Does the symmetry of absolute permeability influence relative permeability tensors in naturally fractured rocks?

• DOI: 10.1007/s13202-019-00756-9
• Publication Date: 2019-08-22T08:02:45Z
• Authors: Mohammad Sedaghat; Siroos Azizmohammadi; Stephan K. Matthäi
• Keywords: Relative permeability

Abstract Relative permeability is a tensorial property directly dependent on absolute tensor which has been taking both symmetric and non-symmetric (full tensor) forms in the literature. Imposing symmetricity during upscaling effective phase permeabilities could alter diagonal off-diagonal terms of relative tensors, specifically naturally fractured reservoirs (NFRs) where components take values with different orders magnitude. Utilizing discrete fracture matrix (DFM) modelling approach, this paper, we quantify effects forcing tensors samples scales. We also determine circumstances at change methodology causes huge difference tensors.