Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and

Environmental Effects

ISSN: 1556-7036 (Print) 1556-7230 (Online) Journal homepage: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/ueso20

Flow prediction using well log data and intelligent

techniques

M. Hassanpoor, S. Moradi, M. K. Ghassem Alaskari & S. Parchekhari

To cite this article: M. Hassanpoor, S. Moradi, M. K. Ghassem Alaskari & S. Parchekhari

(2016) Flow prediction using well log data and intelligent techniques, Energy Sources,
Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, 38:11, 1512-1519, DOI:
10.1080/15567036.2011.643345

To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15567036.2011.643345

Published online: 26 May 2016.

Submit your article to this journal

Article views: 7

View related articles

View Crossmark data

Full Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at

http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=ueso20

Download by: [University of Engineering & Technology Lahore] Date: 01 June 2016, At: 02:30
 ENERGY SOURCES, PART A: RECOVERY, UTILIZATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
2016, VOL. 38, NO. 11, 1512–1519
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15567036.2011.643345

Flow prediction using well log data and intelligent techniques

M. Hassanpoora, S. Moradia, M. K. Ghassem Alaskarib, and S. Parchekharic
a
Petroleum University of Technology, Abadan Faculty of Petroleum Engineering, Department of Petroleum
Engineering, Abandan, Iran; bPetroleum University of Technology, Ahwaz Faculty of Petroleum Engineering,
Department of Petroleum Engineering, Ahwaz, Iran; cReservoir Engineering Office, National Iranian South Oil
Company, Ahwaz, Iran
Downloaded by [University of Engineering & Technology Lahore] at 02:31 01 June 2016

ABSTRACT KEYWORDS
Spatial distribution of petrophysical properties within the reservoirs is Artificial neural network;
important to provide a reliable reservoir model. The most complete reser- flow unit; flow zone index;
voir description is generally provided through the identification of flow fuzzy logic; neuro-fuzzy
units. Then, the constructed model can be used for reservoir simulation of
different production scenarios within the reservoir. However, before per-
forming modeling and simulation jobs, accurate prediction of flow units is
an important task and to reach a reliable petrophysical description first of
all one should be able to predict flow units with high precision. Achieving
this goal will be discussed in this article.
This paper suggests intelligent techniques using artificial neural network
(ANN), fuzzy logic (FL), and neuro-fuzzy (NF) to determine flow units from
well log data. For this purpose, available routine core and wireline log data
from five wells in Ilam Formation at the Ahwaz super giant oil field are used
to find the best intelligent formulation between core-derived flow units and
well log data. Validation of the predictive capability of the models was
evaluated in one separate cored well (blind test well). The results show that
FL-derived flow units had better accuracy with respect to other techniques.
This comparison showed that FL can be used as the most reliable intelligent
technique for flow unit prediction from well log data in uncored wells.

Introduction
Accurate reservoir characterization requires the integration of core and log data to understand the
variation in hydraulic properties such as porosity, permeability, and capillary pressure. The concept
of flow units has widely been used in reservoir characterization and simulation studies.
Abbaszadeh et al. (1996) used a combination of graphical and analytical clustering methods for
delineation of flow units for the purpose of permeability prediction.
Ratchkovski et al. (1999) combined hydraulic flow units (HFUs) and geostatistics in order to
characterize a heterogeneous reservoir. After that reliable reservoir model was constructed based on
porosity and permeability within the predefined flow units, and then the model was used for
waterflooding simulation.
Avila et al. (2002) studied a heterogeneous carbonate reservoir and found that it is difficult to
establish correlations between petrophysical variables, so they used flow units and established
correlations for each homogeneous subzone.
Svirsky et al. (2004) used the HFUs approach as an integrating tool for the petrophysical
description of the reservoir. They constructed the reservoir model and delineated some probable
pay zones that previously were not identified.

CONTACT S. Moradi Moradi.s@put.ac.ir Abadan Faculty of Petroleum Engineering, Petroleum University of Technology,
North Bovardeh, Abadan, Iran
Color versions of one or more of the figures in the article can be found online at www.tandfonline.com/ueso
© 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
 ENERGY SOURCES, PART A: RECOVERY, UTILIZATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 1513

Abdi et al. (2007) applied the HFU approach within a heterogeneous carbonate reservoir and
found permeability distribution by this technique. Then a simulation model of the reservoir was
constructed with the aim of different HFUs and permeability distribution .
Zhang et al. (2007) performed their study based on an auto subdivision method of slicing and
merging, where the heterogeneous reservoir is subdivided into homogeneous units and the flow unit
distribution is predicted with artificial neural network (ANN) between the wells . The results of this
study are used for the prediction of the remaining oil in the reservoir.
Orodu et al. (2009) used HFU definition and analyzed a clastic reservoir. They used the flow zone
indicator (FZI) concept and defined different HFUs in cored wells and applied the Bayesian method in
order to extend the predicted HFUs at uncored wells. This hydraulic-based model was used for better
estimation of the permeability and for building a true structural model for reservoir simulation study.
Downloaded by [University of Engineering & Technology Lahore] at 02:31 01 June 2016

