University Research Initiative of

Department of Mathematical Sciences
Department of Petroleum Engineering & Applied Geophysics
Norwegian University of Science & Technology
Trondheim
Norway
 

Vision:

To provide creative mathematically based solutions to recognized  challenges in reservoir evaluation.
 

Objectives:

Identify, develop and evaluate mathematically and physically based models for assessment of uncertainties in reservoir evaluation, and distribute information and provide training about these models through education, publishing and seminars.

The activity in the programme is inspired by the problem complexes:
. near-well initial reservoir characterization integrating all available information
. dynamic reservoir characterization based on repeated  seismic monitoring and
   production history
 

Reference persons:

Professor  Henning Omre , Department of Mathematical Sciences, NTNU  -  Head of URE

Professor  Helge Holden , Department of Mathematical Sciences, NTNU

Professor  Bjørn Ursin , Department of Petroleum Engineering & Applied Geophysics, NTNU

Professor  Ole Torsæter , Department of Petroleum Engineering & Applied Geophysics, NTNU

Professor  Martin Landrø , Department of Petroleum Engineering & Applied Geophysics, NTNU
 
Ass.Professor Haakon Tjelmeland , Department of Mathematical Sciences, NTNU

Ass.Professor Jo Eidsvik , Department of Mathematical Sciences, NTNU

Ph.d. candidates:

Klaus Lykke Dagø        (terminates April 2001)
Thomas G. Theting     (dissertation August 2001)
Jo Eidsvik                       (dissertation October 2003)
Stig Kyrre Foss              (dissertation March 2004)
Jo Røislien                      (dissertation June 2004)
Ole Petter Lødøen        (dissertation November 2005)

Present students:         

Vegard R.Stenerud   Tor Erik Rabben

Trond Sagerup           Inge Bjoern Myrseth

Status report:

The current status of the URE-initiative :  Status report
 

Recent publications:

Publications of the URE-initiative:   Recent publications
 

URE-seminar topics:

The following topics are offered as in-house seminars for the participants:

Inversion of seismic AVO-data
by  Henning Omre/ Bjørn Ursin

Repeated seismic monitoring requires the use of AVO-data in order to classify pore fluids. These data are
associated with considerable uncertainty, hence a statistical approach seems reasonable. Various Bayesian
inversion techniques will be presented and demonstrated.

Scattering-angle/azimuth common image gathers
by Bjørn Ursin

Common image gathers (CIGs) in the offset and surface azimuth domain are used extensively in migration velocity analysis and amplitude versus offset studies. If the geology is complex and the rayfield becomes multi-pathed, the quality of the CIG's deteriorates. To overcome these problems, the CIGs may instead be generated as a function of scattering-angle and azimuth at the image point.  The metodology for doing this will be presented with several case studies.
 

Matching of production history
by  Henning Omre

Production forecasts are crucial for reliable reservoir management. These forcasts should be based on all available
reservoir specific observations. Conditioning on production history causes particular problems. Various stochastic
approaches to history matching will be presented and demonstrated.
 

Front tracking for hyperbolic conservation laws - theory and numerics
by Helge Holden

Hyperbolic conservation laws are the fundamental differential equations used in modelling of fluid flow in porous media. Front tracking constitutes one method by which one can develope both numerical techniques and analytical results. The numerical methods are used in commercial packages. Both analytical results and more applied aspects will be emphasized.
 

Stochastic partial differential equations
by Helge Holden

It is quite common to model the lack of information conserning flow in porous media by stochastic equations, replacing quantitative information by stochastic information. This results in stochastic partial differential equations. A general framework for studying classes of such equations is provided by the so-called white noice analysis.  These techniques will be presented, and one may focus on particular types of equations.
 

Wettability in petroleum reservoirs
by Ole Torsæter

The wettability has influence on the recovery of reservoirs.  Measuring the wettability is complicated. Various methods for wettability prediction from core plugs and  in situ in the reservoir will be presented.  Moreover, the influence of wettability on fluid distribution in homogeneous and heterogeneous reservoirs will be discussed.  Examples of  the wettabilities influence on the production characteristics will be presented.
 

Research links: