Reservoir Modeling and Simulation
Description:
Reservoir modeling takes the lessons learned during the reservoir characterization phase and uses them to build a three-dimensional depiction of the subsurface. These static geocellular models have both deterministic and stochastic components for both facies distribution and petrophysical parameters (porosity, permeability, etc). The deterministic components are often sparsely separated and derived primarily from 1-D well data, with the lateral and vertical distribution of facies and petrophysical properties typically guided by both subsurface information (well, seismic) and knowledge gained from outcrop analogs. Using these principles, multiple realizations of the same reservoir model can be generated. After an element of upscaling, these geological models are used as input for fluid-flow modeling, where production data is used to attempt a history-match of the real-world field. Once this match is obtained, the architecture and petrophysical character of the model is thought to be extremely close to real-life, and the model is then used in a predictive capacity to test new drilling patterns or injection parameters for enhanced oil recovery.
Benefits to producers:
Generation of detailed reservoir models increases the likelihood of a match to the real-world reservoir architecture and production history. These models help determine the need and effectiveness for infill drilling or other EOR techniques, saving both time and money.
EORI activities:
Researchers within EORI have experience in generating detailed reservoir models, utilizing both subsurface data as primary input, and outcrop information to provide input on geometries, stacking patterns, and petrophysical variability. These reservoir models undergo rigorous multi-phase fluid-flow modeling to obtain a history match with known production data and predict increased production when different enhanced oil recovery techniques are used. In addition, rigorous reservoir and fluid-flow modeling can equally be applied to Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) questions.
Links:
ECLIPSE Reservoir Engineering Software
Contact:
Quick Links
EORI
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Department 4068
Laramie, WY 82071
(307)766-2791
