Geostatistically consistent history matching of reservoir flow model using a commercial simulator

Background. The paper examines the possibility and features of implementing the geostatistically consistent history matching of a reservoir model using reservoir flow simulation software. This approach assures maintaining the principles of the geological model creation during the solution of the inverse problem. For comparison purposes, a previously known test model is used implementing similar approach using author-developed algorithms. Objective. To analyze features and limitations of the geostatistically consistent automated history matching of a 3D model using a commercial simulator. Materials and methods. Synthetic 3D model of a heterogeneous reservoir, tNavigator reservoir flow simulator with built-in automation and history matching tools, geostatistical methods. Results. The geostatistically consistent automated history matching procedure is implemented in tNavigator on a synthetic model of a five-spot waterflooding element. The errors in the recovered values of the synthetic model parameters are analyzed depending on the final value of the objective function (measurement accuracy) and initial guess. Conclusions. It is possible to implement the geostatistically consistent history matching procedure using the automation tools of modern reservoir flow simulators. However, the built-in automated history matching algorithms do not provide enough efficiency for application to real reservoirs without using proxy models.