Well logs, fluid production, and geologic and simulation models are required to maximize efficient and cost-effective decision-making.
To ensure accurate characterization of reservoir conditions and to maximize efficient and cost-effective decision-making, the integration of many sources of data, including well log data, fluid production data, and geologic models are required. Often, the sheer volume of data generated is a significant challenge to the process, as geoscientists and engineers work to integrate the various sources of information into a single, coherent model. This is further complicated by the fact that the data commonly is provided in a variety of formats using a variety of software applications.
Accurate reservoir models require data from many sources, especially well logs for rock attributes. While each source alone is subject to limitations and weaknesses, the dataset as a whole is strengthened the more sources there are. The challenge then, is in the integration and analysis of these large volumes of diverse data such that the reservoir model emerges clearly from the confusion.
Analyzing Well Log Data
Well logs are one of the most fundamental data types for reservoir characterization in the oil and gas industry. The collection of physical rock properties from the subsurface is essential and enables detailed geological and petrophysical interpretation required for accurate reservoir characterization.
Well log data is usually collected via direct downhole measurement, or derived from those measurements by a suite of analytical tools. Each log within a log suite has a different purpose and is used differently during interpretation. However, it is essential that each log be considered as supplemental to each other, with no single dataset providing the entire suite of information necessary for accurate reservoir characterization.
A robust visualization tool can assist with analyzing multiple logs simultaneously. Generally plotting multiple log curves on a panel is useful to see any correlations between multiple curves. However, a visualization tool can bring additional features to the geoscientist. Filtering one or more log curves to various cutoffs help focus the data for interpretation. Lathe plots can also be valuable when partnered with filtering and coloring of other logs. Creation of supplemental cross-plots are also valuable to the log interpreter, especially when linked live with the coloring and filtering in a 3D environment.
Several limitations exist working with log data, the rock properties and data collected are limited in that they represent conditions valid within only a few feet of the wellbore itself and at a single point in time. As such, the point data nature of well logs means that conditions between wells must be extrapolated and this results in a level of uncertainty that can lead to costly mischaracterization.
Decreasing Uncertainty With Visualization
To decrease the level of uncertainty resulting from data extrapolation between well borings, 3D seismic reflection data as an additional source of information can be invaluable. Data from both the seismic cube and the well logs not only serve as a check on one another but can provide the robust dataset necessary for an accurate and expansive characterization of reservoir properties.
The collection of 3D seismic data allows for more efficient and accurate decision-making, which becomes even more critical as the reservoirs evolve and mature. The integration of subsequent seismic data collected over time can allow for surveillance of reservoir evolution, a task limited by the types of static subsurface data provided by well logs. However, the compilation and interpretation of these vast amounts of static and time-varying data into a successful reservoir model remain a significant barrier.
The solution to this problem is an intuitive data visualization software package that can integrate diverse static and temporal data into a single, flexible visualization environment. CoViz 4D by Dynamic Graphics, Inc. is capable of seamless integration of subsurface data, facilitating accurate and efficient analysis and interpretation.
Data Integration With CoViz 4D
Vendor-neutral CoViz 4D is a fully georeferenced, analytical 4D visualization tool capable of simultaneously displaying a wide variety of data types, including:
- time-lapse seismic survey data
- geologic models
- well log data
- fluid production data
- reservoir properties
- 4D reservoir simulations
- drilling hazards
The software allows for the direct import of data from many commonly used applications into a data registry. The registry is organized by data type, which allows each discipline expert to easily manage relevant data. The program then allows the multidisciplinary team to easily manipulate, visualize, and analyze the integrated data. Further, CoViz 4D’s flexible visualization environment also offers advanced features to facilitate data interpretation and analysis, including: statistical analysis, volumetric calculations, data filtering and scaling options, and model-based cross-section generation.
CoViz 4D is the ideal platform to integrate, visualize, cross-correlate, and analyze varying spatial and temporal datasets for an accurate and comprehensive characterization of complicated reservoir relationships. This also facilitates thorough understanding of bypassed pay and near wellbore reservoir problems. These capabilities can significantly increase decision-making efficacies and efficiencies, leading to major cost-savings over time.
CoViz 4D, a data visualization analytics software from Dynamic Graphics, Inc., gives oil and gas professionals the ability to easily access and combine all relevant data associated with petroleum assets. Powerful visualization capabilities enable you to explore data relationships, calculate and show inferred data, and analyze how data changes over time, allowing your team to confidently make decisions on the field that positively impact profit and reduce operational risk. To learn more about CoViz 4D, contact our team.
