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Stochastic reservoir modeling using simulated annealing and genetic algorithms

Journal Article · · SPE Formation Evaluation
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/24754-PA· OSTI ID:31905
; ; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Texas, Austin, TX (United States)
  2. Texas A and M Univ., College Station, TX (United States)

This paper discusses and compares three different algorithms based on combinatorial optimization schemes for generating stochastic permeability fields. The algorithms are not restricted to generating Gaussian random fields and have the potential to accomplish geologic realism by combining data from many different sources. The authors have introduced a ``heat-bath`` algorithm for simulated annealing (SA) as an alternative to the commonly used ``Metropolis`` algorithm and a new stochastic modeling technique based on the ``genetic`` algorithm. The authors applied these algorithms to a set of outcrop and tracer flow data and examined the associated uncertainties in predictions. All three algorithms reproduce the major features of permeability distribution and fluid flow data. For relatively small problems, the Metropolis algorithm is the fastest. For larger problems, the heat-bath algorithm is at least as fast and often faster than the Metropolis algorithm with significant potential for parallelization. The performance of the genetic algorithm is highly dependent on the choice of population size and probabilities of crossover, update, and mutation.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
31905
Journal Information:
SPE Formation Evaluation, Journal Name: SPE Formation Evaluation Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 10; ISSN 0885-923X; ISSN SFEVEG
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English