Title : High-resolution static modeling of a matured middle east carbonate reservoir: Addressing baffles, faulting, and permeability heterogeneity
Abstract:
This study presents a comprehensive high-resolution static model of a mature carbonate reservoir, addressing key challenges related to geological complexities and their impact on reservoir performance. The reservoir exhibits significant heterogeneity due to the presence of numerous stratigraphy-controlled baffles, subtle sub-seismic faults, and varying permeability distributions. Accurate representation of these features is crucial for reliable reservoir characterization and subsequent flow simulation. Presence of baffles in the reservoir has historically been recognized from cores (core description, RCA), logs (conventional, image, NMR etc.), pressure data (RFT) and production data (PLT), and a number of them have been identified at different reservoir layers. These baffles appear to be primarily depositional in origin and restrict the movement of fluid between layers. Recent drilling results and production data indicate that the differential permeability caused by these features has become an important factor affecting the distribution of remaining oil.
Accordingly, this work integrates multiple datasets, including seismic, well logs, core and production data, to construct a detailed geological model that honors the observed complexities.
The static model focus was to carry out detailed well to well correlation using core and log data to capture and implement reservoir baffles as individual sub-zones, and to rebuild the 3D structural framework grid with a new stratigraphic zonation that would better represent the vertical heterogeneity in the static and dynamic models.
The resulting high-resolution static model provides a detailed representation of the reservoir architecture, including the spatial distribution of facies, porosity, and permeability. The model successfully integrates diverse data sources and addresses the challenges posed by baffles, faulting, and permeability heterogeneity. This model serves as a robust foundation for subsequent dynamic modeling studies, enabling more accurate predictions of reservoir performance and optimized development strategies. The high level of detail achieved in this study highlights the importance of a comprehensive and integrated approach to static modeling in complex carbonate reservoirs.
Keywords: Reservoir heterogeneity, high resolution static model, Minagish Oolite
