AL-QASSAB, HISHAM
Saudi Aramco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, 31311

Abstract: Constraining Permeability Field to Engineering Data: An Innovative Approach in Reservoir Characterization

Reservoir characterization can yield major improvements in reservoir management and hence in reservoir forecasting. The use of engineering data in reservoir characterization has become increasingly important particularly when it comes to permeability modeling. This paper presents a new technique in integrating engineering data such as pressure buildup tests and flow meter surveys in conditioning core permeability data to capture high flow zones in stratified reservoirs.

Flow meter is used to allocate total permeability from pressure buildup tests to produce a permeability log that has the same vertical resolution as the flow meter. Series of cross validations are performed between core permeability and permeability derived from engineering data. These validations include statistical comparison between the two sources of permeability for each facies. Comparison of porosity relationship with both sources of permeability is also done. Once the cross validation phase is fulfilled then an integration stage is performed. Permeability from engineering data is used to sample the cumulative density function of core permeability cloud transform.

Finally, the spatial correlation of permeability is obtained from the radial diameter of the pressure buildup test to construct a permeability model. This model is then compared with conventionally built permeability model. In a case study, model conditioned to engineering data shows better results of capturing the high flow zones in a case study for a highly stratified Saudi Arabian reservoir.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90921©1999 AAPG Mid-Continent Section Meeting, Wichita, Kansas