UNISIM-III: Benchmark Case Proposal Based on a Fractured Karst Reservoir

The significant world oil reserves related to fractured karst reservoirs in Brazilian pre-salt fields adds new frontiers to the (1) development of numerical methods for upscale giant fields with multiscale heterogeneities, (2) history matching and production strategy optimization under critical uncertainties and (3) forecast of the future reservoir performance. However, there is a lack of benchmark models with a heterogeneous dynamic behavior typical from fractured karst reservoirs, to develop and validate novel numerical methods. This work presents a simulation benchmark model, available as public domain data, which represents a fractured carbonate karst reservoir and add a great opportunity to test new methodologies for reservoir development and management using numerical simulation.

The work structure is divided in three steps: (1) development of a reference model, a fine grid model with high level of geologic details, treated as the real field, (2) development of a simulation model under uncertainties considering an initial stage of the field development phase, and, (3) elaboration of a benchmark proposal for studies related to the oil field development and production strategy selection. Based on the available information from well logs, several uncertainty attributes were considered in structural framework, facies and petrophysical properties. Dynamic, economic and technical uncertainties were also considered. The reference model is a giant field divided by two stratigraphic zones - the upper zone characterized by stromatolites and the lower one by coquinas. Moreover, the model is characterized by two regions with karst features near the horizons surfaces and a cluster of fractures near faults. Volcanic rocks and high permeable trends near faults are included as non-mapped uncertainties in the simulation model, as the information from well logs at the initial stage of field development does not intercept this geologic attribute. This approach will lead to several challenges on reservoir development and management.

As this benchmark is representative of a giant field, it is divided in four sectors. Sector 1 has already a production strategy defined, aiming studies regarding field management. The strategy considers WAG (water alternate gas/CO2) as recovery mechanism and the presence of 13 wells in a first wave (6 producers and 7 injectors), and other 4 wells can be added in a second wave. Field development studies can be applied in the other sectors.

This Benchmark provides a great opportunity for develop and test novel numerical methods in giant reservoirs with geologic and dynamic pre-salt trends.