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University of Wyoming

Reservoir Characterization

Description:

Reservoir characterization is the cornerstone of reservoir exploitation. A good characterization leads to an increased knowledge of the reservoir, and possibly increased production, whilst a poor characterization can potentially lead to reduced production or even adverse effects. Characterization of a reservoir is carried out using various data sets, from wire-line logs and core, seismic interpretation, to use of outcrop analogs. Integration of these data allows facies and geometric architectures, structural geometries, depositional model, and petrophysical properties to be determined.

Benefits to producers:

Accurate and detailed reservoir characterization enhances knowledge of the reservoir architecture. It provides the driver for 3-D reservoir and fluid-flow modeling, which helps determine the need and effectiveness for infill drilling or other EOR techniques.

EORI activities:

Researchers within EORI have broad experience in performing detailed reservoir characterization using sparse data, from large-scale building blocks (seismic, wire-line logs) to integrating smaller-scale primary data (core, thin-sections) for petrophysical analysis.

In addition to sub-surface data, we are using advanced outcrop characterization techniques to bring additional information to the table. Within Wyoming, outcrops of producing formations are regularly studied, often in close proximity to the producing reservoir. Outcrops provide more detailed information on elemental stacking patterns, spatial distribution, and aspect ratio (element width and thickness), than can be obtained through 1-D well data or lower resolution seismic images. New techniques such as lidar allow the outcrop surface to be captured digitally at high resolution. These data can then be interpreted in the workstation and provide direct input into reservoir models.

Links:

PETREL

 

Contact:

Mark Tomasso

Peigui Yin

 

Reservoir Characterization Process Schematic