An Innovative AI Physics Hybrid Technology to Overcome the Time-Intensive History Matching Challenges, A Case Study: Minagish Oil Field

Abstract

Abstract Reservoir simulation is the main factor in decisions made by oil companies in reservoir management. However, the simulation of huge and complex oil reservoirs through a time-saving and high-accuracy method is the primary concern in reservoir simulation. In this study, a novel AI-Physics hybrid model was proposed for combining with the traditional reservoir simulation to overcome the time-intensive history matching challenges. A combination of classical numerical simulation and deep learning neural network was applied to train the hybrid model with historical data. As a result, a model was obtained with predictive capabilities to forecast the field's behavior. Then, we combined AI-Physics history training with blind test prediction calculation of remaining oil maps. Finally, forecast scenario definitions based on the remaining oil map were created by the AI-Physic model. The proposed novel simulation method can reduce the history matching and scenario assessment time by 90 to 95%. According to its capabilities, three improved forecast scenarios were created based on a predefined scenario. These improved scenarios can produce a significant million standard barrels more oil than the original development scenario within three years. This technology eliminates limitations for multiple scenario assessments. In our AI hybrid model, the power of dynamic reservoir simulation is combined with a modern machine learning approach to "Evergreen" forecasts in reservoir assets. Consequently, the simulation resulted in a sub-optimal shortcut between model updates and inconsistencies in production forecasting. Moreover, applying deep learning methods to focus on the critical reservoir properties intelligently leads to tremendous time-saving in the static model update life cycle. In fact, with this novel simulation that we implemented, the new production data could be incorporated within minutes to regenerate more reliable and up-to-date forecasts. This simulation generates ‘up-to-date’ remaining hydrocarbon maps interactively, so the operator can continuously optimize the infill drilling locations between Field Development Plan (FDP) cycles.