Combining Depositional and Fluid Flow Simulations to Improve Subsurface Reservoir Characterization

Abstract

History matching is a tedious, time consuming, and resource intensive process task that requires gigantic engineering effort. After completion, in many cases, a satisfactory match is obtained yet only a limited number of wells (key wells) are matched with considering acceptable criteria. To improve the quality of history matching, classically, local permeability multipliers are introduced to give more flexibility to the history matching process which is at the expense of the geological model consistency and the reservoir characterization work integrity. This reflects negatively on the predictive accuracy of the history-matched model. The impact of such practice (localized multiplier) is more pronounced for fields/reservoirs where the size of the field is large, the geology is very complex, and the number of wells is huge. Forward depositional modeling is an emerging process-based modeling technique used in the reservoir characterization workflow to identify, quantify and reduce the geological modeling uncertainties. In this proposal, we will focus on the integration of the depositional modeling concept within the assisted history matching task to quantify the impact of uncertainty, reduce these uncertainties, and improve predictabilities. We will develop a new geological model updating workflow accomplishing the following: - Preserve the geological model consistency during history matching by developing new parameterization methods based on geostatistical and stratigraphic modeling. - Minimize the compute resources required during history matching by developing smart numerical approximations for the objective function gradients. Combining geostatistical and depositional modeling to build a history matching workflow is definitely a challenging and innovative task. This will ensure a smooth perturbation of the fluid flow simulation model within a proven range of geological uncertainties to match the field data.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90328 © 2018 AAPG Middle East Region GTW, Maximizing Asset Value: Integrating Geoscience with Reservoir Management & Facilities Optimization, Muscat, Oman, April 30 – May 1, 2018