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    Chapter 01 PDF

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    Asad Ul Haq

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    of 10
    Chapter 1 Introduction 1 Introduction Reservoir simulation combines physics, matbemutics,rescrvoiren- ‘inering, and computer programming to develop ato} for predict ing hydrocarbon reservoir performance under various operating conditions. Tis book is imited othe bases ofthis subject and is simed a developing understanding of and insight into the mechan- ics ofthis powerful too. Chap. | present review of the prediction techniques availabe to petroleum engineers, with an emphasis on practical limitations. To develop appreciation forthe ole of reser~ ‘oir simulation in optimizing the development and production of Inydocarbonresouress, the chapter als presents an overview ofts- ervoir simulation and is applications in hydrocarbon recovery 11.2 The Need for Resorvoi ‘The need for reservoir simulation stems from the requirement for petroleum engineers to obtain accurate performance predictions for hydrocarbon reservoir under different operating conditions, This need arises from the fact that in 2 hydrocarbon-recovery project (hich may involve a capital investment of hundreds of millions of dollars), the risk associated with the selected development plan ‘must be assessed and minimized. Factors contributing to thisiskin- clude the complexity ofthe reservoir because of heterogeneous and snisotropic rock properties; regional variations of fluid properties and relative permeability characteristics; the complexity of the hy- rocarbon recovery mechanisms; and the applicability of other pre- dictive methods with imitations that may make them inappropriate. ‘The first three factors are beyond the enginesr’s contro; they are taken into consideration in reservoir simulation through the general- ity of input data built nto reservoir simulation models and the avail- ability of simulators for various enhanced-oil-recovery techniques. ‘The fourth factor ean be controlled through proper use of sound en- ineeing practices and judicious use of reservoir simulation. imulation 1.3 Traditional Modeling Approaches ‘Traditional methods of forecasting reservoir performance generally an be divided into three categories: analogical methods, exper- imental methods, and mathematical methods. Analogical methods 'use properties of mature reservoirs that ae either geographically or petrophysically similar to the target reservoir to attempt to predict Feservoir performance of a target zone or reservoir. Experimental ‘methods measure physical properties (such as rates, pressures, ot saturations) in laboratory models and scale these results tothe entire hydrocarbon accumulation, Finally, mathematical methods use INTRODUCTION ‘equations to predict reservoir performance. The remaining sections ofthis chapter provide more detailed discussions of these methods. 1.3.1 Analogical Methods. Before drilling, when limited or no data are available, the only method reservoir engineers can use to per- form economic analyssis that of analogy. In this method, reservoirs inthe same geologic basin or province or reservoirs wit similar pe- {rophysical properties are used to predict the performance ofthe tar- get reservoir. Ths method can be used to estimate recovery factors, inital production rates, decline rates, well spacing, and recovery ‘mechanisms. The analogical method can yield reliable results when two similar reservoirs are compared and similar development state- are used. The method suffers, however, if different develop- ‘ment strategies are considered. In addition, “what-if” sensitivities cannot be investigated. (One form of analogy, the staged field tial, provides the mostreli- able predictions for secondary and tertiary-recovery operations. In this method, representative well patterns ina field that isa candidate for secondary or tertiary recovery are converted o the new process ‘and the produetion performance is monitored. The results of the field tial, which may take 1 or 2 years to obtain, are upplied to the remaining well patterns, and field performance can be predicted. ‘Managements are generally confident with devisions made on the basis of results ofa staged field test. 1.3.2 Experimental Methods, Experimental methods, both analog and physical, play key role in understanding petroleum reservoirs. ‘While analog models ae seldom used today, physical models inthe {orm of corefloods,sandpacks, and slim tubes are ran often, ‘Analog Models. Analog models are rarely used in moder reser- voir studies, but two points about them are worthy of discussion Firs. from ahistorical point of view, analog models were important {neatly studies, particulstly in incorporating sweep efficiencies into ‘waterflood calculations. Second, the difference between resistancs- capacitance (RC) networks and potentiometric models illustrates the difference between diserete and continuous models. ‘Analog models use similarities between the phenomenon of fluid flow through porous media and other physical phenomena (such as ‘those Table 11 shows) to simulate reservoir performance. Analog, ‘models based onthe governing equations listed inthe table are built to represent the reservoir, nd the appropriate quantities (those rep- ‘resenting pressure and flow rate) are measured. These quantities can be translated through the governing equations into ther porous-me-

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