Based on the mentioned studies it can be concluded that the definition of HFUs allowed a
better petrophysical characterization and description of the field and can be used as inputs for
the construction of a reservoir model. In recent years, intelligent techniques such as ANN,
fuzzy logic (FL), and neuro-fuzzy (NF) have received considerable attention in several areas of
geosciences. The oil and gas industry has shown considerable interest in using such techniques
to solve complex problems and also enhance the accuracy of reservoir properties prediction.

Field description and data gathering

Ahwaz oilfield, which is one of the largest oilfields in Iran, is located at the end of the folded Zagros
zone near Ahwaz City in the south/southwest of North Dezful Embayment. The reservoir under
study is Ilam Formation, which forms the upper part of the Bangestsn reservoir. The age of Ilam
Formation is early Santonian to Campanian. Ilam Formation consists of thin to medium, well-
bedded, gray micro-crystalline limestone.
Data provided for this study include conventional core and wireline logs data of five wells,
namely 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, drilled in the studied oil field. Available wireline logs are gamma ray
(GR), sonic (DT), deep induction log (ILD), neutron porosity (NPHI), corrected porosity
(CPHI), density (RHOB), and water saturation (SW). These logs data are calibrated at exact
core depth. Cores data had similar dimensions in all cored wells. Data from wells 1, 2, and 3
were used for the construction of intelligent models (725 data points); data from well 4 was used
for testing the reliability of the models (202 data points); and data from well E for generalization.
Data from the first four wells comprised both core and log information; for the last well, only
well logs were available.

HFU determination
An HFU is a volume of total reservoir rock within which geological and petrophysical properties that
affect fluid flow are internally consistent and different from the properties of other rock volumes
(Ebanks, 1987). Each flow unit is characterized by a flow zone index (FZI), which can be understood
in terms of the relationship between the volume of void space (φZ ) and the geometric distribution of
pore space (quantified as the reservoir quality index, RQI) as follows (Amaefule et al., 1993):

Log RQI ¼ Log FZI þ Log φZ (1)

Where

φZ ¼ φ=ð1  φÞ (2)

RQI and FZI can be calculated using the following equations:

 1514 M. HASSANPOOR ET AL.

 1=
2
RQI ¼ 0:0314 k=φ (3)

FZI ¼ RQI φ (4)
Z

In the above equations, φ is porosity in (%) and k is permeability in (md). Eq. 1 yields a straight
line on a log-log plot of RQI versus Φz with a unit slope. Samples with different FZI values will lie
on other parallel lines. Samples that lie on the same straight line have similar pore throat
characteristics, and therefore constitute a flow unit. But in heterogeneous reservoirs, where the
data is scattered, recognizing the straight lines through dispersed data and discriminating the
boundaries of flow units is an ambiguous and inaccurate task. To overcome this problem,
clustering techniques can be utilized to determine the exact boundary of each hydraulic unit.
Downloaded by [University of Engineering & Technology Lahore] at 02:31 01 June 2016

Cluster analysis
The aim of cluster analysis is to classify a data set into groups that are internally homogeneous and
externally isolated on the basis of a measure of similarity or dissimilarity between groups. In the
present study because of existence of a large amount and wide range of data points, the hierarchical
and graphical clustering techniques cannot be used. Therefore, the authors applied K-mean cluster-
ing to determine the number of HFUs and boundary between them. For this purpose sum of square
errors can be used as a criterion to determine the number of HFUs. As seen in Figure 1 the sum of
square errors is decreased on increasing the number of HFUs and is nearly constant for more than a
certain HFU number. After this certain number, SSE is almost constant with small variations, which
is negligible. This certain number is the optimum number of HFU. The result shows that any
increase in the number of clusters above six does not lead to a significant reduction in SSE value. The
log-log plot of RQI versus φZ for well 3 is drawn based on the results of cluster analysis (Figure 2).

HFU prediction by intelligence techniques

In this section three different intelligent techniques (i.e. neural network, FL, and NF) are utilized in order
to find the most reliable approach for HFU prediction. Neural networks are formed from neurons,
transfer functions of neurons, interneuron connection weights, or synaptic weights and biases. Neurons
are placed in input, hidden, and output layers. Neural network receives knowledge (learning data) from
the environment through the learning process and then stores attained knowledge in synaptic weights
and biases. FL was introduced by Dr. Lotfizadeh (1965) and is an extension of Boolean logic (0 and 1). In
fuzzy sets, everything is a matter of degree. In essence, FL maintains that any interpretation is possible,
but some are more likely than others. The major advantage of FL is that one never needs to make a

Figure 1. The sum of square errors versus number of cluster.

