Forecasting well performance in a discontinuous tight oil reservoir using Artificial Neural Networks

Y. Bansal, T. Ertekin, Z. Karpyn, L. Ayala, A. Nejad, Fnu Suleen, O. Balogun, D. Liebmann, Q. Sun

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

Improving the economics of the production and development of an unconventional reservoir system is a key to meeting increased demand for hydrocarbons in the near future. In general, reservoir development is vastly assisted by using hard-computing models to evaluate the potential of the formation. These models have been used to identify infill drilling locations and forecast production. However, preparing the simulation models for discontinuous tight oil reservoir systems poses a challenge with hard-computing protocols. This paper discusses a methodology developed to depict the production characteristics of a reservoir via the geological properties of the reservoir. The methodology discussed in the paper is time efficient and is proven to generate effective results. The methodology discussed in the paper utilizes Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to map the existing complex relationships between seismic data, well logs, completion parameters and production characteristics. ANNs developed in this work are used to forecast oil, water and gas cumulative production for a two year period. The results obtained are also extended to identify potential infill drilling locations. This work enables the practicing engineer and the geoscientist to analyze an entire reservoir in a time efficient manner. The workflow is demonstrated on a discontinuous tight oil reservoir located in West Texas. The results discussed in the paper show the robust nature of the methodology. The workflow also helps in improving the resolution of the production surfaces which help in identifying productive, yet undrilled, locations in the reservoir. The production surface for the entire field is forecasted within a one minute time frame (-6600 locations). The method developed will help in avoiding low producing wells prior to drilling, and thus, is expected to help in the economic development of complex tight oil reservoirs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSociety of Petroleum Engineers - SPE USA Unconventional Resources Conference 2013
PublisherSociety of Petroleum Engineers
Pages239-250
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9781627481786
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
EventSPE USA Unconventional Resources Conference 2013 - The Woodlands, TX, United States
Duration: Apr 10 2012Apr 12 2012

Publication series

NameSociety of Petroleum Engineers - SPE USA Unconventional Resources Conference 2013

Other

OtherSPE USA Unconventional Resources Conference 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityThe Woodlands, TX
Period4/10/124/12/12

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

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