Dick Barden, Vertex Petroleum Systems
By coupling the communications power of the internet with the latest in reservoir simulation technology, it is now feasible to direct oil and gas field development in near real-time, using a continuously updated computer model that matches and reflects the actual rates and pressure data observed in the field. While quarterly or monthly updates are probably sufficient in most cases, operators have the option of updating the model weekly or even daily in order to meet the needs of each situation. This ground breaking approach can remove much of the risk from evaluating well completions, optimizing the location of offset and infill wells, predicting reservoir pressures, flow rates, reservoir drainage patterns, identifying the most effective completion methods, well spacing patterns and many other field management decisions. This paper illustrates how this kind of dynamic reservoir simulation can be implemented, even for small, remote production locations, and it cites examples of where this has already been tried, the results that were obtained and describes the experience of those who have actually implemented this approach. The capability now exists for operators, regardless of size or location, to model every new development well (prior to drilling), identify the most cost-efficient reservoir drainage plan and adjust that plan in an ongoing manner based on actual field/well behavior.