Information Sources and Characterization Process

For the Exploitation of a NFR

Gallardo-F, H.E.1; Huerta-B, J.1,2

UNAM1, SENER2

Development Stages of a Petroleum Project

Source: Schlumberger (Kuchuk, et. al., 2004)

Information Process of a Petroleum Project

Exploration Stage:
Geological and geophysical sources Drilling information Analysis by analogy

Data gathering

Appraisal Stage:
Geological and geophysical sources Laboratory information (PVT and Core) Dynamic information from wells

Data processing

Development Stage:
Dynamic information from wells Material Balance Analysis Reservoir Simulation Production Data Analysis

Data analysis

Intervention planning

Maturity Stage:
EOR and IOR studies Injectivity and Fall-off tests Simulation models

Intervention

The Basic Types of Evaluations in a NFR

Early Exploration
1. General geological/geophysical data on structural forms. 2. Lithologic Description of the stratigraphic section. 3. Mechanical data on the particular rocks of interest or on similar lithologies. 4. Matrix properties from logs or as interpreted from nearby areas. 5. Drill stem test (DST) or initial potential (IP) flow rates. 6. Core analysis. 7. Borehole imaging logs. 8. In situ stress data.

Economic Potential
1. Extended time pressure tests. 2. 3-D whole core permeability analyses, borehole imaging logs. 3. Laboratory data on matrix and fracture properties under simulated depth and depletion conditions. 4. Estimations of fracture/matrix interaction.

Planning and Modeling

1. Detailed structure maps. 2. Detailed core descriptions. 3. Interpreted borehole imagery logs in all wells. 4. 3-D whole-core analyses with at least one oriented core in the field. 5. Mechanical data from core samples of interest. 6. Long-term flow tests and multiple well tests. 7. Estimation of initial in situ stress state in the reservoir. 8. Laboratory data properties (M&F). 9. Laboratory data on F/M interaction.

Source: Geologic Analysis of Naturally Fractured Reservoirs (Nelson, 2011)

Complexities of the Modeling of a NFR

Unique Challenges:
Fractures distribution (Heterogeneous and anisotropic media) Matrix effects (Two different flow media to be described) Interaction between matrix and fractures (Coupling function to represent the continuity between the two flow media) Empirical relations between the fracture spacing to porosity, lithology, structure position, rock properties or layer thickness.

Key Parameters:
Inter-fracture spacing Lenght Orientation Porosity Connectivity Aperture Permeability Realistic data of areal and vertical heterogeneity Integration between the Geo- Scientific and Engineering methods to develop a unique, realistic, and practical reservoir model.

Analysis Processes
Forward (Geo-Scientific): Inverse (Engineering):
Characterizes the reservoir from the Attempts to understand the nature of perspective of what caused or created the fracture systems using permeability the geological setting and fracture storativity derived from well tests and production data. Fracture spacing, aperture, length and connectivity are functions of: An inverse technique is one where the a) Porosity dynamic response (i.e. the effect) of the b) Lithology larger scale system is measured and is c) Structural position then used to infer smaller scale d) Rock brittleness. characteristics.

NOTE: Combining the forward and inverse approaches allows us to narrow the range of uncertainty and build more realistic models of NFR

Pressure buildup test can be used to determine effective fracture spacing In 90% of naturally fractured reservoirs, pressure build up does not display dual porosity behavior.

Information Sources
Geo-Scientific Data:
Outcrops Cores Logs Analogous information

Engineering Data:
Well testing Tracer tests Production information Material Balance

The Engineering process will give the effects of the fractures, and the GeoScientific process will describe the origin and particular characteristics from the flow media.
The integration of this data will result in a realistic and practical reservoir model.

Geology + Geophysics + Petrophysics + Engineering = Reservoir Description

Information Sources in the Exploration Stage

Source (Ranked for importance) Geological Surveys 2D Seismic 3D Seismic Drilling Well Logging Cost (MDLS)

Analysis of Analog Formations Core Analysis

Drill Stem Test Intial Potential Flow Test PVT Express Studies Well Testing Vertical Seismic Profile Multicomponent Seismic Analysis Well Tomography

Information Sources in the Appraisal Stage

Source (Ranked for importance) Complete Core Analysis (Matrix and Fractures Properties) PVT and Cromatography Studies Image Logging Geochemical Studies of Rock and Fluids Extended Pressure Tests Cost (MDLS)

Drilling Appraisal Wells Production Tests

Conectivity Tests Tracer Tests (If Necessary)

Information Integration Process

Workflow Diagram
Geological Data Gathering Geological Static Model Engineering
Dynamic Engineering Model

Conceptual Modeling

Fracture parameters Fracture Model Reservoir Model Reservoir Simulation

Data Interpretation and integration

Validation

Reservoir Management