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Title: Validation status of the VARGOW oil reservoir model

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6777294· OSTI ID:6777294

VARGOW, a variable gas-oil-water reservoir model, provides recovery estimates suitable for assessing various reservoir production policies and regulations. Data were collected for a number of reservoirs. From this data base, three reservoirs approximating the model assumptions were selected for model testing purposes. For all three reservoirs, it has been possible to simulate the observed pressures in both interpolative and extrapolative modes. Simulating the gas/oil ratio (GOR) has not been as successful, however. The VARGOW model will predict physically unrealistic results if the reservoir being simulated is not initially at the bubble point pressure of the reservoir fluid. If the discovery pressure is slightly above the bubble point, adjustments to initial conditions can be made using a method that has been outlined in this report. If the discovery pressure is considerably above the bubble point, it is recommended that an undersaturated reservoir model be employed until the bubble point is reached. For simulating reservoirs whose discovery pressure is below the bubble point, the VARGOW model must be modified.

Research Organization:
Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
6777294
Report Number(s):
PNL-3478
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English