April 24, 2008


Description

A new 3D reservoir characterization approach is developed that integrates clustering and geostatistical methods. The approach applies clustering methods to well logs and core data for lithology interpretation, reservoir quality characterization, and also for prediction of core porosity and permeability values. Since complete log suites are usually unavailable, clustering is also used to generate synthetic “complete” log suites. In this way, “core” parameter profiles, with high vertical resolution, can be generated for many wells. Geostatistics is then applied to the resulting dataset, and three-dimensional spatial patterns of clusters, porosity, and permeability are utilized to generate reservoir characterizations for flow simulation models.

An advantage of the approach is the application of a soft computing software based on maximum likelihood principles which permits clustering using mixed variables; probabilistic assignment of samples to each multi dimensional cluster; lithology estimation of clusters based on a built-in "expert" system; and development of multiple relationships among core and log data for each cluster.

The approach was applied in the platform area of the SACROC Unit (Permian basin), acknowledged as a highly complex carbonate reservoir. In 2004 and 2005, three wells were drilled in this area, were fully cored through the reservoir (~ 800 ft) and porosity and permeability measurements taken on a foot-by-foot basis. These measurements jointly with modern well logs were utilized to develop models that firstly predict acoustic impedance (product of sonic and density) from only gamma-ray and neutron porosity logs (widely available), and secondly porosity and permeability from these three combined logs. The generalized models, applicable across the platform area, have successfully replicated acoustic impedance where independent data existed for verification, as well as previously acquired core data. This seems to validate the applicability of the new approach in this highly heterogeneous carbonate reservoir.



Featured Speakers

Speaker Reinaldo Gonzalez

Senior Consultant
Advanced Resources International
 
Dr. Reinaldo González is a Senior Consultant at Advanced Resources International (ARI), a firm focused on emerging resources and new technologies for current energy industry challenges. His specialty is applied mathematics for petroleum engineering solutions. He has 20 years experience in the oil industry and over 25 …

Senior Consultant
Advanced Resources International
 

Dr. Reinaldo González is a Senior Consultant at Advanced Resources International (ARI), a firm focused on emerging resources and new technologies for current energy industry challenges. His specialty is applied mathematics for petroleum engineering solutions. He has 20 years experience in the oil industry and over 25 years of academic experience. His areas of expertise encompass statistical and mathematical modeling, geostatistical and data-driven methods for reservoir characterization, risk analysis, and the application of advanced mathematical solutions to oil industry problems. He is directly responsible for applying geostatistical and data-driven methods in reservoir characterization projects, and provides mathematical support on other engineering projects at ARI. Prior to joining ARI, Dr. Gonzalez worked as an independent consultant for Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), and was Associate Professor at Universidad Central de Venezuela teaching and researching in applied math, geostatistics, statistics and probability for the Petroleum Engineering School, the Mining, Geology and Geophysical School, the Geochemistry School, and the Statistics School. Mr. Gonzalez has several publications on applied mathematics for petroleum industry problems.


Full Description



Organizer

Jack Steen


Date and Time

Thu, April 24, 2008

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
(GMT-0500) US/Central

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Location

The Courtyard @ St. James

1885 St. James Place
Houston, TX 77056
USA