Reservoir Characterization-Geostatistical Modeling of the Paleocene Zelten Carbonate Reservoir. Case study: Meghil Field, Sirte Basin, Libya

Abstract

Geostatistical-based models provide a considerable improvement for predictive reliability of dynamic models and the following reservoir management decisions. This study focuses on geostatistical modeling the Paleocene Zelten Carbonate reservoir in the Meghil field. The field was discovered in 1959 and production operations began in 1961. Nineteen wells have been drilled to date. The structural framework consists of three slightly asymmetrical anticlinal structures trending NW-SE with steeper dip on the SW flanks. Each of the structures are separated by major normal faults. Seismic interpretation suggests that carbonate build-ups are most likely present on the three separate structures. Edge detection was used to clarify the structural geometries and the presence of additional minor faults. Pillar gridding technique was used to develop the structural framework including four major faults that are partially sealed based on analysis of the available DST and production test data. Stratigraphic analysis indicates a local presentation of dolomitic limestone in the northern portion of the main and the western structures caused considerable litho-facies variation that impacted the distribution of the petrophysical properties. Basic and advanced formation evaluation the net reservoir thickness of about 15 feet with an average porosity of 17% and average water saturation of 35%. Geostatistical-based applications that combine the spatial statistics (e.g. the semivariogram) and the available well and core data were used to populate the reservoir model with porosity, permeability, facies (lithology), net/gross, and water saturation. A conceptual facies model was also used to constrain the reservoir property distributions. Sequential Gaussian Simulation (SGS) was used to populate the model with porosity and water saturation and Sequential Indicator Simulation (SIS) was used to populate the facies model with permeability. The modeling parameters (e.g. semivariogram, correlation coefficients) were significantly constrained by the limited number of wells. Based on the limited number of wells available the semivariogram analysis resulted in a spherical semivariogram model with major axis range of 1435 meters for porosity and 1800 meters for water saturation. Minor axis ranges were about 50% of the major axis ranges. Given the limited well data, a significant effort was made to document the potential impact of the semivariogram parameters on the original hydrocarbon in place (OHIP) estimates and the lateral stratigraphic continuity of reservoir properties. The deterministic approach resulted in place volume estimates of 60 MMBBL and the stochastic approach provided an estimate of 45 MMBBL.