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