Geologic Modelling for Reservoir Simulation: Hanifa Reservoir, Berri Field, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

A 3-D geologic model of the Hanifa reservoir was constructed using sequence stratigraphic principles and facies to control the distribution of porosity and permeability. The reservoir had been previously interpreted as having "layer cake" stratigraphy based on correlation of similar lithologies and similar appearing porosity inflections. The new geologic model incorporates a field-wide gamma ray correlation over 55 km from the non-reservoir rocks to the main producing area of the field. The gamma ray correlation produced a previously unrecognized reservoir geometry consisting of a high stand systems tract, a shelf (ramp) margin wedge, and a transgressive systems tract. This model represents our first 3-D geologic model based on sequence stratigraphy. This geologic model has been used successfully in reservoir simulation and field operations.The reservoir consists of skeletal sands and stromatoporoid boundstone complexes to the north that grade to non-reservoir mudstones to the south. The reservoir was divided into 45 geologic layers. Core descriptions led to mapping facies distribution within each geologic layer. A 3-D lithofacies model was constructed and used as a template to calculate and assemble porosity and permeability models. A water-saturation model was also constructed based on facies specific J-functions. The geologic horizons were then grouped into 20 flow layers as the geologic front end into reservoir simulation. 517The resulting geologic model has improved the Hanifa reservoir simulation by defining previously unrecognized reservoir geometries and providing the detailed resolution that enabled engineers and geologists to identify and understand the geologic attributes controlling fluid movement. The flood front has moved preferentially through grainstones in the highstand systems tract by crossing layer boundaries. Fluid flow has been impeded within layers that are dominated by boundstones, wackestones or mudstones.

Importance of Sequence Stratigraphic Concepts in Development of Reservoir Architecture in Upper Jurassic Grainstones, Hadriya and Hanifa Reservoirs, Saudi Arabia

“…The models provide reliable templates for porosities and permeabilities to be distributed throughout the reservoirs [4,7].…”

Three-dimensional morphometric analysis and statistical distribution of the Early Kimmeridgian Hanifa Formation stromatoporoid/coral buildups, central Saudi Arabia

“…Subsurface equivalent porosity and permeability of the modeled facies (Kompanik et al, 1993;Lucia et al, 2001;Al-Khalifah and Makkawi, 2002). analog to the typical state of Middle Eastern field developments (Vahrenkamp et al, 2019).…”

MPP Simulation of Complex Water Encroachment in a Large Carbonate Reservoir in Saudi Arabia

“…5 Facies patterns developed in broad east-west oriented bands that grade from algal grainstones in the north to lime mudstones in the south. 5 Facies patterns developed in broad east-west oriented bands that grade from algal grainstones in the north to lime mudstones in the south.…”