PE 425: RESERVOIR MODELING

AND SIMULATION
Reservoir Modelling
Introduction
• Modelling is representation of a system or
phenomenon with any hypotheses required to
describe the system or explain the
phenomenon, often mathematically.
• A scientific models
represent empirical objects, phenomena, and
physical processes in
a logical and objective way.
• A model is a simplified reflection of reality
that, despite being approximations, can be
extremely useful
• A model is evaluated first and foremost by
its consistency to empirical data.
• Inconsistent model must be modified or
rejected. One way to modify the model is
by restricting the domain over which it is
credited with having high validity
A consistence model has the following
characteristics
Ability to explain past observations
Ability to predict future observations
Refutability, enabling estimation of the
degree of confidence in the model
Simplicity
 Geological Modeling
• Geologic modeling, Geological modeling or
Geomodeling means computerized
representations of portions of the reservoir
structure based on geophysical
and geological observations made on and
below the Earth surface.
• Represents spatial distribution of sediments
and rocks in the subsurface.
• The model is traditionally presented by 2D
cross-sections, but for increasingly
visualization a digital 3D models is required.
• Primary objective of geological
characterization is concerned with predicting
the spatial variation of geological variables.

Variable
Any property of the geological subsurface that
exhibits spatial variability and can be measured in
terms of real numerical values e.g porosity,
permeability e.t.c

Spatial Variation
Typically the subsurface is anisotropic, spatially
complex and sedimentary bodies are internally
heterogeneous.
 KEY RULES FOR SUCCESSFUL
GEOMODELLING

• RULE 1: Model cannot be precise, but should

be accurate
RULE 2: Coherent with structural framework,
geology, dynamic data
RULE 3: Capture key Reservoir Heterogene
ities
RULE 4: Model to address objectives of
modelling (Fit to Purpose)
RULE 5: Complexity depends on amount of data, degre
e of heterogeneity and problems to be
addressed in reservoir
RULE 6: Ensure model accurately reproduc
es dynamic results

Christie et al (2013)
Correlation doesn’t mean causation
DO WE MODEL WITH CELLS?
How to model a reservoir?

THE GEOMODELLING WORKFLOW

Data input for model
 Step 1: Structural Framework

Building the top structure and fault networks

Structural Modelling
Uncertainty in Structural Interpretation
 Step 2: Reservoir correlation

Choose the appropriate reservoir zonation

 Step 3: Model gridding

Choose the appropriate grid dimensions and type

for the reservoir
 Step 4: Facies modelling

How facies
relate to K and phi and how to populate the g
rid with facies properties
Why
DO WE CARE ABOUT FACIES?
Step 1
GENERATE FACIES PREDICTIONS
IN ALL THE WELLS
Step 2
GET THE FACIES INTO THE GRID AT
THE WELLS