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Geomechanical Reservoir Simulations – A Workflow for Model Building and Validation
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, International EAGE Workshop on Geomechanics and Energy, Nov 2013, cp-369-00030
- ISBN: 978-90-73834-61-3
Abstract
On the reservoir-scale the orientation and magnitude of the tectonic stress field can vary substantially due to lithological variations and faults. The workflow presented in this paper can be used to build 3D geomechanical reservoir models which serve as a tool to predict such perturbations in recent and paleo stress fields. Modeling utilizes the Finite Element (FE) method and requires two independent data sets: input data (subsurface geometry, mechanical properties, boundary conditions) and calibration data (actual stress measurements). Following set-up of the reservoir model in the FE code the stresses calculated during an initial model run are compared to the stresses observed in well data. If necessary, poorly constrained input parameters can be iteratively tuned until a good fit between modeling results and reality is achieved. This validated geomechanical reservoir model can then be used for stress and fracture predictions in the undrilled parts of the reservoir.