--> Construction and Use of Basin-Wide 3D Geocellular Reservoir Property Models to Understand the Petrophysical, Geochemical, and Geomechanical Characteristics of the Midland Basin

AAPG Southwest Section Annual Convention

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Construction and Use of Basin-Wide 3D Geocellular Reservoir Property Models to Understand the Petrophysical, Geochemical, and Geomechanical Characteristics of the Midland Basin

Abstract

3D geocellular models have long been used to understand conventional reservoirs and estimate reserves; however, their application to unconventional resource plays is relatively new. The slow pace of adoption is likely due to the misconception that shale resource plays are homogenous, structurally benign, and easily understood. Drastic changes in hydrocarbon production, within localized areas of the Midland Basin, indicate that a detailed, three dimensional understanding of the reservoir is fundamental to optimally develop the field. A regional scale model of the Wolfcamp and Spraberry formations, covering approximately 7,800 square miles of the Midland Basin, was constructed to enhance the understanding of the reservoir, assist in evaluating past and future well performance, and help guide field development. This talk will outline the construction of the regional 3D geocellular model and the integration of petrophysical, geochemical and reservoir pressure datasets. The discussion will also highlight possible functionalities and the applicability of extracting modeled data for use in common engineering and geologic studies.