Bridging Static and Dynamic Scales: An Innovative Permeability Modelling

Accurate permeability modelling remains one of the most critical and challenging components in reservoir simulation, especially in mature, structurally complex oil fields. This challenge is amplified by the disparity in scale and resolution across various permeability data sources—ranging from core and log measurements to dynamic data from pressure transient analysis (PTA) and drill stem tests (DST). Each data type captures permeability at different investigation scales, introducing uncertainty in how best to reconcile and integrate these measurements for simulation purposes.

This paper presents a fit-for-purpose, integrated approach to permeability modelling for a 35-year-old mature oil field in Southeast Asia, characterized by high structural and stratigraphic heterogeneity. The methodology systematically combines dynamic permeability data (from DSTs) with core and log-based static permeability inputs. A key innovation is the use of a DST-based permeability “booster map” to guide zonal and areal permeability multipliers in the simulation model, ensuring consistency with observed well test responses.

The paper outlines a practical workflow applied during the history matching process, demonstrating how dynamically tuned permeability improves the alignment of simulated and observed production performance. This integrated methodology enhances predictive confidence in future development scenarios and supports robust optimization of reservoir management strategies.