-

.
- ,

.., .., .., .., .., ..
, , , , -

Program suite for the State expert review of projects of oil and gas fields
development. A new level of quality of geological and reservoir modeling,
monitoring and risk assessment
A.N. Dmitrievsky, K.N. Epishin, P.V. Zozulya, D.Yu. Maksimov, A.L. Mikhailov, S.M. Mubarakshina
OGRI RAS, NC DIT 'DELTA', NIPI MPR, ltd., IMG, ltd., LIT-TRAST, ltd.

2013 ,
.. , .
3D
: , , . , ,
. - ,
, , ,
.
: , , , , .

During the meeting of the Commission for Strategic Development of the Fuel and Energy Sector and Environmental Security in February
2013, Russian president V.V. Putin called for introduction of obligatory rules for developing and exploring fields and granting Rosnedra [Russian
subsoil resources agency] the powers to carry out state evaluation studies.
Accomplishment of assignments of the Presidential Commission requires integrated solution of the main problems in 3D modeling of
geological and reservoir models on a several levels starting from analysis of initial data consistency and formalized digital models to risk
assessment of geological and engineering actions based on geological and reservoir models. Maximum effect of such inspection can be obtained
by carrying it out at all stages of preparation of development projects from construction or maintenance to its defense in the State regulatory
agencies. For the comprehensive quality assessment of geological and reservoir models, Russian scientists and experts developed and extensively
introduced into Lukoil, Gazprom, Shell and other companies the Sphere software suite.
Key words: inspection of models and development projects, geological modeling, reservoir modeling, risk assessment, State regulatory agencies.

, , ,

, 4/2013

s a result of productive cooperation with Russian and

foreign oil and gas companies, leading research institutes of RAS, industry organizations and universities, Russian program suite Sphere designed for the automated
quality inspection, monitoring and risk assessment of oil and
gas fields development has been developed. It meets all the requirements and today needs of the industry.


Fault modeling

Data loading

Reserves estimation

Map making

Structural modeling

Grid generation

Facial modeling

, ,
.

: , -.
()
, , ,
, - ,
.
( ), (
) (
).

.
.

.
, .
1 .

Petrophysical modeling

1 | Figure 1

Principal stage of geological modeling

Sphere is a new brand, which reflects connection between

all fields of activities: science, industry and business.
Sphere comprises program modules of geological modeling, upscaling, reservoir simulation, monitoring, quality inspection, assessment of risk of proposed geological and engineering actions, and the module for estimation of economic
efficiency of the different versions of development.
Sphere follows the modern trend in information technology (increasing computing power), natural resources management (precise and high-quality digital reservoir modeling)
and business (increasing commercial efficiency of oil and gas
fields development, reducing operating costs).

Sphere.Geology
The Geology block allows to construct the valuable production field model and to prepare the common model for
reservoir simulation. Common environment of the Sphere
framework gives the possibilities to correct the geological
model efficiently when new data is received. During the development of the block, a lot of attention has been focused
on using modern mathematical methods and user-friendly
interface.
In the Geology block there is a possibility to operate with
giant geological fields with up to 1 bln cells.

, 4/2013

;
;
;
;
-
;
;
;
.


, :
: Irap RMS well, dev, las, welltrack,
, , , , ;
( ): Petrel
Fault Model, Seisworks, Charisma Fault Sticks; Eclipse Fault Data;
: Irap Classic points, Petrel points, Petrel WellTops;
: Irap Classic, PS-3, Zmap, bln;
: Irap Classic, Surfer, CPS-3, Zmap, Earth
Vision grids;
: GRDECL, EGRID, GRID, INIT, UNRST,
ROFF, VIP.

Possibilities of the Geology block

Data import;
Well correlation;
Fault modeling;
Structure modeling;
Deterministic and stochastic modeling of the lithofacial and petrophysical formation properties.
Local model update;
Mapping and primary analysis of geological model;
Reserves estimation by volumetric method.
Data import
Geology block uses a large set of input data represented by
many different formats:
Wells: Irap RMS wells, dev, las, welltrack and tables of
wellheads, deviation survey, stratigraphy, seam interpretation,
fluid testing results, perforations;
Faults (initial data and fault models): Petrel Fault Model, Seisworks, Charisma Fault Sticks, Eclipse Fault Data;
Points: Irap Classic points, Petrel points, Petrel WellTops;
Polygons: Irap Classic, PS-3, Zmap, bln;
Surfaces: Irap Classic, Surfer, CPS-3, Zmap, Earth Vision grids;
Grids and properties: GRDECL, EGRID, GRID, INIT,
UNRST, ROFF, VIP.

/, .

.

2D-.
(, ) | Fault data (sticks, polygons)

| Fault model

2 | Figure 2

Well correlation in the visualizer 'Planetable'

, 4/2013

3 | Figure 3

Fault model is created by the system of connected pillars

Isolines

Points

Seismic data

Fault model

4 | Figure 4

For creating horizons all data have been allowed for
6 | Figure 6
.
(, ):

. :

A. Only two key beds have been used in the model (top and
bottom); carbonated inter layers are not connected
B. Three key beds have been used; carbonated inter layers allow
carrying out the log analysis

Well correlation
Visualizer Planetable allows to visualize geophysical and
interpretation data and to carry out a well correlation (Fig.2).
5 | Figure 5
,
Example of 3D grid created in the 'Geology' block

: , , , ,
(. 4).


