Local Grid Refinement

Local grid refinement is a technique which aims to provide improved accuracy in sub-regions of a reservoir simulation study. HEINEMANN et al (1983) discuss dynamic grid refinement to improve the resolution at flood fronts. However, most papers on the subject published since MROSOVSKY et al (1973) focus on enhanced accuracy near wells. The objective is to develop efficient techniques for field scale studies with full resolution of awkward coning effects near troublesome production wells. Figure 1 illustrates typical radial and Cartesian refinements required by reservoir engineers. Growing interest in the application of horizontal wells gives added impetus to the technology. Recent work in local grid refinement has been reviewed by EWING et al (1989).