Question:

In the process of analyzing reservoir data, there are several steps that must be done. Where
each stage of the analysis has standards, rules of thumb and certain quality checks to ensure
the consistency of analysis results and interpretation on the surface and subsurface. Explain
what you know about standards, rules of thumb and quality checks in reservoir data analysis.
Can be clarified with specific explanations on various types of reservoirs, such as oil
reservoirs, gas reservoirs or geothermal reservoirs. Complete with case examples, (eg from
papers or other literature).
Answer:
Reservoir data analysis is a critical process in the exploration and production of hydrocarbon
and geothermal resources. The analysis involves several steps, and each stage of the analysis
has standards, rules of thumb, and quality checks that are essential for ensuring the accuracy
and consistency of the results. In this response, I will discuss the standards, rules of thumb,
and quality checks for reservoir data analysis and provide examples from various types of
reservoirs.
Standards in Reservoir Data Analysis:
Standards in reservoir data analysis refer to the set of guidelines or protocols that must be
followed during the analysis to ensure the consistency and accuracy of the results. Standards
may vary depending on the type of reservoir being analyzed, and some of the most common
standards include:
 ASTM Standards: ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) has
established several standards for testing and analyzing petroleum products, such as
crude oil and natural gas. These standards ensure that the test results are reliable and
consistent across laboratories.
 ISO Standards: ISO (International Organization for Standardization) has established
several standards for the testing and analysis of petroleum products, including crude
oil and natural gas. These standards ensure that the test results are reliable and
consistent across laboratories.
 SPE Standards: The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) has established several
standards for the evaluation and characterization of oil and gas reservoirs. These
standards ensure that the evaluation and characterization of reservoirs are consistent
and accurate.
Example: In the evaluation of oil reservoirs, the SPE has established standards for calculating
oil reserves. These standards ensure that the calculation of oil reserves is consistent and
accurate, and they help prevent overestimation or underestimation of reserves.
Rules of Thumb in Reservoir Data Analysis:
Rules of thumb are general guidelines or principles that are commonly used in reservoir data
analysis. These rules are based on experience and are used to estimate or evaluate certain
properties or parameters of the reservoir. Some of the most common rules of thumb include:
 Log Analysis: In the analysis of well logs, certain rules of thumb are used to estimate
the porosity, water saturation, and permeability of the reservoir. For example, the
 Archie equation is a rule of thumb used to estimate the water saturation of the
reservoir based on the resistivity log.
 Material Balance: In the analysis of reservoir performance, the material balance
method is a rule of thumb used to estimate the original oil or gas in place based on the
production data. The material balance method is based on the principle of
conservation of mass and energy.
Example: In the analysis of gas reservoirs, the deliverability index is a rule of thumb used to
estimate the flow rate of gas from the reservoir to the wellbore. The deliverability index is
based on the well productivity index and the gas properties.
Quality Checks in Reservoir Data Analysis:
Quality checks are a critical part of reservoir data analysis, and they are performed at various
stages of the analysis to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the results. Some of the most
common quality checks include:
 Data Quality Check: In the initial stage of the analysis, a data quality check is
performed to ensure that the data used for the analysis is accurate and complete. The
data quality check involves the validation of the data, such as checking for errors or
missing data.
 Sensitivity Analysis: In the analysis of reservoir performance, sensitivity analysis is
performed to evaluate the impact of the input parameters on the output results.
Sensitivity analysis helps to identify the most critical parameters and their impact on
the results.
 Uncertainty Analysis: Uncertainty analysis is performed to evaluate the uncertainty in
the input parameters and their impact on the output results. Uncertainty analysis helps
to identify the range of possible outcomes and their probability.
 Data completeness check: This quality check ensures that all the required data is
available for the analysis. For example, in the analysis of oil reservoirs, data
completeness check may include verifying if all the required well logs, core data, and
production data are available.
 Data consistency check: This quality check ensures that the data is consistent with the
expected range of values. For example, in the analysis of gas reservoirs, a data
consistency check may include verifying if the gas composition data is consistent with
the expected range of values.
Example: a data quality check was performed on the geothermal reservoir data used for the
analysis. The data completeness check involved verifying if all the required data, such as well
logs, temperature data, and production data, were available. The data consistency check
involved verifying if the temperature data was consistent with the expected range of values.