Spring 2023/2024

Lecture II

Reservoir Management
1.Data Acquisition
Reservoir management requires a deep knowledge of the reservoir that can be achieved only
through its characterization by a process of acquiring, processing and integrating several
basic data.
In detail the main steps of this process are:
1.Data acquisition, involving the gathering of raw data from various sources, i.e.
 Seismic surveys
 Well logs
 Conventional and special core analyses
 Fluid analyses
 Static and flowing pressure measurements
 Pressure-transient tests
 Periodic well production tests
 Records of the monthly produced volumes of fluids (oil,
 gas, and water)
 Records of the monthly injected volumes of IOR/EOR
 fluids (water, gas, CO2, steam, chemicals,…).
2.Data processing based upon:
 Seismic time maps
 Seismic conversion of time-to-depth maps
 Seismic attribute maps
 Log analyses
 Structural maps
 Cross sections
 Geologic models
 Reservoir fluids modeling (e.g. by EOS)
 Simulation models
1
 Integrated data acquisition and analysis program. Data analyses require a great deal
of effort, scrutiny and innovation. The key steps are (1) plan, (2) collect and analyze
and (3) validate and store

Seismic

Seismic data acquisition is fundamental for the definition of the reservoir architecture.

Seismic allows reconstructing the reservoir geological setting through different level
observations:

 On large scale: reservoir geometry, identification of main structural features (e.g.

faults), , etc
 On small scale: detailed structural and stratigraphycal features, fluid contacts, etc.

2
Seismic response of a reservoir depends on petro-acoustic properties of the volume of rock
investigated; such properties can be obtained by the interpretation of specific field data.

Well Logging
Well logging plays a fundamental role for the formation evaluation process and for the
assessment of production potential of a hydrocarbon process.

The log interpretation, in fact, gives a quantitative evaluation of the “in-situ” value of some
important petrophysical parameter, such as:

 Shale volume (Vsh)

 Gross and net thickness of the drilled layers (hG, hN)
 Depth of the fluid contacts (gas-oil, gas-water, oil-water)
 Porosity (φ)
 Water saturation (Sw)
 Residual hydrocarbon saturation (Sor, Sgr)
 Rock elastic moduli (E, G, ν, etc.).

Depending on the wellbore status, the logs are classified as:

 Open Hole Logs:

o Resistivity, Induction, Spontaneous Potential, Gamma ray
o Density, Sonic Compensated Neutron, Sidewall neutron
o Porosity, Dielectric, and Caliper
o Gamma Ray, Neutron (except SNP), Carbodoxygen
 Cased Hole Logs:
o Chlorine, Pulsed Neutron and caliper.

Fluid Properties
The phase and volumetric behavior of hydrocarbon systems is commonly characterized
through a set of lab experiments known as “PVT study”. The type of experiments and the
physical quantities to be measured depends on whether the hydrocarbon system is on liquid
or gaseous phase at the initial reservoir conditions.
In the first case the system is identified as“oil” and will undergo to a “differential liberation
test” in a PVT cell, where the pressure is gradually lowered by steps, keeping the
temperature constant and discharging the gas volume liberated in each step.
3
The following basic quantities are measured during the study:

 Initial system composition

 Bubble point pressure (pb)
 Volume of oil both for p>pb and p<pb
 Volume and composition of the gas liberated at each step
 Oil viscosity
 Separation tests.

Moreover, a special set of experiments (“separator tests”) is performed flashing a certain

volume of oil from the initial reservoir conditions to the stock tank conditions, so as to
simulate the separation process that will occur through the surface facilities.

All the data measured in a PVT study are furthermore processed to obtain the
thermodynamic functions to be used in the reservoir engineering studies, i.e.: Bo, Rs, Bg, γg,
μo, etc.

All the data measured in a PVT study are furthermore processed to obtain the
thermodynamic functions to be used in the reservoir engineering studies, such as:

 Calculated cumulative produced fluid

 Potential liquid content of the produced gas phase
 Cumulative volume of liquid components produced in the well stream fluid
 Equilibrium gas phase density
 Viscosity of the Equilibrium gas phase.

