A Multi-Purpose Reservoir Characterization Model

Abstract The ultimate goal of petroleum engineering science is to maximize oil recovery at a minimum cost. This goal can be achieved by better understanding the heterogeneous nature of the reservoir rock. Reservoir characterization is considered the key to optimum oil exploration and exploitation. The major goal of this research is to develop a multi-purpose reservoir characterization model capable of producing an effective reservoir description as well as an economical reservoir characterization. This model is developed to achieve the following purposes: (1) reservoir description of clean and shaly heterogeneous reservoirs using laboratory and/or in-situ (porosity and permeability) measurements, (2) robust and economical reservoir characterization of reservoir rock by using the concept of reservoir quality index in combination with various stress conditions during the extended life of an oil reservoir, and (3) investigate the effect of oil production (or stress) on reservoir characterization of clean and/or shaly heterogeneous reservoirs. The newly proposed multi-purpose model incorporates petrophysical (porosity, permeability, and reservoir quality index), mechanical (effective stress, pore pressure, and average pore compressibility) properties and mechanics of fluid flow through porous media. Multiple cases are included to validate and illustrate the applications of the model in various situations considering different conditions of reservoir rock.