This work navigates through a selection of examples and geomodeled case studies from an unconventional portfolio of development projects, illustrating comprehensive reasons why the geomodels, considered as a translation of the geological knowledge into meaningful numerical models, could have a remarkable impact in operational and business decisions. The study exposes the importance of geomodelling to support the understanding of the reservoir performance towards a more profitable decisions making, emphasizing the value of creating a robust geological foundation which in most of the cases is hidden or under considered due to the rapid lifecycle project environment linked to the unconventional developments.
The method proposes a holistic approach from a subsurface perspective, geomodel based, displaying real examples from some Repsol assets. The procedure shows arguments to adapt the geomodelling process to the specific scope of work framed within a background project in a limited time schedule. The rationale is that not only geological elements need to be considered before starting modelling but other essential information relative to well performance or land and facilities layout, could define a different economic scenario and hence a different geomodelling strategy. Each geomodel aims to serve a specific purpose in which the workflow was defined to fulfill. The method seeks a major integration of all the data coming up from several disciplines involved in Unconventionals development, providing a robust reservoir background and solid foundation to calibrate prediction algorithms and to support multivariate analysis.
The results show different geomodelling workflows, outcomes and processes which have boosted specific decision making. The observations coming out from this analysis emphasize on 3D model deliverables, centered in a meaningful numerical model, with decisive outcomes impacting other disciplines and processes. The results from the case studies exhibit how property maps translated into well geo statistics, grids, fault framework, hydrocarbon in place, uncertainty and sensitivity assessments, influence and support the definition and understanding of Type Curves, fracture simulation response, well history match, staggering options, production allocation or depletion patterns. One of the most basic applications of geomodelling, which is the assistance on well navigation on target and the support for operational risk assessment and mitigations, will be displayed too as part of the results.