Well Testing
Well test is a well-established and really powerful technique for characterizing some of the
basic transport properties of a porous rock, and for evaluating the performance and the
potential productivity of a well.

Pressure build-up, falloff tests, interference and pulse tests can provide a good assessment of
the in situ value of the effective permeability-thickness of a reservoir in addition to its
pressure, as well as information on stratifications, and on the possible presence flow barriers
such as sealing or partially sealing faults, strong permeability-thickness variations, etc.

4
Reservoir description

This process is the development of an up-to-date, detailed description of the reservoir that
incorporates available data and technology into a fieldwide interpretation consistent with
observed historical reservoir performance. Variations and risks in the description should be
included. Again, the effort that goes into this description depends on the size of the
remaining resource.

Geophysical, geological, and engineering interpretations are expected to produce information

on the distribution of hydrocarbons in place and reserves. These interpretations include:

 Field and regional structure maps, including fluid-contact locations and the size of
aquifers
 Isopach and porosity maps
 Number of flow units or individual producing zones
 Depositional environment including information on diagenetic changes and vertical
and areal barriers to flow (or lack thereof)
 Variations in fluid saturations and permeabilities

5
The expected variability in these values should be included in these assessments.
Descriptions from hand-drawn maps and correlations may suffice for small resources;
however, in most cases, a geologic model is developed to capture these interpretations, with
more complex models being needed for larger resources. The power of PCs and their
software makes it more attractive to develop geologic models for all resources.

Data integration and Reservoir Characterization

The characterization of a reservoir aims at producing the best detailed geological
reconstruction both of its geometry and of its internal structure. The overall process is,
therefore, the first basic step in the development of a reservoir model, and it must consider
all the available data, processed and interpreted with the best technologies always caring to
be consistent with the observed historical reservoir performance. Geophysical, geological,
and engineering characterization provides also information on the initial distribution of the
fluids, as well as on the hydraulic connectivity between different zones of the reservoir.
Here are some insights on the integration of data analysis in reservoir management:
1. Data acquisition: Data analysis begins with data acquisition. Collecting data from various
sources such as well logs, seismic surveys, and production records is essential for reservoir
management. real-time data acquisition enables engineers to monitor reservoir performance
and make timely decisions.
2. Data interpretation: Interpreting data is a crucial step in reservoir management. Engineers
use various techniques such as pattern recognition, statistical analysis, and machine learning
to interpret data and identify patterns. This enables them to gain insights into reservoir
behavior and make informed decisions.
3. Reservoir modeling: Reservoir modeling involves building a mathematical model of the
reservoir based on available data. This enables engineers to simulate reservoir behavior and
predict future performance. This helps in making informed decisions about reservoir
management, such as optimizing production and drilling new wells.
4. Production optimization: Data analysis enables engineers to optimize production by
identifying the best production strategies and monitoring the performance of wells. For
example, engineers can use data analysis to identify the best time to shut down a well for
maintenance or to increase production rates.
Integrating data analysis in reservoir management is essential for sustaining oil production
for the future. It provides valuable insights into reservoir behavior and enables engineers to
make informed decisions about reservoir management. With the increasing demand for oil

6
and the depletion of oil reserves, it is essential to maximize oil recovery and optimize
reservoir management to ensure a sustainable future for the oil industry.







7
 DATA

 Geological
 Geophysical
 Engineering
 Financial

Technology Tools

 Seismic  Seismic
 Geologic Interpretation
 Geostatistics  Tomography
 Engineering  Data Acquisition
INTEGRATION
 Drilling &  Logging /coring
Completion  Completion &
 Enhance oil facilities
recovery  Geologic Modeling
 Environmental  Pressure Transient
People
 Computer  Fracturing
 Management  Reservoir
 Geoscientists Simulation
 Engineers  Enhanced Oil
 Land/Legal
recovery
 Field
 Computer
 Financial
Software &
Hardware
Figure (3)

8
Updating

Periodic collaboration between geoscientists and engineers is needed to include

new seismic data and interpretations, well data, and performance characteristics
into the geologic model. This work accomplishes the following:

 Produces a better description of reservoir contents

 Reduces uncertainty
 Establishes a basis for improved future development and reservoir
operations