Three-Dimensional Reservoir Modeling Using Stochastic Simulation, a Case Study of an East African Oil Field

Abstract

This paper presents a three-dimensional geological reservoir model created using stochastic simulation. The oil field presented is an East African oil field formed by a structural trap. Data analysis and transformations were conducted on the properties before simulation. The variogram was used to measure the spatial correlation of cell-based facies modeling, and porosity and permeability modeling. Two main lithologies were modelled using sequential indicator simulation, sand and shale. Sand had a percentage of 26.8% and shale of 73.2%. There was a clear property distribution trend of sand and shale from the southwest to the northeastern part of a reservoir. The distribution trend of the facies resembled the proposed depositional model of the reservoir. Simulations show that average porosity and permeability of the reservoir are about 20% and 1004 mD, respectively. Average water saturation was 64%. STOIIP volume of 689.42 MMbbls was calculated. The results of simulation showed that the south eastern part of the reservoir holds higher volumes of oil. In conclusion, the model gave a better geological understanding of the geology of the area and can be used for decision making about the future development of the reservoir, prediction performance and uncertainty analysis.