Question

During history matching in numerical simulation, which specific parameter must be adjusted if the calculated reservoir pressure is consistently higher than the observed field pressure data?

Accepted Answer

If the calculated reservoir pressure is consistently higher than the observed field data, you must increase the fluid production rates or decrease the energy support mechanisms in your simulation model. The primary parameter to adjust is the voidage replacement ratio, which represents the balance between the volume of fluids extracted from the reservoir and the volume of fluids injected or encroached to support pressure. If the model predicts a pressure that is too high, it indicates that the simulator thinks you are removing less fluid or adding more energy than is actually happening in the field. To fix this, you should first check your production data to ensure all extracted volumes are accurately accounted for, and if that is correct, increase the withdrawal rates or decrease the strength of pressure support sources, such as aquifer influx—the natural movement of water from an adjacent water-bearing formation into the oil or gas zone—or injection rates. Think of the reservoir like a balloon; if the balloon remains too inflated despite your attempts to let air out, you must either open the nozzle further to release more air or reduce the pressure being pushed in from an external source.

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During history matching in numerical simulation, which specific parameter must be adjusted if the calculated reservoir pressure is consistently higher than the observed field pressure data?

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