Impact of modelling decisions and rock typing schemes on oil in place estimates in a giant carbonate reservoir in the Middle East

Mohamed Al Breiki*, Sebastian Geiger, Patrick Corbett

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
102 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

We demonstrate how modelling decisions for a giant carbonate reservoir with a thick transition zone in the Middle East, most notably the approach to reservoir rock typing and modelling the initial fluid saturations, impact the hydrocarbon distributions and oil-in-place estimates in the reservoir. Rather than anchoring our model around a single base case with an upside and downside, we apply a comprehensive 3D multiple deterministic scenario workflow to compare-and-contrast how modelling decisions and geological uncertainties influence the volumetric estimates. We carry out a detailed analysis which shows that the variations in STOIIP estimates can be as high as 28% depending on the preferred modelling decision, which could potentially mask the impact of other geological uncertainties. These models were validated through repeated and randomised blind tests. We hence present a quantitative approach that helps us to assess if the static models are consistent in terms of the integration of geological and petrophysical data. Ultimately, the decision which of the different modelling options should be applied does not only influence STOIIP estimates, but also subsequent history matching & forecasts.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberpetgeo2021-028
JournalPetroleum Geoscience
Volume28
Issue number1
Early online date12 Jan 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Fuel Technology
  • Geology
  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • Economic Geology
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous)

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