Multiphysics fluid monitoring: Toward targeted monitoring design under uncertainty

Abstract

Properly designed multiphysics measurements program can improve the accuracy of fluid front monitoring (FFM) by combining tools with various spatial resolutions and desired contrast in time-lapse measurements, consequently enabling better sweep efficiency and increased oil recovery. We have introduced a new workflow for multiphysics FFM feasibility studies that determines the suitability of measurements considered for monitoring and enables informed decision making on where, when, and how often the measurements need to be performed. The workflow integrates petrophysically and thermodynamically consistent multiphysics responses for seismic, electromagnetic, and neutron capture measurements. We argue that, in the presence of multiple sources of uncertainty, reservoir performance should be analyzed from a 4D probabilistic standpoint, rather than just by looking at a traditional spread in cumulative production curves. Consequently, the monitoring program should be designed around our understanding of reservoir 4D probabilistic performance through consistent multiphysics modeling. We have developed a set of approaches to enable addressing both tasks on a single platform with all relevant sources of uncertainties including parametric and model uncertainties in effective medium modeling and reservoir simulation. The developed workflow is illustrated using the ISAPP Field Development Optimization Challenge benchmark data set introduced in 2017.