 ENERGY SOURCES, PART A: RECOVERY, UTILIZATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 1515
Downloaded by [University of Engineering & Technology Lahore] at 02:31 01 June 2016

Figure 2. Plot of reservoir quality index versus normalized porosity in well 3.

specific decision; therefore, it can deal with problems whose solutions are not explicit. The adaptive
network fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) modeling describes the behavior of a system using fuzzy
inference rules within a neural network structure. It is called adaptive because some of the nodes have
parameters that affect the output of the node. Briefly, NF systems combine the advantages of fuzzy
systems (which deal with explicit knowledge) with those of neural networks (which deal with implicit
knowledge). In recent years, intelligent techniques are widely used in petroleum industries such as well
log and seismic interpretations, reservoir characterization, and rock and fluid properties estimation
(Jong-Se, 2005; Taghavi, 2005; Khandelwal and Singh, 2010).
In the first approach, ANN was used to establish the relationship between flow units and well log
data. Data sets are normalized because it makes the data uniform and prevents scattering of
variables. Effects of normal data on the transfer functions of neurons are more sensible than unmoral
data. Therefore, all well logs data are normalized using Eq. 5, so that all log values will lie between
zero and one and become dimensionless.
δ  δMin
Nδ ¼ (5)
δMax  δMin
where δ is any log, δMin is the minimum reading of δ log, δMin is the maximum reading of δ log,
and Nδ is the normalized δ log.
Learning data sets are divided in three groups for training, validation, and testing of the
network; 60% of the data sets are used to train, 20% for validation, and the remaining is used for
the test purpose. Best predictor model is obtained by the investigation of several network
architectures with different network parameters. The first layer of the network is a hidden
layer. This layer consists of six neurons. The second layer of the network is the output layer
consisting of one neuron, which is the logarithm of FZI. In the constructed model logsigmoid
transfer function and linear function are used as the activation function in hidden neurons and
output neurons, respectively. Also, the back-propagation algorithm is used for training and
adjusting the weights and biases. In the next step, the relationships between the flow units
and well log data were established using the fuzzy possibility concept. Also an adaptive NF
inference system was used as an alternative approach for predicting flow units. To develop the
fuzzy relationships, rules and membership functions have to be developed from available input
 1516 M. HASSANPOOR ET AL.

data (i.e. cores and log). For this purpose subtractive clustering (SC) technique is used for
clustering the data. After clustering the data, the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy inference system is
applied for the generation of fuzzy if/then rules that model the data behavior and used for
construction of the model. Five Gaussian membership functions were extracted for each of the
inputs and an error back-propagation algorithm was used to adjust their parameters. Following
training and optimization of the model, data from the test well (well 4) were input to the model
and the FZIs were calculated. On the basis of the calculated FZIs, the HFUs were established and
compared with those at the test well.

Results and discussion

Downloaded by [University of Engineering & Technology Lahore] at 02:31 01 June 2016

The HFUs derived from core data are illustrated in track (a) of Figure 3. Tracks (c), (d) and (e)
of the figure are graphical illustration of the ANN, FL, and NF methods, respectively. Table 1

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)

Figure 3. (a) Core-derived FZIs. Graphical illustration of HFUs derived from (b) core data, (c) artificial neural network, (d) fuzzy
logic, and (e) neuro-fuzzy.
 ENERGY SOURCES, PART A: RECOVERY, UTILIZATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 1517

Table 1. Statistical comparison of the developed models.

Intelligent Technique RMSE Corr. Coe (%) Prediction Accuracy (%)
Neural Network 0.0116 0.783 73.76
Fuzzy Logic 0.0085 0.901 85.61
Neuro-fuzzy 0.0101 0.849 77.84
Downloaded by [University of Engineering & Technology Lahore] at 02:31 01 June 2016

Figure 4. The comparison of accuracy percentage of HFU estimation by artificial neural network (ANN), fuzzy logic (FL), and neuro-
fuzzy (NF) approach.

indicates root mean squared errors (RMSE) and correlation coefficient between real and esti-
mated FZI values. Also, the accuracy percentage for HFU estimation is indicated in table 1.
Based on these results, it is seen that there is a close agreement between FL and core-derived
flow units in the test well. Figure 4 shows a comparison between the accuracy percentage of
HFU estimation by the three applied methods. The results confirm that the FL approach is the
best model for flow unit prediction in this study and, also, the results have a better accuracy
than the previous studies. These mean that the simulated FZI values and consequently HFUs
show a better correspondence with those obtained from core data. But in some intervals,
mismatching between real and fuzzy predicted flow units is expected. This is mainly due to
heterogeneity in minerals and fluid properties, which causes logical formulation between well log
responses and appropriate flow units to be difficult.
Based on the acceptable results obtained from the FL method, well 5 is selected for flow unit
generalization. The FL-derived FZIs and HFUs are shown in tracks (a) and (b) of Figure 5,
respectively.