,
. : , , (. 5).

(. 6):
;
;
;
.

Fault modeling
For geological models, there is a possibility to construct
the faults of almost any complexity.
Structure modeling
For constructing surfaces, many methods for 2D interpolation are implemented. The processor of structured surface
construction uses the whole set of data: well tops, isolines,
faults, polygons, seismic surfaces (Fig.4).
3D gridding
In Sphere, all algorithms for grid creation allowing to
minimize as much as possible residuals with initial data are
realized. To construct the grid, all necessary data is used: fracture model, structured surfaces, layering (Fig.5).
In the Geology block the various types of stratification are
actualized (Fig.6):
Uniform stratification;
Parallel to top;
Parallel to bottom;
Parallel to keybed.

, 4/2013

Upscaled logs

Deterministic approach

| 1D-trend

Modern stochastic and deterministic approaches

to the lithology modeling are realized
in the 'Geology' block

Probability properties

,

,
,

2D-trend

Stochastic approach

Method allowing for the oil-saturated thickness

is available for users. It allows creating a model
according to the reserves. It has no analogy
to other software

7 | Figure 7
| General sheme of geological modeling

,

.
,
, 1D, 2D, 3D .
,
(. 7).

, ,
,
(. 8).

.

, 4/2013

Facial modeling
Facial modeling allows to obtain the proper description
of the reservoir in the crosshole space. Such description is
needed when you need to estimate poroperm properties and
saturation correctly.
Allowing for 1D, 2D and 3D trends, the deterministic and
stochastic methods are used for the real model construction.
Method correcting the possibility of reservoirs presence
in conformity with the net thickness map is realized (Fig.7).
Petrophysical modeling
Petrophysical modeling displaying poroperm distribution
and saturation may be carried out both by using stochastic
and deterministic methods, taking into account all types of
trends (Fig.8).
Under the creation of multiple realizations, in the Geology block there is a possibility of creating the average data
property. The CPU time in this case is minimized by correcting the process conditional dispersion at every stage of
modeling.


Modeling is made allowing for facies property and zones

Upscaled borehole data

Facies properties

8 | Figure 8

Petrophysical modeling

| Porosity properties

9 | Figure 9

Geological profile of the field

.

,
, . , I J 2D
(. 9).

.

(,
, , , , ) . 2D (. 10).

10 | Figure 10
,
Examples of maps made with Map construction module

Cross-section and profile construction

There is a possibility to create profiles and cross-sections
through user-defined lines or wells for the handy revision of
modeling results. Besides that it is possible to construct I and J
sections in 2D visualizer (Fig.9).
Mapping
A flexible and multifunctional tool for automatic mapping (structural maps, oil-saturated thickness maps, mobile
reserves etc.) is implemented with the possibility of in-process
change of display parameters (isolines, wells, filling, contours,
bar, stamps) during the printing preparation of maps (Fig.10).

, 4/2013

11 | Figure 11
| Mapping in Map construction module

12 | Figure 12


Map creation of estimating reserves, based on the geological model

13 | Figure 13
2D- , ,

2D interpolation on the basis of pinching-out line, well-top,
OWC contours

(. 1113):
,
(Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw).
/ .
() .

.

, , , , .
, (
).

Several possibilities of mapping (Fig.1113):

Map creation both in bitmap and vector format with
the possibility to edit by using vector editing programs (Adobe
Illustrator, Corel Draw).
Export/import of all information using well-known international formats.
Creating and printing large (composite) maps.
Handy settings for map fragmentation by page during
the printing.
Creating and setting captions and signs for wells,
stamps, reference designations, grid lines, scale etc.
Isolines smoothing and editing, changing of filling options (including filling by reserves category).

, 4/2013

Map of giant production fields

One of the main advantages of the Mapping block over analogues is a possibility of giant production fields map generation
and ease of operating. Due to the modern algorithms and the
newest software products, map creation requires the minimal
time and may be carried out in the background without loading
the whole map in RAM. Fast edition tools of the isoline, color,

 14 | Figure 14
| Examples of maps

16 | Figure 16
- ,

15 | Figure 15
| Printing visualizer

Geological-statistical cross-section generated in the statistical

data visualizer

.


. , , .

(. 14, 15).

well signs and other visual elements simplifies essentially operations with maps. Set of settings for the map fragmentation during the printing reduces CPU time too (Fig.14,15).

, .

Excel (. 1618).
:

, , .
.

Statistic data and reserves estimation

In the Geology block there are tools for the geological
model analysis, especially for the oil and gas volumetric calculation. In combination with the Analysis block they allow
fast creating reports and exporting them to Excel (Fig.16-18).
Basic options of the statistical data visualizer:
Analysis of the continuous and discreet parameters distribution using bar charts, tables, cross-plots.
Statistics calculation of reservoir seam thickness.
Calculation of the net-to-gross sand ratio and the number of permeable intervals.
Construction of geological-statistical cross-sections
(parameters distribution in the well group).
Reserves estimation may be carried out by categories,
license areas, saturation zones etc. All data are displayed in
tables and may be uploaded to Excel.
Reserves may be estimated both of 2D and 3D models.

