Adaptive Approach for Reservoir Modeling Reduces Project Time, Improves Collaboration

Abstract

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper IPTC 23935, “Breaking the Chain: Novel Use of Adaptive Model Approach for Reservoir Modeling Reduces Time Duration of Project and Improves Collaboration,” by Anthony R. Thompson, SPE, and Cesar E. Zerpa Bolivar, SPE, Saudi Aramco. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2024 International Petroleum Technology Conference. The complete paper details how the reservoir modeling workflow can be accelerated, and uncertainty reduced, even for challenging greenfield prospects by constructing multiple small fit-for-purpose integrated adaptive models instead of one all-encompassing model. This workflow reduces the number of items on the critical path while simultaneously enabling static and dynamic data to be integrated before the static model is finalized. In addition, this approach enables new ideas to be evaluated more rapidly without affecting the critical path of the project. Adaptive models are constructed to evaluate a single parameter, although this does not preclude an adaptive model being used to answer more than one question simultaneously. Critical to the successful use of adaptive models is the fact that they can be constructed quickly. This enables the various inputs received to be assessed and quality-controlled within the static and dynamic models the moment the input or interpretation becomes available. The construction of adaptive models normally is best achieved through the construction of a workflow in the static modeling package. Initially, the workflow may only consist of the construction of a grid in which to start to place wells. As data become available and are quality-controlled into the model, in most cases, this can be included into the workflow, enabling more constraints to be applied to the subsequent modeling framework. When the adaptive model is being simulated dynamically, it is critical that the model runs quickly. The use of a sector model can be considered for greenfields because the history-matching parameters before production starts are limited to the vicinity of the well. Full-field models are only required when an event occurs across the whole of the reservoir. In contrast to the classical approach to reservoir modeling, which uses a chain-type approach, the use of adaptive models brings components together in the sequence of work completion. This means that the various components of the model can be competed when the resource or team member is available. Thus, until very near the end, the project is unlikely to be waiting on the input of one person.