--> Abstract: Processing to Production: Using Integrated Geoscience Software for Improved Reservoir Characterization, by L. Darmon and L. Matthews; #91012 (1992).

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ABSTRACT: Processing to Production: Using Integrated Geoscience Software for Improved Reservoir Characterization

DARMON, LOZ, and LARRY MATTHEWS,* Western Atlas Software, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Historically, the development of complex reservoir models has been via an assembly line approach. As each geoscience discipline independently completes the analysis of its own data, interpretations flow along the assembly line from geophysics to geology to petrophysics to engineering. Reservoir characterization and model building done in this way have the potential to require substantial modifications of the earth model being developed as misfits and ambiguities are uncovered between the independently analyzed data types. Often times these modifications are so substantial as to preclude a definitive earth model from being developed.

A case history is presented in order to illustrate the benefits of an integrated geoscience workstation for the development of a unified earth model. This paper concentrates on the practical aspects of integration as applied to real data and problems, and illustrates how the conceptualization of the reservoir can be vastly improved with an integrated as opposed to the assembly line approach.

The Machar field, located in block 23/26 of the U.K. sector of the North Sea, is the subject of this case history. The reservoir is a series of sands and chalks overlying a salt diapir. The majority of hydrocarbons present are contained within the chalk matrix, but production is controlled by fracture permeability. The field is covered by a detailed 3-D seismic survey and has limited well control.

Improved reservoir characterization, achieved as a result of the entire geoscience team developing one earth model from all available data simultaneously, is a direct result of the integrated workstation environment. In the case of the Machar field, the integration of data, disciplines, and advanced visualization techniques resulted in better structural and fracture definition as well as improved estimates of interwell rock properties necessary for accurate reservoir simulation. The diverse data types used were handled more effectively and efficiently, thus enhancing interdisciplinary communication and allowing more time to be spent on the technical aspects of the project.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91012©1992 AAPG Annual Meeting, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, June 22-25, 1992 (2009)