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Reservoir simulation involves numerically modeling a reservoir using a grid of cells to calculate fluid flows and pressures over time. It is used to predict future reservoir performance and decide on development strategies. Key steps involve building geological, fluid, and rock models; history matching; and making predictions with associated uncertainties. Regular model updates are needed as new data becomes available.

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Michalopoulos Alexandros
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300 views25 pages

Presentation 2

Reservoir simulation involves numerically modeling a reservoir using a grid of cells to calculate fluid flows and pressures over time. It is used to predict future reservoir performance and decide on development strategies. Key steps involve building geological, fluid, and rock models; history matching; and making predictions with associated uncertainties. Regular model updates are needed as new data becomes available.

Uploaded by

Michalopoulos Alexandros
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Reservoir Simulation

Purpose of Reservoir Simulation &


Reservoir Management
What is Simulation?
As applied to petroleum reservoirs, simulation
can be stated as:
The process of mimicking or inferring the
behavior of fluid flow in a
petroleum reservoir system
through the use of either
physical or mathematical models
Petroleum Reservoir System
Business Reasons for Using Reservoir
Simulation
• Economics and timing
of investments

• Credibility and
Reliability

• Decision Making

• Arbitration &
Regulation

• Performance
Monitoring
Modelling Methods
• Analogies
• Decline Curve Analysis
• Material Balance
• Streamline Simulation
• Finite Differences
• Integration Production Modelling
Reservoir Simulation
• What is it ?
– numerical model of reservoir made up
of a large number of cells. Equations
are solved to calculate pressures and
flows
• What can it do ?
– used to predict future performance to
decide on optimum development
strategies
Reservoir Simulation
• What data does it need
– structural information, rock properties,
fluid properties, well data, historical
production and operating constraints

• Underlying concepts
– Mass Balance
– Darcy’s Law
– Well inflow model
– Physical PVT model
Key Steps in a Simulation Study
Sources of Uncertainty

Data Quality
& Quantity
Geology

Mathematical
Scale Up
Sources of Uncertainty
• Results should carry a
‘‘band of uncertainty”
• Models are often asked
to provide forecasts
beyond the accuracy of
the field data
• Worsened by lack of
geologic & engineering
control
Typical Goals for New Fields
• Define reservoir’s internal & external boundaries
• Define reservoir pay, volume, & reserves
• Determine optimum number, location, & configuration
of wells
• Optimize timing and sizing of facilities
• Select optimum recovery process
• Estimate potential recovery performance
• Anticipate future produced fluid & operational
changes
• Determine critical gas and water coning rates
Typical Goals for Mature Fields
• Monitor fluid contact movement
• Evaluate productivity degradation
• Evaluate historical reservoir performance. Determine
why performance did not match predicted recovery
• Determine source of produced water and/or gas.
• Identify wells with workover potential
• Monitor reservoir sweep to locate by-passed oil.
• Specify infill drilling requirements
• Estimate benefits of secondary recovery or EOR
• Determine connectivity between multiple reservoirs
• Quantify lease-line migration
Geological Description
A geological description must identify the key
factors which affect flow through the reservoir
Fluid Characterization
Fluid characterization defines the physical properties of the
reservoir fluid mixture, and how they vary with changes in
pressure, temperature and volume.

Steps to characterize the


reservoir fluids:
• Classify the fluid type
• Determine reservoir fluid
properties
• Describe reservoir production
mechanisms
Petrophysical Model
The petrophysical model defines where the volumes of oil, water
and gas are located in the reservoir, as well as how fluids behave
in the presence of the rock.
To define the petrophysical model of the reservoir, you must
determine:
• Rock Wettability
• Capillary Pressure
• Relative Permeability
• Residual Oil Saturation
• Fluid Contacts
Determine the Functionality
Determine the Dimensionality
• Use 1D models for linear
or radial flow in only one
direction
• Use 2D models for linear
or radial flow in two
directions: Radial, areal,
cross-sectional
• Use 3D models for
situations for linear or
radial flow in three
directions: Pattern
element, segment, full field
Determine the approach
Construct the Model
Converting the Earth Model into a Simulation
Model
1. QC the geologic model for errors and problems
2. Scale-up the model
3. Output the model in simulation format
4. Output fault information for simulation
5. Intersect reservoir wells with the
model and output simulation well data
6. Output production data in simulation
formats and link to wells
Select the Model
Determine the Process

• Black Oil
• Condensate
• Miscible
• Compositional
• Thermal
Model Validation
• History Matching must not be achieved at the
expense of parameter modifications that are
physically and/or geologically wrong

• Even when a model is fully validated,


simulation results will still have some degree
of uncertainty
Make Predictions
Important considerations when making reservoir
model predictions:
• Prediction cases shouldn’t exceed capabilities of the
model.
• Predictions need to be consistent with field
practices.
• Simulation yields a non-unique solution with
inherent uncertainties from:
• Lack of validation (e.g., reservoirs with sparse geologic or engineering
data).
• Modeling or mathematical constraints because of compromises made in
model selection.
• Inherent uncertainties in reservoir characterization and/or scale–up to
model dimensions.
Document the Study
Methods to document studies

• Technical memorandum
• Formal report
• Presentation
• Store data files
• Share lessons learned with future project
teams
Update the reservoir model

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