Optimization of Uncertain Structural Parameters With Production and Observation Well Data



Irving, A. D. 1,2, Kuznetsov, D.3, Robert, E.1, Manzocchi, T.2, & Childs, C.2
1 - Total E&P UK Ltd
2 - Fault Analysis Group, University College Dublin, Ireland
3 - Total S.A

Abstract - The conditioning of fault geometry and properties to production data is usually achieved by ad hoc modifications without consideration of prior probability distributions or physical realism. We investigate optimization approaches on the basis of response surfaces and the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF), on a reservoir of which the structure, well pattern, and production history make it particularly suitable. The observed pressure behaviour during buildup and interference periods demonstrates production induced across fault communication. This behaviour was best matched by reducing the reservoir volume and fault offset compared with the base-case interpretation, but with fault properties close to the a priori base case. 


SPE Reservoir Evaluation and Engineering, November 2014, 547-558