the first set. Three cases of fracture orientations within the model were identified and studied. Case 1 is analogous to a jointed fracture reservoir with one vertical set of fluid‐filled cracks or fractures and one non‐filled horizontal set. This case is referred to as JFV. Case 2 is analogous to a double fracture reservoir with one horizontal set of fluid‐filled fractures or cracks and one non‐filled vertical set. This is referred to as DFH. Case 3 is analogous to a double fracture reservoir with two vertical sets of fractures or cracks, with only one fluid‐filled. Case 3 is referred to as DFV. A pulse transmission method was performed on all three modelled cases along the three principal axes. A directional variation in the compressional‐ and shear‐wave velocities, as well as distinct shear‐wave splitting, was observed. The elastic constants for each case were determined and differences between them were noted and compared with the controlled results of both layered (transverse isotropy, TI) and vertically fractured (azimuthally anisotropic models, VF) media. The differences in elastic moduli and velocities indicate the potential of recognizing the different fracture orientations and suggest an approach to designing a method of drilling to further enhance oil recovery and reservoir exploitation.