, 4/2013

17 | Figure 17
Excel
, .

Excel report comparing the reserves on the RF balance
and model reserves. 'Analysis' block report is generated on the base
of 'Geology' block data

.
- .
, , .. Excel.
2D, 3D
.

.


(
) - .
Black Oil .
,
.

(down-scaling),

.
.
,
.
-,
, .

10

, 4/2013

18 | Figure 18


Analysis of geological model parameters distribution
in the statistical data visualizer

Sphere.Simulator MKT
MKT reservoir simulator is designed to undertake flow
modeling in hydrocarbon fields (including giant and with
complex structure) and to construct geological-reservoir
model. Black Oil and EOS models are available in MKT.
One of the features of the MKT simulator is the multiscale
and multigrid algorithms correctly reflecting a real structure
of the medium. These algorithms allow passing from calculations using hydrodynamic grid to fine grid (down-scaling) in
certain cells. In the rest of the domain, calculations are made
by using reservoir grid. Effective relative and absolute permeabilities are used.
Sector modeling is an efficient tool during work with giant
fields. It is implemented in full scale in the MKT simulator.

 | Efficiency

| Acceleration
| Acceleration

, %
Efficiency, %

100
80
60
40
20
0
0

64

128

192

256

320

384

448

350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0

512

64

128

192

256

320

384

448

512

| Cores

| Cores

19 | Figure 19
| Acceleration and efficiency demonstrated on the Talinskoye field model

.
46
0,3

.
128
1,0

.
1132
10

Dupont,USA
1100
11

.
5000
60

.
8000
95

20 | Figure 20
16
(
)

21 | Figure 21

Example of the decomposition to 16 processes

(number of active cells in 2D is coloured)

Software developed has been tested and jointly approbated with

worldwide leaders in parallel computing

,
.

, ,
Eclipse (Schlumberger) Tempest MORE (Roxar),
.

The following types of aquifers are supported: Carter-Tracy model, Fetkovich model and constant inflow aquifer.
To take into account the law of non-linear flow of highviscosity oil, model of the critical gradient is included in the MKT
simulator, as well as the Forchheimer law for simulating a fast
gas flows close to wells.
Use of file formats of the MKT simulator allows to considerably reduce the data volume and increase the loading rate of
the model. Moreover, formats of well-known simulators like
Eclipse (Schlumberger) and Tempest MORE (Roxar) are supported, it makes transition from one simulator to another easier.

, ,
- , , .

. , .

Use of supercomputers
MKT Reservoir simulator also includes a version for the
cluster systems. It allows to do resource-demanding computations in reasonable time, use joint reservoir model for simulating geological and engineering operations, and avoid the loss
of information inevitably occurring during averaging.
Parallel version of MKT allows to drastically increase the
speed of simulation. It operates both on multi-core work stations and cluster systems. Introduced algorithm of optimal

, 4/2013

11

22 | Figure 22
| Result of work Upscaling option

n
m2
m1

k1
Averaging
SOM

k2

K - tensor

k3

23 | Figure 23

Generation of the effective permeability tensor

24 | Figure 24

Approaches to pseudo-relative permeabilities

, ,
. 6080%

(. 19,20).

( 2 20 000 ).

,
HP Intel (. 21).

,

domain decomposition into computational sub-domains provides great scalability and hence acceleration on the real-world
complex models. Achieved 6080% efficiency allows to accelerate simulation process five times by increasing the number
of processor core eight times (Fig.19,20).
One of the main advantages of Sphere is calculation of
models of giant fields (over 2 billion cells and ~20000 wells).
Developed software has been tested and jointly approbated with worldwide leaders in parallel computing, such as HP
and Intel (Fig.21).
Parallel computing technologies implemented due to
our partners support provide the possibility to use Sphere for
the calculation of the field of any size, update the geologicalreservoir model as soon as possible and correct development
plan to obtain the maximal efficiency of hydrocarbon field
development.

12

, 4/2013

1
0,9
0,8
0,7

0,8

0,8

0,6

0,6
0,5

kwx

0,4

kwy

0,3

kox

0,2

koy

0,4
0,2

0,1

0,4
0,2

0
0

0,2

0,4

0,6

0,8

krwx
krwxy
krwyx
krwyy
krox
krwxy
krwyx
krwyy

0,6

kwx
kwy
kwxy
kox
koy
koxy

0
0

0,2

0,4

0,6

0,8

0,2

0,4

0,6

0,8

-0,2

-0,2

25 | Figure 25

Examples of phase permeability functions for different symmetries of the medium

,
. ,
(. 22).
,
,

.

(. 23).

() ,
(. 24, 25).

, , :

Upscaling
Upscaling option allows to carry out the necessary transformation of grid and properties of geological model and to
retain the lithological bed structure.
The selection of parameters and averaging algorithms is
automatic; however the user may easily change them if it is
necessary (Fig.22).
Option of tensor averaging is implemented for correct
averaging. It is based on the algorithms allowing to find the
effective permeability tensor for strongly inhomogeneous cells
of any geometry. This option allows starting the reservoir simulation on the crude mesh without any considerable loss of
accuracy (Fig.23).
Methods of relative permeability averaging and calculation of pseudo-relative permeability, including methods
of relative permeability tensor construction, are also implemented (Fig.24, 25).
Simulation of fractures
As opposed to the majority of simulators, different tools
for calculating the fractured structures and isolated fractures
are implemented. They possess the following advantages:
Calculations made on the initial grid without local
refinement.
Account of real geometry and fracture parameters.
Physically reliable simulation of water flooding in fractures.
Simulation of the dynamic fracture collapse and opening.

