In principle, upscaling introduces losses of heterogeneity and connectivity. These are minimized using appropriate upscaling design. Nevertheless, even for 2 layer combinations, these losses are inevitable. Artifical fluid flow was introduced in the coarse scale model due to upscaling. CONNECT-Transmod address this issue and provide transmissibility adjustment to reduce or eliminate the problem.
In restoring the connectivity of fine scale model into the coarse scale model, CONNECT-Transmod requires the data related to both fine scale and coarse scale models. Specifically, the program needs the structure, permeability and definition of non-reservoir rock from the fine scale, and structure, permeability, and upscale layer design of the coarse model.
Upon completing connectivity evaluation in the fine scale model, CONNECT-Transmod produces 3D properties (transmissibility or transmissibility multipliers in x,y,z directions) within the coarse scale model. These properties can be visualized in PETREL. Subsequently, they can be exported to any flow simulator to correct the transmissibility calculated by the simulator during flow simulation run.
In the case where sub-optimum number of layers were used to generate coarse scale model, even though it provided significant improvement to compared to the proportional method, the use of CONNECT-UpGrid by itself may not be able to perfectly match the performance of fine scale model. For such case, CONNECT-Transmod have been tested for different field conditions and produces near perfect result.
CONNECT is an Ocean plug-in that facilitates reservoir description and assessment by providing connectivity between :
CONNECT consists of two plug-ins to design optimum vertical layering, CONNECT-UpGrid, and to preserve geologic connectivity, CONNECT-TransMod, of your fine scale reservoir models. With CONNECT you get 90% accuracy of your fine scale dynamic behavior with 10% of your model size, which translates into 100 times faster flow simulations.
Transferring fine scale grids to coarse scale grid requires upscaling of fine scale properties. Upscaling individual coarse grids may not allow you to properly account for connectivity across these grids based on fine scale model. This can result in overly optimistic performance when the model is coarsened. CONNECT-TransMod provides a simple procedure where the fine scale transmissibilites are preserved in an upscaled model. Running the program provides modified transmissibilites which can be used as an input a flow simulator, such as ECLIPSE. Adjusting connectivity results in significant improvements in preserving fine scale dynamic behavior in the upscaled model. Using this model in association with CONNECT-UpGrid would allow the user to significantly upscale geological models while preserving their dynamic characteristics.
To request for an evaluation or to purchase the Perpetual License, please contact Kelkar and Associates, Inc.
ECCN: US origin, EAR99