Summary

The accuracy of using of geostatistical interpolation on faulted area is not simple, or may not even be correct, due to the sedimentary space that determines the reservoir properties distribution/ relationships.

By applying DepthInsight’s powerful structural restoration, GridWorld has once again improved the ability to increase the accuracy in reservoir characterization. The 3D finite element based restoration method in DepthInsight can improve the relationships between grid blocks and thus improve geostatistical interpolation in paleo-structure models.   The final results can be reverse mapped back into the current model for subsequent use for additional model studies.

Introduction

The conventional reservoir modeling workflow mainly include four steps:

(1)  Structural model;

(2)  3D cellular gridding;

(3)  Scale up well logs into some columns;

(4)  Interpolate the well properties.

The key advantages of GridWorld is computational geometry (modeling and gridding), enabling complex structure description and 3D grid generation. Today we also made a big step in property interpolation with this advance workflow.

Base Technology

Differed from the Rigid Body Assumption (RBA), DepthInsight’s restoration achieves its result by performing Deformation Body Assumption (DBA), which is a fault blocks sliding (seamless and non-embedded) restoration process based on finite element analysis of elastic mechanics.

Workflow

In each reservoir modeling workflow, we now have a choice whether to do interpolation in restored space. For very simple models, it is not necessary and we can use common workflow.  For large and faulted models, we can choose to do a structural restoration first, thus we create a mapping relationship between the finite element grid and the original structure model.

Well log properties are scaled up in the original faulted model and then are mapped to restoration model grid. Geostatistical interpolation is more easily performes in this space. True distances at time of deposition is maintained which is most important. 

Finally the interpolated properties result can backward mapped into the original faulted model grid which can be used for reservoir volume calculations and numerical flow simulation studies.

Conclusions

By combining DepthInsight’s finite element based restoration method, users can have a choice whether to interpolate in restoration space thus eliminating the influence of tectonic movement in property interpolation methods. Coupled with its powerful modeling and gridding technology, this enables user to build more accurate representation of geology and property distribution.

To learn more about this workflow, please join us at AAPG 2017 Annual Convention & Exhibition Houston booth #1943 or visit www.gridworld.com

Send an email to events@gridworld.com to get FREE EXHIBITOR GUEST PASS which will be valid for the following days:

Monday, 3 April.................9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, 4 April................9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, 5 April...........9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.