Validation of Models for Depletion in High Contrast Systems

Upscaling of high-resolution geologic models is a useful technique to improve computational flow simulation efficiency, with the challenges of retaining model heterogeneity and subsurface uncertainty. This work extends the recently developed diffuse source upscaling techniques for high contrast systems to pressure transient models of flow, and to determine the impact of averaging sub-volume on the flow capacity (half-cell transmissibility). Examples from selected layers in the SPE 10 benchmark model are presented to demonstrate the concepts. Several models of depletion were compared, and flow characterization was obtained for high contrast geologic model (SPE10) upscaling. Diffuse source upscaling was found to be consistent with a new pressure transient upscaling calculation in many of the upscaling regions but may over-estimate the pressure depletion in less well-connected regions. The new PT upscaling approach makes fewer approximations than the DS calculation and is expected to provide improved upscaling accuracy.