--> Abstract: Enabling the “Big Loop” – Ensuring Consistency of Geological and Reservoir Simulation Models; #90063 (2007)

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Enabling the “Big Loop” – Ensuring Consistency of Geological and Reservoir Simulation Models

 

Webb, Stephen J.1, Jeffrey S. Bayless1, K. Neil B. Dunlop2 (1) Roxar Inc, Houston, TX (2) Energy Scitech Ltd, N/A, United Kingdom

 

Sound reservoir management decisions are frequently dependent upon history-matched reservoir simulation models. The traditional modeling workflow from the geologic model to the history-matched simulation model is often a disjointed one; modifications made to the simulation model to achieve a history match usually do not relate back to the original geologic model and the geologic model is seldom updated to reflect these modifications. This traditional “little loop” workflow is usually time-consuming, and often leads to a simulation model that, while history-matched, is not necessarily geologically sound and is often in a state that is difficult to modify or update as additional information becomes available. In addition, it is often the case whereby only a few geologic scenarios are considered and total uncertainty is not fully explored in the forecast of reservoir performance.

 

With the recent integration of existing technology, a “big loop” workflow of reservoir management resolves these concerns and carries uncertainty in the geologic model through to simulation. Using assisted history-matching technology in conjunction with geologic modeling and simulation software, key geologic modeling uncertainty parameters are modified in such a way as to ensure that a history match is achieved by the models. Changes to the geologic model that are necessary to obtain the history match will therefore be consistent with the underlying geological interpretation. Although the process is automated, the variation of the parameters is defined by the asset team – which parameters are allowed to change, and what the limits of the variation are. This “big loop” workflow allows the investigation of more models and more uncertainties, which will provide an improved quantification of uncertainty in reservoir performance predictions and improved reservoir management decisions.

 

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90063©2007 AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, California