--> ABSTRACT: 3D Geological Modeling and Performance Simulation of a Leveed-Channel Outcrop with Application to Deepwater Leveed-Channel Reservoirs, by Santacruz, Carlos; Correa-Correa, Heidy ; Slatt, Roger M.<sup>*3</sup>; #90142 (2012)

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3D Geological Modeling and Performance Simulation of a Leveed-Channel Outcrop with Application to Deepwater Leveed-Channel Reservoirs

Santacruz, Carlos 1; Correa-Correa, Heidy 2; Slatt, Roger M.*3
(1) Noble Energy, Houston, TX.
(2) Shell Exploration & Production Company, Houston, TX.
(3) Geology and Geophysics, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK.

An outcrop of the Cretaceous Dad Sandstone member of the Lewis Shale---termed Rattlesnake Ridge---is an analog to deepwater leveed-channel deposits. It consists of four stacked channel-fill sandstones which are flanked by thin-bedded levees. A 3D geologic-petrophysical model was construct ed using PetrelTM. Input data included: (a) numerous measured stratigraphic sections, (b) a 3D ground penetrating radar survey and (c) petrophysical and reservoir data from a nearby cored and logged research well through similar strata, as well as from Tahoe Field in the Gulf of Mexico. Flow simulation using EclipseTM was completed specifically to evaluate the effect of muddy channel-drape slumps on production and compartmentalization between channel sandstones and adjacent thin beds.

Five depletion simulations and fifteen waterflood simulations were generated, each with different permeability of the slumps and injector well locations. Results showed that low-permeability (<1md) slumps prevented water coning from below, while higher-permeability (up to 40md) slumps allowed coning.

Channel-drape slumps are common in leveed-channel reservoirs and can cause compartmentalization, yet they are likely to be deleted during the upscaling process for reservoir simulation. Our simulations over a 10 year period resulted in a 44% higher oil production and an additional 4 year field life between the low permeability and high permeability slumps. We conclude that deleting such small-scale features in an upscaled model can lead to erroneous simulation of reservoir performance.
 

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90142 © 2012 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, April 22-25, 2012, Long Beach, California