Synchronizing the simulation case with your subsurface model
Much of the input data for the simulation case is entered directly into the input tables or generated from a correlation. A key part of the integration of reservoir simulation within the workflow is the synchronization of various elements in your model with the simulation case.
The following are key aspects of synchronization:
- The reservoir simulation is synchronized with the model in five places in the workflow.
- Grid selection (Simulation Case form)
- Properties (Reservoir Description form)
- Faults (Faults and NNC’s form)
- Wells (Wells form)
- Aquifers (Aquifers form)
- Connections are established between objects in the downstream workflow with objects in the upstream workflow. Connections are established by specifying an upstream source for various objects in the downstream workflow.
- Connected objects in the downstream workflow are updated automatically whenever the deck is built.
- There are buttons and context menu items for updating the connected object in the downstream workflow. This is optional since all connected objects are updated whenever the deck is built.
- Synchronization works in both directions. Objects in the downstream workflow can be used to create or replace objects in the upstream workflow.
- Synchronization down the workflow is automatic. Synchronization up the workflow is manual.
Grid synchronization
The simulation grid, which can be created through 3D Grid upscaling or the Easy Grid Creator, is connected to the case in the Simulation Case form. This connection is established in one of two ways in the Simulation Case form: specifying the grid in the 'Select 3D grid' option or by importing a simulation case with an attached grid. Note that 3D grids which are refined with Local Grid Refinement cannot be used because LGR is not supported in the simulation. Grids can be updated from the upstream workflow; all changes will be reflected in the simulation up until the simulation run is executed.
Property synchronization
Properties created in the upstream workflow can be connected to the reservoir simulation case in the Reservoir Description view of the simulator you are using. The Reservoir Description view contains an Excel-style table where you can define all of the reservoir properties. Connections to upstream properties can be specified in this view within the 'Source' column, thus, synchronizing the model and the simulation case. Below are some remarks regarding property synchronization:
- Upstream properties can be modified in various ways, including in the MODELING workflow.
- As part of the simulation set-up, modifiers can be selected and applied to the various properties in the case.
- Properties can also be edited with the inline deck editor.
Fault synchronization
Faults are synchronized in the Faults view for the simulator you are using. Like property synchronization, a source can be specified for the fault, establishing a connection between the model and simulation.
Tips for fault synchronization:
- Faults receive the same name as upstream faults.
- A fault named 'Nonneighbor' is a special case. Represents NNCs created in converting JewelGrid to sugar cube.
- Fault multiplier is, by default, 1.0. Should be set to 0.0 for sealing faults. Nonneighbor fault multiplier should always be 1.0.
- The Connect option in the context menu creates new faults in the table that corresponds to upstream workflow faults.
- The Update option updates the NNCs and Fault Surfaces for the selected fault based on connected upstream fault.
Aquifer synchronization with the upstream workflow is accomplished by specifying the upstream aquifer in the 'Source' column of the aquifer table for the simulator.
For each aquifer connected to the upstream workflow, the connection table and parameters are updated from the upstream workflow whenever the deck is built.
Each unconnected aquifer can be manually created in the upstream flow through an option on the Aquifer form.
Well synchronization
Wells can be connected to two upstream objects, the well completions and the well history. The 'Source' column in the 'Wells' table connects the well perforation table to the well completion. When the deck is built, the well completion table is updated, preserving any edits made to that table.
The 'Category' and 'Subcategory' columns in the well table connect the well constraint table to the well history. A third column is used to connect a specific quantity to use as a well constraint.