Changes

Fluid flow in a reservoir is controlled by bed continuity, the presence of baffles to flow, and the [[permeability]] distribution (see [[Fundamentals of fluid flow]]). Reservoir heterogeneities influencing fluid flow range from large scale faults and discontinuities down to thin shale intercalations, sedimentary structures, and even pore scale features ([[:file:reservoir-modeling-for-simulation-purposes_fig1.png|Figure 1]]).

Fluid flow in a reservoir is controlled by bed continuity, the presence of baffles to flow, and the [[permeability]] distribution (see [[Fundamentals of fluid flow]]). Reservoir heterogeneities influencing fluid flow range from large scale faults and discontinuities down to thin shale intercalations, sedimentary structures, and even pore scale features ([[:file:reservoir-modeling-for-simulation-purposes_fig1.png|Figure 1]]).

[[file:reservoir-modeling-for-simulation-purposes_fig1.png|thumb|{{figure number|1}}Classification of reservoir heterogeneity types.]]

[[file:reservoir-modeling-for-simulation-purposes_fig1.png|300px|thumb|{{figure number|1}}Classification of reservoir heterogeneity types.]]

Simulation studies (see [[Conducting a reservoir simulation study: an overview]]) performed at early stages of field development are done to estimate parameters such as optimal well spacing, while at later stages the objectives may be infill drilling or secondary recovery. The role of the geologist is to provide reservoir models that give a sufficient description of those parameters that control the fluid flow relevant to the planned simulation study.<ref name=pt10r14>Harris, D. G., 1975, The role of geology in reservoir simulation studies: Journal of Petroleum Technology, May, p. 625–632.</ref> The key to effective and economic field development planning lies in early recognition of those reservoir characteristics that control drive mechanisms, sweep efficiency, and consequently, well spacing requirements and possible need for pressure support. The significance of the various heterogeneity types for oil recovery is summarized in Table 1, where • denotes a strong effect, and × a moderate effect.

Simulation studies (see [[Conducting a reservoir simulation study: an overview]]) performed at early stages of field development are done to estimate parameters such as optimal well spacing, while at later stages the objectives may be infill drilling or secondary recovery. The role of the geologist is to provide reservoir models that give a sufficient description of those parameters that control the fluid flow relevant to the planned simulation study.<ref name=pt10r14>Harris, D. G., 1975, The role of geology in reservoir simulation studies: Journal of Petroleum Technology, May, p. 625–632.</ref> The key to effective and economic field development planning lies in early recognition of those reservoir characteristics that control drive mechanisms, sweep efficiency, and consequently, well spacing requirements and possible need for pressure support. The significance of the various heterogeneity types for oil recovery is summarized in Table 1, where • denotes a strong effect, and × a moderate effect.