, 4/2013

13

-
.
.

.
.

, :
,
,
.
, , ,
. ,
.
, .
, , ,
,
,
(. 26).
.
. ,
.

, , .

, .


(1).
.

, , ,
.
, , .


,
. ,

14

, 4/2013

26 | Figure 26
| Examples of HF

More convenient method may be used for any type of

fractures according to their origin:
Natural fractures, which arise due to the natural factors. Their parameters are considered to be constant.
Near well bore fractures, which arise in the bottomhole
area, e.g. due to a high injection rate. Such fractures can collapse when pressure is reduced.
HF hydraulic fracturing treatment fractures. Formally they can be considered as near well bore fractures the only
difference is that a proppant (special substance with very high
permeability) is injected into the bottomhole area to avoid collapse of the fractures (Fig.26).
Simulation of fractures used in Sphere gives the possibility to model the filtration processes in fractured reservoirs
more realistically. Application of up-to-date algorithms allows avoiding the local refinement of grid. Therefore, adding
fractures to the model doesnt provoke a dramatic increase
of CPU time.
For the simulation of micro-fracture systems, in the MKT
simulator there are options of double porosity and double
permeability maintaining diff erent interchange mechanisms
between blocks and fractures, such as pressure interchange,
capillary and gravitation interaction.
MKT complementary options
Simulator has several complementary options which can
be very useful in some cases.
Filtration square law
MKT allows using the filtration square law for solving the
problems of the high-rate fluid flow:

, ,
, ..,
.


(, )
.


, .

/ ,
.
: , ,
.


. , , , ,
.


,
.
,
, .
,
,
.

. (,
, ) ,

(1)
It is especially important for the gas flow close to wells.
Tracers
Sometimes it is necessary to control the fluid distribution
from the injection well or aquifer, e.g. to estimate a bed coherence. Option of tracers which tint the water in the source allows to model it.
Automatic shutting-in of injection wells during forecast
If there is no production well in the given radius, injection
well is automatically shut in. This option can be used for the
forecasting, e.g. when all adjacent production wells are shut in
due to the minimal flow rate, water-cut etc. and this well has to
be added to the nonoperating wells.
Automatic switch of well regime from production to injection
In the case when predefined economical constraints (e.g.
minimal production rate of hydrocarbon or maximal water
flooding) for production well are satisfied there exists a possibility to automatically change well regime from production
to injection.
Cyclic injection option
The MKT simulator supports cyclic injection option
which allows to activate and deactivate injection wells with
predefined periodicity.
Well group control
The option allows to define production level for a group of
wells. In that case rates of individual wells are computed automatically taking into account predefined constraints for each well.
Usage of void age replacement option allows to define regime of each injection well of the group in such a way that
injection compensates water production by production wells.
This option allows to maintain reservoir average pressure in
the domain under consideration.
Streamlines
In the simulator MKT an option of filtration flow visualization is realized. Mass fluxes of each phase in the model are
available for the user. Moreover, there is a possibility to modify
the flux grid arrays to display the necessary streamlines.
Modeling of product-gathering networks
and ground facilities
In order to model field development correctly, it is important to consider constrains caused by the product-gathering
system. MKT allows to model gathering network by using
built-in tools and by integrating with the third party software
solution designed to model multiphase flows in product-gathering networks.
Modeling of the product-gathering equipment allows to
determine its optimized parameters and to find the best possible work schedule during the field development.

, 4/2013

15

28 | Figure 28
.
Water saturation distribution. Non-monotonicity zone

Steam

/ Oil

27 | Figure 27
( )
Thermal front (hot steam cold oil contact)

29 | Figure 29
SAGD
SAGD technology

PVT-
PVT-

(. 31).

.
,
(. 3234).
:
-, , --.
-.
.
30 | Figure 30
| Layer 'steamflooding'

16

, 4/2013

Thermal option
Thermal option of the MKT simulator allows modeling of
processes of thermal impact on reservoir. This option is based
on non-isothermal three-phase (oil, gas, water) filtration model. Its features are the essential dependence of fluid properties
on temperature, presence of phase transitions and of steam in
gas phase (Fig.27,28).
Different widely used technologies of heavy oil and bitumen recovery by injection of heat-transfer agents (e.g. hot water or steam) had been implemented in the MKT simulator
(Fig.29,30).
PVT-block
PVT-block is used to determine a phase state of the premix and convert premix characteristics to fluid characteristics
of the black oil model (Fig.31).

Steam injection

Oil and water production

10

, , (. 27,28).

( ) (. 29,30).

100

 / Days

, . .
Cumulative gas production, mil. of cubic meter

, .
Cumulative condensate production, / cubic meter

, .
Cumulative water production, cubic meter

/ Days

/ Days

31 | Figure 31
, ,
PVT-
Comparison of cumulative production estimated at the compositional and black oil models which characteristics
are obtained by means of the PVT block

.


Initially there is no hydrocarbon
liquid phase in the layer.
Gas phase is a mixture of gas
and light crude vapour.

