Reservoir: Development and Application of an Integrated Clustering/Geostatistical Approach for 3D Reservoir Characterization, SACROC Unit, Permian Bas
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.
Location:
The Courtyard @ St. James
1885 St. James Place
Houston
,
TX 77056