Integrated
Uncertainty Management Planning and Advanced Reservoir Modeling in Block
14 Deepwater
Mabe, Kathleen Elizabeth1, John
Baillie1, Mark Moon1, Martha Gerdes2, Sebastien Strebelle3, Marjorie Levy3,
Joy M. Roth1 (1) ChevronTexaco Overseas
Petroleum, Bellaire, TX (2) ChevronTexaco Energy
Technology Co, Bellaire, TX (3) ChevronTexaco Energy
Technology Co,
The benefits of integrating uncertainty management with advanced
modeling techniques allow for prioritization of subsurface uncertainties and
development of mitigation plans to reduce associated risks with Angola Block
14
deepwater developments. Advanced reservoir modeling techniques capture the
range of subsurface uncertainties and increase understanding of development
risks associated with channel deposition, velocity, faulting, fluid and rock
properties. Improved modeling workflows integrate uncertainty management with
advanced modeling techniques to define probabilistic ranges of hydrocarbon
volumes, recoveries and forecasts.
Deepwater channel deposition is modeled by incorporating
multiple-point statistics and facies distribution
modeling. These tools enable the modeling of geologically-realistic facies and better control of geobody
spatial distribution. Detailed stratigraphic grids
capture crossflow between channels using pinchout functionality. Multiple models are built to
represent stratigraphic uncertainties.
Faults play a significant role in defining connected fluid
volumes in many deepwater reservoirs. Faults act as flow barriers by offsetting
permeable strata and creating low permeability gouge. Conversely, faults act
as flow conduits if continuous fracture and joint networks develop. Our
modeling workflow includes 3D characterization of faults with spatiallyvarying flow properties. Faults in the stratigraphic grid are modeled with split-nodes to capture
cross-fault juxtaposition relationships. 3D fault variability is captured using
a Vshale property conditioned to seismic and wells
using principle component analysis. The fault geometry and Vshale
property are used to estimate the impact on fluid communication in the model.
This improved
workflow builds upon ten years of work efforts by ChevronTexaco
with the Block
14 Contractor Group (Sonangol-P&P,
Total, ENI and GALP).