Solutions: Overview
Thin-Bedded Reservoirs
The Challenge
Thin bed reservoirs contain significant amounts of hydrocarbons, however, their potential is difficult to assess because they are characterized by fine scale features. The internal architecture and associated lithofacies within these heterogeneic reservoirs occur at scales below the resolution of conventional tools. The result is that the distribution and connectivity of the sands within these reservoirs are associated with high uncertainty. Additionally, the effective properties within these intervals are often underestimated because of simple averaging methods.
The Solution
SBED models provide critical reservoir properties to reduce modeling uncertainty, evaluate reservoir potential and optimize recovery in thin-bedded and heterogeneous reservoirs. Estimating net-to-gross based solely on gamma ray cut-off values is subjective and inaccurate for determining net pay in todays low permeability reservoirs. SBED provides cut-off value modeling by identifying thin bed potential below logging tool resolution. This provides better understanding of recoverable reserves, and aids in choosing optimal depletion strategies.
SBED Modeling Workflow
Identify representative lithofacies intervals by evaluating core, lithology description or borehole images. Compile petrophysical statistics such as porosity, permeability and net-to-gross (sand/shale) ratio for each identified facies.
For each defined interval, generate bedding structure models using built-in SBED templates.
Populate bedding structure models with porosity, permeability and saturation data. Generate realizations of porosity and permeability grids.
Stack bedding structure models to simulate a depositional facies (e.g. channel, turbidite) over the entire cored interval.
Upscale the stacked model to calculate effective porosity, horizontal permeability, vertical permeability, relative permeability, oil/gas/water saturation and net-to-gross ratio.
Compare SBED generated type curves for porosity and permeability against well log data.
Export upscaled SBED geometry and property grids into third-party reservoir simulators to evaluate reservoir quality and associated uncertainties.
The Benefit
In thin-bedded reservoirs, SBED modeling technology has proven useful in:
defining the best reservoir targets
achieving maximum reservoir performance
minimizing reservoir uncertainty.