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Method of generating 3-D geologic models incorporating geologic and geophysical constraints

  • US 5,838,634 A
  • Filed: 12/09/1996
  • Issued: 11/17/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/04/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of forming a geologic model of a subsurface earth reservoir of interest based on lithofacies and porosity data obtained from wells in the reservoir and seismic traces obtained from seismic survey data, said geologic model being arranged into an assigned number of model blocks in a three-dimensional array corresponding to the reservoir, comprising the steps of:

  • forming a tentative geologic model by assigning obtained lithofacies and porosity values to model blocks where well data are present and by assigning estimated lithofacies and porosity values to model blocks where well data are not present;

    forming synthetic seismic traces based on model block values of lithofacies and porosity, taking into account fluid saturation;

    forming a statistical measure indicative of the match between the synthetic seismic traces and the obtained seismic traces;

    forming measures indicative of the distribution of lithofacies and porosity values within the tentative geologic model;

    comparing the measures so formed with specified criteria to determine if the degree of agreement is acceptable;

    retaining the current tentative geologic model if it is determined acceptable during said step of comparing;

    forming a new tentative geologic model by perturbing the lithofacies and porosity values within the current tentative geologic model if said current tentative geologic model is determined unacceptable during said step of comparing; and

    iteratively repeating said steps of forming synthetic seismic traces, forming measures, comparing measures, and retaining or perturbing until specified limits of acceptability are achieved.

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