A New Object-Based Algorithm To Simulate Geometrical and Petrophysical Turbidite Channel Properties

Abstract

Summary An object-based algorithm that models turbidite channels using training images, called skeleton-based simulation or SKESIM, is proposed in this study. These images are interpreted as a graph and used to extract the statistical distribution of parameters selected from the graph. From this information, a 3D model of turbidite channel systems was built. These channels were generated within the turbidite lobe, creating a simulated depositional system. After the geometry of the channels were simulated by SKESIM, the petrophysical properties were mapped by Gaussian-like distributions. Numerical simulations were used to fit the simulated permeability field to a reference case through an objective function. A commercial finite difference simulator was used to compare the reference data to the simulated data, and comparable results were obtained.