How do you identify reservoir boundaries and connectivity?

1 Pressure Transient Analysis

Pressure transient analysis (PTA) is a technique that uses the pressure response of the reservoir to a change in flow rate or shut-in at the wellbore. By interpreting the pressure data, you can infer the reservoir geometry, heterogeneity, permeability, skin, and boundaries. PTA can be applied to different types of wells, such as vertical, horizontal, or multilateral, and different types of reservoirs, such as conventional, unconventional, or fractured. PTA requires specialized software and expertise to perform the analysis and validate the results.

2 Interference Testing

Interference testing is a technique that uses the pressure response of one or more observation wells to a change in flow rate or shut-in at a production or injection well. By measuring the pressure changes and the time lag between the wells, you can estimate the reservoir connectivity, transmissibility, and average pressure. Interference testing can be performed in various ways, such as pulse testing, constant rate testing, or falloff testing. Interference testing requires careful planning, coordination, and monitoring of the wells involved.

3 Tracer Testing

Tracer testing is a technique that uses the injection and detection of a chemical or radioactive substance into the reservoir to track the fluid movement and distribution. By analyzing the tracer concentration and arrival time at the production wells, you can evaluate the reservoir connectivity, sweep efficiency, and fluid flow patterns. Tracer testing can be performed in different phases, such as gas, oil, or water, and different scales, such as interwell, single-well, or near-wellbore. Tracer testing requires proper selection, injection, sampling, and analysis of the tracer material.

4 Seismic Monitoring

Seismic monitoring is a technique that uses the acquisition and interpretation of seismic data to image the reservoir structure and changes over time. By comparing the seismic images before and after production or injection, you can identify the reservoir boundaries, faults, fractures, and fluid contacts. Seismic monitoring can be performed in different modes, such as 2D, 3D, or 4D, and different sources, such as surface, borehole, or crosswell. Seismic monitoring requires advanced equipment, processing, and integration of the seismic data with other reservoir information.

5 Numerical Simulation

Numerical simulation is a technique that uses a mathematical model to represent the reservoir behavior and performance under various scenarios. By calibrating and matching the model with the historical data, you can predict the reservoir boundaries, connectivity, and future production. Numerical simulation can be performed in different levels of complexity, such as black oil, compositional, or thermal, and different scales, such as sector, full field, or regional. Numerical simulation requires reliable data, robust software, and sensitivity analysis to account for the uncertainties and assumptions involved.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?