Integration of uncertain subsurface information into multiple reservoir simulation models

Michael E. Glinsky, Bruce Asher, Robin Hill, Mark Flynn, Mark Stanley, James Gunning, Troy Thompson, Jerome Kalifa, Stephane Mallat, Chris White, Didier Renard
2005 The Leading Edge  
Successful appraisal and development of oil and gas fields requires the integration of uncertain subsurface information into multiple reservoir simulation models. This information includes seismic data, various types of well data, and geologic concepts. Over the past five years, a workflow has been developed by various organizations in conjunction with BHP Billiton Petroleum. This distinctive approach focuses first on building mesoscale reservoir models that can be constrained by seismic data
more » ... ypically with a resolution up to the stratigraphic seismic loop scale, see Prather et al. 2000), then introducing the finer scale geologic concepts and well data needed for reservoir simulation models (stratigraphic 1 st and 2 nd order subseismic scale, where each order is about a factor of three in size) via a downscaling step that honors mesoscale model constraints. Uncertainty and correlations of the well and seismic measurements are always taken into account. In fact, they are necessary to be able to combine the various measurements. Bayesian probabilistic techniques are used extensively in this process. The result is an ensemble of reservoir simulation models that is consistent with all of the subsurface information. The application to the Stybarrow field, in the Carnarvon Basin of offshore Western Australia, will be used as an example of this workflow. This workflow starts with a conventional correlated wavelet extraction and sparse spike inversion. The sparse spike inversion gives a preliminary estimate of net rock volume and fluid probabilities. Although it does not consider uncertainty, multiple layer seismic interference or many -Glinsky et al. Integration of uncertain subsurface information ... for permission to publish the results. They would also like to thank Alan Curtis, Chris Lerch, Neil Ementon and Guy Duncan for many useful discussio ns. Corresponding: mglinsky@bhpbilliton.com
doi:10.1190/1.2112372 fatcat:6a2ospunojgwfc5zfhwxgl62im