Prediction of reservoir compaction and surface subsidence

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Format. Eval.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6483856

De Waal, J A; Smits, R M.M.

A new loading-rate-dependent compaction model for unconsolidated clastic reservoirs is presented that considerably improves the accuracy of predicting reservoir rock compaction and surface subsidence resulting from pressure depletion in oil and gas fields. The model has been developed on the basis of extensive laboratory studies and can be derived from a theory relating compaction to time-dependent intergranular friction. The procedure for calculating reservoir compaction from laboratory measurements with the new model is outlined. Both field and laboratory compaction behaviors appear to be described by one single normalized, nonlinear compaction curve. With the new model, the large discrepancies usually observed between predictions based on linear compaction models and actual (nonlinear) field behavior can be explained.

• Research Organization: Koninklijke/Shell E and P Laboratorium (NL)
• OSTI ID: 6483856
• Journal Information: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Format. Eval.; (United States), Journal Name: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Format. Eval.; (United States) Vol. 3:2; ISSN SFEVE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
03 NATURAL GAS
030200 -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
COMPRESSION
EXPLORATION
FORECASTING
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC MODELS
GEOPHYSICS
GROUND SUBSIDENCE
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
PERMEABILITY
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
POROSITY
PRESSURE EFFECTS
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESOURCES
ROCK MECHANICS
STRESSES