Rock/Fluid Characterization and Their Integration - Implications on Reservoir Management

M.M. Honarpour, SPE, N.R. Nagarajan, SPE, and K. Sampath, SPE, ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co.

The flow performance of hydrocarbon reservoirs is controlled largely by rock and fluid properties, their variation and rock/fluid interactions. In this paper, we highlight the rock- and fluid-data needs for various production processes with an emphasis on quality control (QC) and efficient data management. We stress the need for an integrated and a multidisciplinary approach to rock and fluid characterization to minimize measurement uncertainty. Such an approach will ensure reliable rock and fluid data that are required for the determination of accurate volumes in place, reliable recovery factors, and realistic development plans, thus minimizing technical risks and maximizing the economic value of the hydrocarbon assets. Also discussed are the effects of uncertainties in rock and fluid properties on reservoir-performance prediction. The importance of reservoir surveillance through periodic coring, fluid sampling, and testing as well as reservoir simulation for data validation and refinement is further emphasized. Finally, worldwide field examples of sandstone and carbonate reservoirs containing black oil, volatile oil, and gas/condensates are presented to highlight these points.

Distinguished Author Series - SPE 103358

Mehdi Matt Honarpour, SPE, is a senior engineering adviser with ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co. in Houston. He holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in petroleum engineering from the U. of Missouri. Honarpour serves as the Chairperson of SPEREE Review Committee and has served as the chairperson of the SPE Special Series Committee. N.R. Nagarajan, SPE, is an engineering associate at ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co. with 22 years of experience in the oil industry. He holds a PhD degree in physics and has served on program committees and the Forum Series for SPE. Krishnaswamy Sampath, SPE, is the Reservoir Div. Manager at ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co. in Houston. He has served on program committees for the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition and as a technical editor for SPE journals.