,

.
When the pressure close to the
production well perforations ecreases,
there is a retrograde condensation
resulting in the hydrocarbon liquid
phase appearence.

32 | Figure 32


Initial oil saturation distribution in cells near the production well
perforations

33 | Figure 33

4
Logarithmical oil saturation distribution in cells near the production
well perforations in 4 months

34 | Figure 34
-
One of the West-Tarkosalinskoye field reservoirs

EOS Simulator
The purpose of EOS simulator MKT is a simulation of
processes of component multiphase filtration of the natural
hydrocarbons and water. It makes possible the simulation of
gas-condensate fields for which an effect of the retrograde
condensation strongly influences the fluid flows in reservoir
(Fig.3234).
Basic options and functionality:
Equations of state of Peng-Robinson, Redlich-Kwong,
Soave-Redlich-Kwong;
Carter-Tracy aquifer;
Multi-level separator with gas re-injection support.

:
.
.
.
.

Additional options and functionality:

Several options to define the initial volume components;
Analysis of the thermodynamical equilibrium of the
initial state;
Flexible system of restarts and data output;
Interactive estimation of the reservoir state.

, 4/2013

17

-
.
.
, .
TimeZYX,

. ,
.
. , -
, ,
- .
3
., . ..
.

- , ,
, ..
.
.
;
;
;
;

;
;
;
;
;
;
.
.
100 .


36 | Figure 36

Map of saturation zones of the geological model

18

, 4/2013

Sphere.Assistant
Sphere.Assistant is a unique program complex made by
Russian specialists for automatic quality control, monitoring
and risk assessment of field development. It has no analogs in
the world.
On the basis of many years experience in program complex Autoexpertise TimeZYX design and adaptation in co-operation with specialists of the major oil and gas companies and
scientific research institutes, new stage of program complex
development is realized. New features of this complex both
extension of a function block and risk assessment tools are results of actual tasks in Extractive industry.
New program complex 'Sphere.Assistant' allows to solve
priority tasks for reservoir engineers and experts of government
authorities for quality inspection at each stage of modeling. Also
it permits specialists of producing companies to minimize field
development and geological and engineering actions risks.
Assistant block contains three key modules Assistant.
Quality, Assistant.Monitoring, Assistant.Risks.

35 | Figure 35
| Example of report

MS Word Excel,
.
, , 153-39.0-047-00
- ,
: ,
, , , , , ,
, , , , - . , , ,
,
, .
,

,


.

- .
,
,
,
,
.

( ), ,


.

,
, :
- .
, ,
.

,
.
,
.

Assistetnt.Quality
Quality module is designed to assess static data obtained
from geological-reservoir model. It allows to undertake quality assessment of all stages of geological modeling and to make
a conclusion on correctness of conversion from the geological
to the reservoir model, i.e. to assess the result of upscaling.
It comprises the following sections:
Completeness and quality assessment of the initial data;
Quality assessment of the procedure of construction of
the structured model;
Feasibility of the fluid contacts;
Geometrical parameters of the grid;
Quality assessment of the grid averaging of the well data;
Quality assessment of the lithology grid;
Quality assessment of the fluids grid;
Quality assessment of the porosity grid;
Quality assessment of the permeability grid;
Quality assessment of the saturation grid;
Quality assessment of the reserves estimation;
Quality assessment of the conversion from the geological to the reservoir model;
There are more than 100 tools in the module. The program prepares reliable data for the further expert conclusion
by using automatic report generation in MS Word and Excel
formats which contains all the necessary graphical and analytical information.
For instance, the set of tools which, according to RD 15339.0-047-00, allows to estimate main parameters of the poroperm properties of geological and reservoir models, comprises the following elements: tables of the averaged values and
ranges of porosity, permeability, oil saturation, number of permeable intervals, gross sand, bar charts of distribution of well
log interpretation data, of cells which are penetrated by wells,
of the whole model, geological and statistical cross-sections.
Such tools as the table of the densely spaced wells, altitude
map, bar chart of the connected reservoir, maps of saturation

37 | Figure 37


Vertical proportion curves of basic parameters in static
and dynamic models

, 4/2013

19

39 | Figure 39

Advanced Visualizations and analysis

38 | Figure 38

Examples of integral and differential tools

.
,
(. 38).

, , , -
, ,
, ..


,
, ,
, , , ,
.
, .

