Integrating Rock Typing Methods Including Empirical, Deterministic, Statistical, Probabilistic, Predictive Techniques and New Applications for Practical Reservoir Characterization

This paper discusses integrating common methods and applications for "Rock Typing" (also known as Petrophysical Rock Typing-PRT) including empirical, deterministic, statistical, probalistic and automatic/predictive approaches. Many industry asset teams apply one or more of these methods when creating static reservoir models, using dynamic reservoir simulations, completing petrophysical studies for saturation height models and determining reservoir volumetrics as part of reservoir characterization studies. Our intention is to provide guidance and important information on how and when to use the various methods, so people can make an informed selection. This discussion is important as many disciplines apply these PRT techniques without understanding the pros, cons and limitations of the different methods. An important tool is comparing PRT results from multiple methods. The topics and workflows that are covered focus on various PRT techniques and workflows. We will use case-studies to illustrate the key features and make important comparisons. Key results include comparing pros and cons, how to use and combine multiple PRT techniques and verify results. This paper includes these techniques and workflows;MICP, core analysis and pore throat calibration.Core-Log Integration focused on PRT analysis.Winland, Pittman, Aguilera and Hartmann et.al Gameboard methods.K-Phi ratio, Flow Zone Indicators and Rock Quality Index methods.Classic, Modified and Stratigraphic Lorenz methods.IPSOM and HRA Probabilistic methods.Case Study – Super Plot and Advanced Automatic PRT Method.Special Topics – Carbonate Methods, NMR and Single Well Vertical Line. Practical approaches based on case studies show how PRT analysis can be applied in mature fields to identify by-passed hydrocarbon zones and zones that have a high probability of producing water using open hole, cased hole and production logs. Traditional Rock Typing (PRT) analysis can be applied as a single well technique or as a multi-well method so operations teams can identify additional business opportunities (remedial workovers, infill drilling locations or exploitation targets) and compare reservoir performance with intrinsic rock properties. New applications and additional topics cover single, multiple well approaches and new emerging PRT techniques (including NMR well logs and machine learning). We recommend how to merge classic facies with PRT analysis for 3-D applications including populating a 3D volume.