CoViz 4D: Data Visualization and Analysis Software for Reservoir Simulations

Petroleum engineers have long recognized the value of reservoir simulation software products from companies such as Landmark (Halliburton), Schlumberger, and CMG to model reservoir performance. With volumes of subsurface data and these powerful modeling tools, reservoir engineers create simulations to more closely depict reservoir structural, petrophysical, fluid, and production characteristics. Improved models provide better estimates of reserves and guide economic and operational decisions to maximize recovery.

CoViz 4D Enhances the Value of Reservoir Simulation Software

Continually Improve Reservoir Simulation Models

CoViz 4D greatly enhances the value of models created with reservoir simulation software in two ways. First, via integration and visualization of all relevant data to provide a more detailed understanding of reservoir conditions and establish an initial recovery estimate. Second, the ability to compare reservoir simulation models against changing reservoir conditions with the goal of continually refining the model to reflect reservoir performance and update estimated ultimate recovery.

Evaluate Reservoir Simulation Models in Context of Other Subsurface Data

CoViz 4D enables engineers to combine reservoir simulations with other relevant subsurface data such as static reservoir properties, structural models, microseismic data, and well logs to create a 3D visualization of reservoir conditions.

By visualizing reservoir models and other subsurface data to create a single geospatial volume, asset teams are able to analyze their data and compare interpretations in conjunction with other disciplines’ data. With a more detailed understanding of data interdependencies and modeling assumptions, asset teams can then refine simulation variables to more closely approximate reservoir characteristics.

Conduct Seismic History Matching to Refine Simulation Models

CoViz 4D also provides cross-plots, regression analysis, other statistical methods to opens in a new windowcompare time-series seismic responses against a predicted reservoir simulation model to determine if predictions are consistent with seismic monitor surveys.

CoViz 4D uses petrophysical properties, fluid saturations, and pressure data obtained from a reservoir simulation and computes time-variant petroelastic properties (seismic velocity and density) for a reservoir interval. The petroelastic model can then be used in forward modeling of synthetic seismic response of the reservoir under changing reservoir conditions.

By qualitatively and quantitatively comparing a 4D synthetic response model with actual 4D seismic response dataopens PDF file , asset teams can determine if the current reservoir simulation model needs to be modified to more closely match the 4D seismic data. Whether the modification is as simple as changing the average porosity or as complex as updating a full depositional model of a sandstone reservoir in the simulation, CoViz 4D facilitates the iterative process of refining models for a closer approximation of reservoir performance.

When all data—static and temporal, including simulation models, geology, seismic, wells, annulus recordings, and logs—can be combined and viewed over time, engineers can then explore complex relationships to test various hypotheses, compare scenarios, and develop the appropriate operational strategies to maximize recovery.

Develop Reservoir Simulation Models With the Help of CoViz 4D

Reservoir simulation software is critical to the understanding and management of hydrocarbon assets. Simulation is an iterative process that relies on known and inferred data and the analytic skills of each member of the asset management team to correctly interpret the information. CoViz 4D leverages the data and the skills of all members of a reservoir management team. Providing a collaborative visualization and analytic environment that integrates reservoir simulation models with relevant subsurface data facilitates cross-checking of reservoir simulation models. The combination of reservoir simulation software and CoViz 4D greatly simplifies and enhances the process of developing and refining models to guide reservoir management.