Conclusion
In this study three intelligent techniques are employed to estimate HFUs in a carbonate
reservoir. The obtained results show that the FL approach is a powerful tool to predict HFUs
at wells without core information. Similar results were achieved by the application of the neural
network and NF methods in HFU estimation. However, the performance of the FL technique
was to be more reliable than neural network and NF approaches. Therefore, the FL technique
was expected to provide more accurate and satisfactory results in wells with no core data.
Permeability prediction is useful to complement the current technology and to gain insight
 1518 M. HASSANPOOR ET AL.

into older wells without core and extensive logging programs. The simulated flow units can be
used in a process of geostatistical characterization and construction of 3D reservoir modeling.
Then the constructed model can be applied to run a series of sensitivity simulations for
optimization of injector locations, miscible and immiscible gas injection and water injection to
increase reservoir oil recovery.
Downloaded by [University of Engineering & Technology Lahore] at 02:31 01 June 2016

(a) (b)

Figure 5. (a) The fuzzy logic-estimated FZIs. (b) HFUs derived from FZI values.
 ENERGY SOURCES, PART A: RECOVERY, UTILIZATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 1519

Acknowledgment
The authors gratefully acknowledge the National Iranian South Oil Company (NISOC) for permission to publish this
paper. Behzad Eghdami is thanked for his helpful review comments.

References
Abbaszadeh, M. D., Fujii, F., and Fujimoto, F. 1996. Permeability prediction by hydraulic flow units-theory and
applications. SPE Form. Eval. 11:263–271.
Abdi, Y., Ghane, M., and Haghighi, A. R. 2007. Integrated reservoir characterization and modeling of one Iranian
naturally fractured reservoir using laboratory and field data. SPE/EAGE Paper 111120.
Amaefule, J. O., Altunbay, D., Tiab, D., Kersey, D. G., and Keelan, D. K. 1993. Enhanced reservoir description: Using
core and log data to identify hydraulic (Flow) units and predict permeability in Uncored intervals/wells. SPE Paper
Downloaded by [University of Engineering & Technology Lahore] at 02:31 01 June 2016

26436.
Avila, J. C., Archer, R. A., Auckland, U., Mancini, E. A., Alabama, U., and Blasingame, T. A. 2002. A petrophysics and
reservoir performance-based reservoir characterization of the Womack Hill (Smackover) Field (Alabama). SPE
Paper 77758. SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, TX, September 29-October 2.
Ebanks, W. J. 1987. Flow unit concept - integrated approach for engineering projects. Abstract, AAPG Annual
Convention, 521–522.
Jong-Se, L. 2005. Reservoir properties determination using fuzzy logic and neural networks from well data in offshore
Korea. J. Pet. Sci. Technol. 49:182–192.
Khandelwal, M., Singh, T. N. 2010. Artificial neural networks as a valuable tool for well log interpretation. J. Pet. Sci.
Technol. 28:1381–1393.
Orodu, O. D., Tang, Z., and Fei, Q. 2009. Hydraulic (flow) unit determination and permeability prediction: A case
study of Block-Shen-95, Liahoe oil field, North east China. J. Appl. Sci. 10:1801–1816.
Ratchkovski, A., Ogbe, D. O., and Lawal, A. S. 1999. Application of geostatistics and conventional methods to derive
hydraulic flow units for improved reservoir description: A case study of endicott field, Alaska. Paper SPE 54587.
Svirsky, D., Ryazanov, A., Pankov, M., Yukos, E. P., and Corbett, P. W. M. 2004. Hydraulic flow units resolve reservoir
description challenges in a Siberian oil field. SPE Paper 87056.
Taghavi, A. A. 2005. Improved permeability estimation through use of fuzzy logic in a carbonate reservoir from
southwest Iran. SPE Paper 93269.
Lotfizadeh, A. 1965. Fuzzy sets. Inf. Control 8:338–353.
Zhang, F., Shao, C., Li, H., Liu, H., and Li, Y. 2007. Principle of a new flow-unit auto subdividing method and its
application in Da Qing Oil field. Paper SPE 105800.