Print this pageDeveloping Reservoir Performance Prediction Models Utilizing Integrated Clastic Research
Kevin R. Barnes1, Paul A. Dunn2, Roger Bloch2, Johnathan Stewart2, Chris Edwards2, Shauna K. Oppert2, David C. Hoyal2, Anthony Sprague2, Tao Sun2, John C. Van Wagoner2, and Erik Oswald2
1Exploration, Exxonmobil, Houston, TX
2Upstream Research, Exxonmobil, Houston, TX
Industry is struggling to predict reservoir performance in many oil and gas assets worldwide. Earlier than anticipated breakthrough of gas and water is an all too common problem.
This presentation is an overview of how a multi-disciplinary and multi-functional research team at ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company is utilizing diverse proprietary research data to help make more accurate predictions of reservoir performance in deepwater depositional settings. The enhanced value of the integrated solutions over individual discipline contributions will be emphasized.
Seismically conditioned, geo-statistical models of deep-water reservoirs are unable to match reservoir behavior observed in 4D seismic or production data. New geological concepts have led to ideas and insights into seismic and sub-seismic scale reservoir connectivity and these will be summarized. Ultra high resolution seismic data such as those acquired over East Breaks in the Gulf of Mexico have revealed meter-scale depositional architecture. Derived sedimentological concepts were compared and validated with dynamic 3D/4D physical and numerical models. Underpinning all of this work is a long-term field program committed to developing subsurface analogues from the classic deepwater outcrops in the Karoo, South Africa.
Fresh perspectives on seismic interpretation and geological modeling will be presented which require an interpretation paradigm shift from attribute extractions and geostatistical methods focusing dominantly on net sand distribution to conceptual approaches that better capture the spatial organization of net reservoir facies and internal flow barriers. Examples of the value of reservoir simulation as part of an integrated workflow will be shared which have led to a better understanding of controls on sub-surface connectivity and reservoir performance.
AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Cape Town, South Africa 2008 © AAPG Search and Discovery