20

, 4/2013

regions significantly update typical list of the graphic and table

data which is required by the regulatory documents.
Moreover, user's mode which is implemented in the module
allows expert to form new tools with its own properties. It allows
to increase significantly the number of typical graphic and table
supplements for deep study of geological and reservoir models
and to optimize the program for specific tasks and objectives.
Quality module allows to undertake integrated analysis of
geological and reservoir models. Geological models has to meet
the concept of structure and formation of the considered object
and to agree with the initial data obtained during the geophysical exploration (from gravitational and seismic fields analysis to
well log analysis and lab study of the drill samples and fluids).
Procedure of conversion from the geological to the reservoir model (upscaling) typically means the switch from one
computational grid to another and re-interpolation of the
model properties to a coarse grid preserving maximum similarity between the two models. Upscaling should not lead to
the qualitative changes in geological structure, it should correctly represent properties and behavior of the reservoir fluids
and simulate the main features of the reserves: volume and poroperm properties of the object.
Criteria which are used during analysis are of two types:
quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative criteria are based on
the impersonal estimation of the calculated parameters reflecting the similarity between modeling and actual data. For the
assessment of adequacy of model, intervals of variance of the
determinated parameters can be defined. Such intervals can
be modified by the user according to the corporate standards.
There are integral and differential quantitative criteria.
The first ones are designed to assess the model altogether, the
latter is to estimate the degree of similarity between actual and
model data in the precise points and wells (Fig.38).
Qualitative criteria are based on the subjective expert
analysis of correlated quantitative parameters of the model.
Such analysis may be undertook by using the physiographic
and genetic vision on the field formation, the assessment of the
sedimentation process, the analogy with the nearby objects,
the experience of the development of analogous fields etc.
Visualization of the initial data, correlation schemes, vertical and horizontal sections, maps, grid arrays, 2D and 3D
computationsal grids, bar charts and crossplots, tables and
plots is also an important tool of qualitative analysis. The possibillity of simultaneous visualization, comparison and analysis of different types of data is also an important feature.

 .
.
,
, .

, . , Eclipse (Schlumberger), Tempest More
(Roxar), VIP (Landmark) .
: LAS, RMS Well,
GRDECL, Roff, EGRID, SMSPEC, MIS, BLN, CPS, Zmap
.., ( )
.
.
,
- , c 3D , , 2D
, , .. (. 40).

:
;
;
;
;
;

;
- ;
- .
.

, .

20 ,
. 100 ,
, ,
,
, , ,
. ()

40 | Figure 40
3D-
.
3D visualizer of Assistant.Monitoring block

Assistent.Monitoring Module
Assistant.Monitoring module is the conceptually new instrument created on the basis of cumulative experience and
user needs. Our clients are petroleum engineers of producer
and engineering companies and experts of state authorities.
This program considerable simplifies a quality control of hydrodynamic models and allows to realize it much more effective and fast. Models almost of all simulator such as Eclipse
(Schlumberger), Tempest More (Roxar), VIP (Landmark) etc
can be analyzed. All widely-spread data formats (LAS, RMS
Well, GRDECL, Roff, EGRID, SMSPEC, MIS, BLN, CPS,
Zmap) can be loaded into the program. It prepares expert's
report by the automatic report complication (including the
necessary set of graphic and analytical materials) for the quality control of the model. In a base mode it's enough to specify
the location of the model on the hard drive.
Conceptually, user-operating mode is the system of preand postprocessors that allows dynamic models analyzing in
3D (including streamlines) and 2D (maps, cross-sections, diagrams) visualizers (Fig.40).
Expertise of hydrodynamic model consists of following items:
General model characteristics analysis;
Upscaling quality control;
Analysis of model type selection;
PVT properties analysis;
Analysis of model relative permeability and capillary
pressure curves;
Analysis of initial and boundary conditions ;
History matching quality control;
Analysis of history matching approaches's correctness .
Prediction calculations quality control.
The table of basic model parameters is constructed at the
stage of model characteristics analysis.
Almost 20 program tools are used in the program to carry
out upscaling quality assessment. It allows to realize grid dimension selection, vertical heterogeniety and petrophysical parameters distributions control. Petrophysical parameters in the well
locations are analyzed by comparsion of differential and integral
model characteristics. Analysis of hydrodynamic model quality

, 4/2013

21

:
,
,
.
, , , , .
, , ,
; .
.
, , ,
; .
.
, Y X;
Z X ( ).


(3 )
, , .



.
, .
,
, :
.
.

PVT - PVT-.
.
.
-/-/ .
, (
, , ).
,
( ).

22

, 4/2013

41 | Figure 41


Maps of cumulative pore volume in geological
and hydrodynamic models

includes more than 100 instruments that permit general properties analysis and history matching quality control.
Here is a fragment list of upscaling quality control program tools:
Comparsion plots of stratigraphic top and bottom, net
thichness, oil/gas saturated net thickness, avarage petrophysical parameters of geological and hydrodynamic models.
Reservoir top maps, maps of cumulative pore volume,
saturation zones, effective oil/gas saturated thicknesses, average porosity and permeability.
Histograms of porosity, permeability, oil/gas saturation
in different saturation zones; convergence of reserves.
Reservoir heterogeniety characteristics.
Comparsion of volumetric parameters in static and dynamic models.
Petrophysical functions and permeability anisotropy in
different saturation zones.
The program calculates the number of cells between well
locations to analyze lateral grid dimension selection. According to regulation documents, program makes a well list with
close sets of wells (less than 3 cells between well locations).
To appreciate lateral parameters distributions in geological
and hydrodynamic models, comparsion of effective saturated
thickness and others maps is used.
Instruments realized in Assistant.Monitoring module allow analyzing the following parameters:
Bottom hole pressure curves for producing wells and
reservoir pressure for regions.
Relative permeability (RP) regions map and vertical
proportion curves for RP regions.
Table of average values and ranges of parameters and
physicochemical characteristics for different PVT regions.
Pore volume and permeability multiplyers dependences on reservoir pressure.
Relative permeability curves for oil-water/oil-gas/water-gas systems for different RP regions.
Irreducible oil and water saturations dependences on
porosity and permeability for different saturation zones.

