Bjorn P Wygrala¹, Dan Carruthers², Christian Zwach³
(1) IES Integrated Exploration Systems, 50935 Juelich, Germany
(2) Permedia Research, Ottawa
(3) Norsk Hydro AS, Research Center, Bergen, Norway

Abstract: Open 3D Petroleum Systems Modeling - An Application in the Norwegian North Sea

Standard approaches in 3D petroleum systems modeling, such as full-3D Darcy-type modeling, are of limited value due to long processing times. This forces users to limit the resolution of the models and, in effect, disregard the fact that hydrocarbon migration can be effectively controlled by small scale features. Several other 3D migration modeling techniques have evolved, such as flowpath and invasion percolation modeling, with each technique having inherent advantages.

An open platform for 3D petroleum systems modeling enables multiple techniques to be applied to the same dynamic data model through geologic time. The most appropriate modeling tool can be applied to a specific physical problem and its length and time scale. Secondary migration, for example in low-permeability units, can be simulated either by Darcy flow or with fast, ultrahigh-resolution percolation simulators, while transport in known carriers can be efficiently modeled using flowpath (or percolation) tools. Each of these methods can be interchanged and/or used together during the simulation run.

A 3D dataset from the Norwegian North Sea is used to illustrate a successful application of this open 3D modeling system. As a result, secondary migration modeling can be performed at seismic resolution, thereby enabling for the first time a calibration of petroleum systems modeling to seismic DHI (direct hydrocarbon indicators). The result is a full integration of seismic interpretation and basin modeling, with a complete workflow loop from seismic to the model generator, and then from the model results back to the seismic interpretation.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90914©2000 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana