Collaborative Geo-Engineering Reservoir Characterization and Modeling on the Web

W. Lynn Watney, John H. Doveton, Timothy R. Carr, Geoffrey C. Bohling, John Victorine, JP Pakalapati, Saibal Bhattacharya, Alan P. Byrnes, Glen Gagnon, Ken Stalder, Melissa Moore, Martin K. Dubois, Willard J. Guy, and Kurt Look.
Kansas Geological Survey

Abstract

Public domain and proprietary digital warehousing of borehole logs, core analyses, production, and well tests have become increasingly available on the Web. This information sets in motion new strategies to re-explore and re-develop mature areas to find bypassed, underproduced, and previously subtle and uneconomic pay. Web-based reservoir modeling software such as the free, public-domain GEMINI (Geo-Engineering Modeling through Internet Informatics) establishes password-protected projects, workflow, and tutorials to help the online user gather data on-the-fly and perform real-time, interactive collaborative modeling of reservoirs. Java applets used in the applications require a minimal-sized PC and internet access.
Initial screening of reservoir performance and prospective pay prediction can quickly narrow the search space to focus efforts toward enhanced recovery opportunities. Once targets are identified, collaborative users can perform integrated geologic and engineering modeling including iterative approaches and scenario testing. Software tools include core analysis modeling, log analysis, production and DST analysts, PVT, volumetrics, and material balance. The refined reservoir characterization and associated economics can be used to identify appropriate recovery technologies. Access to web-based modeling, particularly for small independent oil and gas producers, will encourage use of robust reservoir parameters and models in decision making and in fluid flow simulations. Additional functions in GEMINI provide the means to export results for use in other applications.