 , , ( ).
.

PVT-, .

, , ,

.
, , .


, ,
, ,
, .
,
, , ,
( ).
, , ,
,

. . , ,
,
.

- , .
,
, ,
.
, .
Word,

42 | Figure 42
:
+ +
Histogram of free water distribution for different saturation zones

Histograms of irreducible oil and water saturations, free

water and displacement efficiency for different saturation zones.
Displacement efficiency dependence on porosity, permeability and initial saturation for each saturation zone.
Capillary pressure dependence on water saturation for
each RP region.
All of PVT parameters for each PVT region are presented
in the report. Dependences of irreducible saturations and displacement efficiency on reservoir properties are made in the
report also. To analyze initial and boundary conditions there
are tables of parameters for equilibration regions and aquifers.
Comparsion of actual and calculated oil/gas, liquid recoveries, water cut and pressures dynamics are realized for history
matching quality check
Moreover, scatter plots of cumulative and current development parameters on the last calculation date are constructed (in user operating mode it's possible to make out of these
parameters on each user defined date).
Usually, history matching is realized by modifications
of model parameters. Sometimes it causes incorrect and unphysical changes in the model. Assistant.Monitoring module
allows validations of modification methods used in dynamic
models. Dynamics of skin-factor, productivity multipliers and
their vertical distributions are analyzed.
When analyzing of forecast calculations, all regulation
tables, diagrams and maps are represented in the report.
All analysis results may be exported in MS Office application formats Word and Excel as automatically generated report.

, 4/2013

23

43 | Figure 43
, . MS Excel | Example of report in MS Excel

Exel,
.

,
3D- ,

.
, ,
, .
, .
,

.

-
, - .

.
.

, .

24

, 4/2013

In user-based mode there are wide range of program tools,

which allow analyzing of 3D dynamic models of almost any
complexity. This program may be used both by experts of the
state controlling organizations and at each stage of reservoir
simulation.
Potential use of this module is monitoring of dynamic
models taking into account new field data. Due to this feature
users can validate prediction calculations in real time mode.
Assistant.Risks
In the field of automatic inspection of digital models, the
assessment of versions of models plays unique role.
Methods of enhanced recovery and incremental growth of
reserves, workover programs are characterized by the different
operational time, the different degree of risk. Almost always
the questions concerning risks of various solutions are considered. It is due to the uncertainty in geological and geophysical
initial data which play the key role for the production forecast.
Risks here should be understood as the possibility of adverse
situations, additional outgoes relative to the expected during
measures implementation.
Discovery of new fields, collection of data on reservoir
formation and fluid properties, construction of high-quality
geological models depend on competency in interpretation
of data obtained indirectly. Risks for the companies are present both during the prospecting and exploration and during
the further stages of assessment and development of field. It
is especially important due to the fact that the largest and the
most evident deposits are already discovered and drilled. New
prospecting objects are getting smaller and harder to discover.

 , - ()
,
,

, .

,
.
, , , ,
.
- , .
, ,
.

.
. , ,
- , ,
.


.
, .

:
1. ,
:
. .
. .
. .
. ..
2. :
. ,
, .
.
, .
. , ,
.
.
.
3. () .

Software suite for expert assessment of development versions Assistant.Risks are implemented according to the recommendations from Rosneft, Gazprom and Lukoil specialists. It
is designed for analysis of geological and engineering actions
proposed by using digital geological and reservoir models
which is aimed on identification and reduction of risks during
development.
Analysis of risks during engineering design
Analysis of risks could be of two types: quantitative and
qualitative. Qualitative analysis is aimed on determination of
risk factors, areas and types of risks.
In the preparatory phase, the following analysis of the initial data is performed:
1. Initial data integrity, consistency, and quality analysis:
a. Seismic data.
b. Well logging data.
c. Lab data.
d. Field production data etc.
2. Estimation of data density and the degree of confidence
of geological data:
a. Quality assessment of the structural model, consistency
of structural, seismic and well data.
b. Quality assessment of the stratigraphic section, consistency with well logging data.
c. Analysis of the fluid contact surfaces, consistency with
well logging data, test and field data.
d. Quality assessment of the grid averaging of well data.
3. Estimation of data density and the degree of confidence
of reservoir (engineering) data:
a. Fluid analysis, consistency of PVT data and well operation data.
b. Analysis of relative permeability and capillary forces.
c. Analysis of the initial and boundary conditions.
4. Attribution of parameters with the most variable values, estimation of the variation interval, identification of zones
with the most uncertain data.
Then the assessment and analysis of risks of geological and
engineering actions are performed:
1. Development of the set of the models in the variation
interval and construction of the 'pessimistic', 'realistic', and 'optimistic' model with its engineering and economical assessment.
2. Arranging of the risks by the degree of the influence on
the engineering and economical parameters of the development.
3. Selection of the possible engineering variants to reduce
risks.
Assessment of the risks of geological
and engineering actions in wells
Selection of the possible geological and engineering actions
in wells implies choosing of the candidate-well and undertaking
of one or another action in it, determination of the technological parameters of the process. In itself, well is an object with the
system of input data which comprises a lot of variables, such as:
Size of the deposit operational interval.
Initial and current reservoir pressure.

