Abstract: Three-Dimensional Geological Modeling for Flow Simulation in the Gypsy Fluvial Sandstone

Dirk Seifert, Daniel J. O'Meara, Raymon L. Brown, James M. Forgotson

Three-dimensional seismic is used to improve the detail and accuracy of a geological model for studying fluvial flow within a reservoir. A high resolution survey consisting of 60 in lines and 53 cross lines with a frequency spectrum from 20 to 180 Hz covering approximately 40 acres was processed using 25^prime by 25^prime bins to provide information on the distribution and continuity of sandstone channels within the lower Virgillian Gypsy interval. The composite thickness of up to 6 channels varies from 30 to 90 feet within the survey area. Cores and logs from six wells penetrating the interval within the study area are used to constrain and calibrate the seismic interpretation.

Stratamodel software was used to transform the integrated interpretation into a detailed 3-D geological model based on deterministic, stochastic and nearest neighbor interpolations of the rock parameters determined from cores, well logs and seismic responses. Stratasim software was used to evaluate the importance of reservoir architecture, heterogeneities within the flow units and well placement on fluid flow. The simulation is based on a single phase fluid (150,000 ppm) and simplified physics to permit rapid computation of numerous scenarios using the full geological detail provided by the integrated model.

This study is part of a comprehensive reservoir characterization program using the Gypsy data set to develop and evaluate technology for improving petroleum recovery through better reservoir management based on the simulation of fluid flow in detailed geological models.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994