3D Modeling and Visualization Applied to the Characterization of Brazilian Sandstone Reservoirs
Marco A. S. Moraes, Yeda Backheuser, and Rosane T. Faria
Displaying reservoir properties in three dimensions greatly enhances the
integration of data derived from cores, well
-logs and seismic, leading to a more
effective approach to solve reservoir characterization problems. Three-
dimensional visualization represents a powerful means for interdisciplinary
reservoir evaluation, serving as a common base for engineers and geoscientists
to enhance the understanding of reservoir property distribution.
Examples from several Brazilian reservoirs, both onshore and offshore, are
used herein to show the approaches and new insights obtained by different
projects. In densely drilled fields, flow units have been inferred based on core
vs. log
property correlation, using multivariate
analysis
techniques, and then
mapped based on
log
-data interpolation and, in some cases, stochastic modeling.
In other situations, mostly from offshore areas, where
well
to
well
distances
are several hundred meters or more,
log
interpolation is applied to the
recognition of general trends, giving very limited information on lateral
variability. In these conditions, seismic-driven geostatistics is essential for
better reservoir quality delineation. The great increase in the use of
horizontal wells introduces new challenges to 3D modelers, not only in terms of
the information obtained in the existing wells but also as different
alternatives for new wells are tested before drilling.
The application of 3D modeling technology is introducing several beneficial aspects for the understanding of Brazilian reservoirs. Features including complex sand-body geometry and barrier distribution are much better defined, and hence effectively incorporated into flow simulation models.
AAPG Search and Discover Article #91019©1996 AAPG Convention and Exhibition 19-22 May 1996, San Diego, California