Course Overview
Flow models have the purpose of explaining and forecasting reservoir performance that can help plan the development and exploitation of the resource. This class explains the steps needed to build fractured reservoir models using sound stratigraphic and structural frameworks, calibrated 3D seismic attributes, and geomechanical information. The models and concepts are examined in the context of how they impact fluid flow, reservoir simulation results, field production, and forecast in conventional and unconventional reservoirs. This course presents workflows along with conceptual and spreadsheet-based exercises to solidify concepts. The course provides in-depth presentations and discussions of the models presented.
Prerequisites
Due to its multidisciplinary nature, this class is designed for all levels, from entry to advanced.
Course Format
Two half days
Course Outline
- Naturally fractured reservoirs: overview and concepts
- Impact of natural fractures on reservoir performance
- Outcrop analogs for subsurface characterization
- Wireline logs for fracture identification and characterization
- Seismic properties for natural fractures characterization
- Continuous vs discrete fracture models
- Natural fractures quality: geomechanics review
- Spreadsheet exercise on effective fracture permeability
- Spreadsheet exercises on fault slip potential and natural fracture reactivation
- Putting it all together
Course Objectives
- Highlight geologic concepts that control natural fracture development in conventional and unconventional reservoirs
- Discuss workflows that combine geologic and geomechanics concepts, petrophysical properties, and seismic attributes within geological models in preparation for reservoir simulation
- Understand the need of combining multiple disciplines and data sources to develop an adequate flow model
- Understand that consistently developed continuum and discrete fracture models can yield very similar results
- Model effective fracture permeabilities in a cell of a geologic model and understand the parameters that control such permeability
Note: This short course is a condensed version of a more comprehensive program taught in collaboration with instructors Chris Zahm (geology), James Gilman (reservoir simulation), and Patricia Rodrigues (petrophysics). While this short course focuses on select topics and is taught independently, it reflects the collective knowledge of our team.
