--> Abstract: The Impact of Geologic Model Resolution on Fluid Flow Behavior—an Example from a Large, Mature Carbonate Reservoir, by Linda Corwin, Gregory S. Benson, and Shan H. Yang; #90039 (2005)

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The Impact of Geologic Model Resolution on Fluid Flow Behavior—an Example from a Large, Mature Carbonate Reservoir

Linda Corwin1, Gregory S. Benson2, and Shan H. Yang2
1 ExxonMobil Exploration Company, Houston, TX
2 ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Houston, TX

Geologic models for a large, mature carbonate reservoir were constructed at 3 significantly different scales of resolution. The impact of varying resolutions on fluid flow behavior was tested through reservoir simulation.

Elements common to each model include: 1) sequence stratigraphic frameworks based on 3-D seismic and well correlation, 2) reservoir rock types (RRTs) defined by both depositional facies and diagenetic overprint, and 3) porosity data from over 120 wells and 4) core porosity and permeability measurements.

The seismic scale model, built within a framework limited to seismically definable horizons, uses spectral component modeling to accurately incorporate porosity predictions generated from seismic inversion. Seismic scale model cells are 100x100x0.3 meters.

At the other end of the spectrum is the high frequency scale model. This model's framework is also built within seismically defined horizons but incorporates 26 additional horizons based on detailed well correlation. Cell dimensions are also 100x100x0.3 meters. Individual cells are populated with specific RRTs that control the distribution of porosity, permeability and water saturation.

The third geologic model is built at a scale common with the simulation model. Cells are 200x200x3 meters. Because each individual cell is large enough to contain multiple RRTs, the RRT model is conditioned with RRT proportion maps. Common scale cells are populated with effective reservoir properties that account for the scale difference between the core plug measurements and the model cell size.

With proper inputs, the high frequency and common scale models show similar flow behavior. However, they differ from the seismic scale model.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005