Reservoir Characterization and 3D Static Modeling Course

Lesson 1 • Reservoir Characterization Workflow

Outlines the end-to-end workflow from data gathering to static model delivery. Connects individual tasks to business objectives such as volumetrics and field development planning.

Lesson 2 • Scales of Heterogeneity

Examines how reservoir properties vary at lamina, bed, flow-unit, and field scales. Teaches students to select the appropriate scale for modeling decisions.

Lesson 3 • Data Types in Reservoir Studies

Introduces seismic, well log, core, and production data as primary inputs. Explains how each data type contributes unique information to the characterization workflow.

Lesson 1 • Structural Framework Construction

Integrates faults and horizons into a consistent 3D structural framework. Students learn to validate framework geometry against well data and geological concepts.

Lesson 2 • Seismic Interpretation Fundamentals

Covers seismic reflection principles, wavelet character, and horizon picking techniques. Provides the interpretive basis for defining reservoir geometry and structural style.

Lesson 3 • Fault Interpretation and Modeling

Teaches fault identification, displacement analysis, and fault network construction. Accurate fault models control fluid flow pathways and compartmentalization in the static model.

Lesson 1 • Sequence Stratigraphy Principles

Introduces systems tracts, sequence boundaries, and maximum flooding surfaces. Sequence stratigraphic frameworks guide geologically consistent zonation and facies prediction.

Lesson 2 • Reservoir Zonation and Layering

Covers flow-unit definition, zone boundary selection, and layer thickness strategies. Zonation decisions directly control model resolution and simulation performance.

Lesson 3 • Diagenesis and Its Stratigraphic Impact

Examines cementation, dissolution, and compaction effects on reservoir quality distribution. Diagenetic overprinting must be recognized to avoid misinterpretation of stratigraphic trends.

Lesson 1 • Integrating Data into the 3D Model

Demonstrates the sequential population of the grid with structural, stratigraphic, facies, and property data. Integration order and conditioning hierarchy are critical for model consistency.

Lesson 2 • Grid Design Principles

Covers areal cell size, orientation, and layer thickness decisions relative to geological and simulation needs. Poor grid design propagates errors through all subsequent modeling steps.

Lesson 3 • Model QC and Consistency Checks

Applies systematic quality control to detect grid artifacts, property outliers, and geological inconsistencies. A rigorous QC process is mandatory before volumetric calculation or simulation.

Lesson 1 • Facies Model Validation and QC

Applies visual inspection, proportion checks, and connectivity analysis to validate facies models. Validation ensures geological realism before property population begins.

Lesson 2 • Facies Classification from Well Data

Covers electrofacies classification, core-to-log calibration, and facies proportion calculation. Accurate well-based facies logs are the primary conditioning data for 3D facies models.

Lesson 3 • Stochastic Facies Modeling Methods

Teaches sequential indicator simulation, truncated Gaussian simulation, and object-based modeling. Each method suits different depositional geometries and data density conditions.

Lesson 1 • Core Analysis and Log Calibration

Covers routine and special core analysis workflows and their use in calibrating log-derived properties. Core data provide the ground truth for all petrophysical property transforms.

Lesson 2 • Property Model Validation

Uses well blind tests, histogram comparison, and volumetric checks to validate property models. Validation confirms that models honor data and geological understanding before handoff.

Lesson 3 • Permeability and Saturation Modeling

Covers permeability prediction from porosity transforms and neural networks, plus capillary-pressure-based saturation modeling. These properties directly control dynamic simulation outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Geostatistical Property Simulation

Applies sequential Gaussian simulation and co-simulation to populate porosity and permeability in 3D. Variogram modeling and secondary variable conditioning are key workflow steps.

Lesson 1 • Deterministic Volumetric Calculation

Covers the volumetric equation, bulk rock volume, net-to-gross, porosity, saturation, and formation volume factor inputs. Deterministic estimates establish the base-case volume for field decisions.

Lesson 2 • Reserves Classification and Reporting

Introduces industry-standard reserves classification frameworks and their relationship to model maturity. Students learn to align volumetric outputs with reporting requirements and decision gates.

Lesson 3 • Structural and Stratigraphic Uncertainty

Quantifies how depth conversion errors and correlation uncertainty affect volumetric outcomes. Structural uncertainty is often the dominant source of volume risk in early-stage projects.

Lesson 1 • Simulation Model Handoff Package

Covers documentation, file formats, and data checks required for a complete static-to-dynamic handoff. A well-structured handoff package reduces rework and accelerates history matching.

Lesson 2 • Upscaling Validation and QC

Compares fine-scale and upscaled model flow responses using sector simulations and property statistics. Validation confirms that upscaling preserves dynamic behavior critical for field decisions.

Lesson 3 • Permeability Tensor Upscaling

Addresses full-tensor permeability upscaling for heterogeneous and anisotropic reservoirs. Tensor representation captures directional flow behavior lost in scalar upscaling approaches.