Whistler Research - Geological Consultants

3D computer modeling has developed into a routine methodology to characterise hydrocarbon reservoirs, determine volumes in place and quantify the uncertainty associated with data and interpretations involved.  In many countries there is now a regulatory requirement to construct a 3D computer reservoir model for active petroleum leases.

Whistler Research has been actively involved in reservoir modeling projects since 1995, and this continues to be a mainstay of our business.  The workflow of constructing a geological (static) reservoir model comprises four main components:  

1. Structural modeling and grid building (creating the container)
2. Property modeling (populating the container with values for porosity, permeability, facies and fluid saturations)
3. Volumetric calculations and uncertainty estimation
4. Upscaling

Through our regular involvement and expertise in core sedimentology, regional facies studies, outcrop studies, and field-based training courses to modern depositional settings Whistler Research is well positioned to maximise the amount of geological information included in the models at every stage.  We can build the model only, based on clients interpretations, or provide a turn-key service from data compilation and core logging, seismic, re-correlation of wells, to the finished and upscaled 3D model. We recommend that liaison with the client's reservoir engineer occurs regularly throughout the model building phase to ensure that the final product will meet reservoir engineering requirements.  We teach training courses in reservoir characterisation and geostatistics, independent of software providers.  

Robust sequence stratigraphic frameworks derived from core studies, seismic interpretation and log correlation form the basis for the stratigraphic architecture of the model.  In structurally particularly complex areas we can draw on the expertise of associates with specialisation in structural geology and seismic interpretation.  Core analysis and engineering data are integrated with facies information to determine the quality of reservoir facies and their heterogeneity.  Knowledge of facies geometries, depositional processes in modern settings and an extensive database of facies analogues is used to constrain models between wells.  Uncertainty is quantified using multiple scenario-multiple realisation workflows, where required.  Upscaling of reservoir parameters will be conducted in a way consistent with geological and engineering observations.

We have constructed reservoir models as part of comprehensive Field Development Plans for oil and gas fields, as part of in-house field reviews, and for CO2 sequestration projects.  Models are constructed using industry standard modeling packages (Petrel, RMS, GoCAD), based on the clients specific requirements.