, 4/2013

25

. ,
PVT
.
. .
.
.
4. , , , .
:
1.
: ,
, .
2. - .
3.
.
,


, .
, ,
, :
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.

, , ( , ,
).
- . ,
:
.
.
.

-

26

, 4/2013

Initial and current rate.

Initial and current water-cut.
Initial and current reservoir temperature.
Chemical composition and volume of reactant.
Information on previous actions.
Current conditions of nearby wells etc.

Uncertainty factors are the possible results, i.e. the expected

technological outcome of the geological and engineering actions
carried out (rate change, water-cut, total extra production etc.)
To solve this problem it is recommended to use probabilistic and statistical models.
Experience has shown that it is possible to determine the
parameters displaying efficiency of geological and engineering
actions during planning:
Rate change.
Expected total production.
Lifetime of positive effect.
The ultimate objective of the cost intensive process of development of highly reliable geological and reservoir model is
the maximal reduction of risks during planning of commercial
production based on assessment of depletion and distribution
of reserves, forecast of energy condition of the deposit, calculation of technological parameters of development, design of
geological and engineering actions etc.
In this regard, planning of geological and engineering actions implies estimation of the possible growth of rates in order
to determine commercial viability of such actions. For instance,
for hydraulic fracturing the following factors are estimated: bottom hole pressure, skin factor, geometrical and physical parameters (length, permeability, azimuth, height, width).
Possible values of the above parameters can be estimated
by using well information base, which includes data on previously carried out geological and engineering actions for some
wells. However, some parameters may have not been obtained.
In this case manual reconstruction of data is required.
For instance, if the value of skin-factor is lacking for a well,
then the Dupuit assumption may be involved into consideration
(in the case of known trend rates for the well, bottom hole pressure and reservoir pressure) in order to obtain predicted value of
skin-factor for the whole operation period of the well.
(2)
Such estimation may be obtained by using either trend
equations or formula at each time point.
It is required to be able to undertake operational calculations of the rate growth quickly and efficiently. One of the main
advantages of the considered approach is that time-consuming
reservoir modeling isn't required for the rate change forecasting. There are two methods which may be used for estimation
of the rate change:
Based on statistical models method. It involves data on
previous geological and engineering actions from the information base.


,
, , ..


. ,
: , (, , ,
, ).


,
. ,
. .
, ,
, .

( ,
) - (2).

, .

.
,
.
:
, ,
;

,
(, ) (
).
,
.
,
.
45 , .

44 | Figure 44
(, )
Geological and engineering actions history for wells

45 | Figure 45

( ).

Sensitivity plot (rate growth vs. initial data).
The risk of unprofitability is low

Based on empirical models. It involves modeling (it is

possible to use simplified) of geological and engineering actions by using reservoir simulator (run a series of reservoir
simulations with different parameters).
Then it is needed to assess the influence of the different factors, which we illustrate using the sensitivity plot (rate growth
vs. initial data). As a result of estimation of possible variation
of well parameters and proposed geological and engineering
action, the forecast production is calculated and may be displayed on a spider-chart. On Figure 45, on the horizontal line
there are variations on a percentage base of the initial parameters, on the vertical line there is the value of rate growth. For
each parameter the rate growth is calculated for the cases of
the minimal and maximal value of it. The size of the obtained
area below the line of commercial viability correlates with the
risk of unprofitability.
Therefore,
The method of risk analysis allows to minimize economical losses of unprofitable geological and engineering actions and to estimate expected profit.

, 4/2013

27

.
, .
,


,
.

,
.


.


. :
, -
.
.

..
13.02.2013 . :
1. ,
,
. .
2. ,
, ,
.
, .
3.
.

.
, , , , .
4.
: .

28

, 4/2013

Proposed approach allows to avoid time-consuming

method of iterative search of parameters and to avoid resource-demanding computer simulations.
As a result of such analysis, the convergence between
predicted and actual data on production growth becomes better.
Adaptive approach in modeling allows to improve objectivity of estimation of economical efficiency of geological and
engineering actions. Risk analysis is closely related to the optimization of variants, therefore, it is required to undertake a
lot of short-term simplified simulations using the integrated
geological and reservoir model. The above actions allow to
formalize in details risk criteria and to automate risk calculation.

Conclusion
Vladimir Putin held a meeting of the Commission for
Strategic Development of the Fuel and Energy Sector and
Environmental Security. He made a point of solution of the
following problems:
1. Further, all subsoil resource users must comply with
the field development rules and fully extract reserves across
the whole territory and not simply 'skim off the cream'. Above
all of course, this means using the right technology.
2. We should introduce obligatory rules for developing
and exploring fields, and of course fields should go through a
very thorough comprehensive evaluation right at the first stage
of project development. All factors influencing production
effectiveness should be taken into account.
3. In this regard, I ask you to look at the matter of granting
Rosnedra [Russian subsoil resources agency] the powers to
carry out state evaluation studies. The central commission for
approving project feasibility studies should become a collegial
body that will include representatives from the ministries and
agencies, the companies, and also environmentalists, scientists,
and experts.
4. In conclusion, I want to say once more that not all of the
Commissions decisions have been implemented. In this regard,
I ask the Commission staff to work constantly on making sure
that decisions are actually implemented, and report immediately
on all cases of red tape and bureaucratic delays

 , 4/2013

29