Advances in Coupled Geomechanical and Reservoir Modeling With Applications to Reservoir Compaction

Summary Coupled geomechanical and reservoir modeling is becoming feasible on a full-field scale. This paper describes the advances of the coupled model described previously,1 its extensions for modeling compaction, and the application of the model in full-field studies. The advances of the theory and numerical implementation since the original work1 make it practical to perform full-field coupled studies with complex, realistic descriptions of the geomechanical behavior of the reservoir and shales, which allows prediction of stress changes, reservoir compaction, and surface subsidence. These capabilities are demonstrated in field examples that analyze and predict classical pressure-induced compaction in a gas field and thermally induced compaction in a heavy-oil field. In both cases, the methodology of interpreting the geomechanical laboratory and field data and their integration in the coupled modeling process was the key to obtaining a realistic predictive tool. The examples demonstrate that the technology is maturing to the point that conventional studies can be converted to coupled modeling on a fairly routine basis.