Carbonate Total Pore System Integration Across Characterization, Modelling, Surveillance and Reservoir Management

Summary A significant portion of ExxonMobil’s current portfolio consists of carbonate reservoirs. Carbonate reservoir characterization requires advanced methodologies for integrating carbonate pore systems across reservoir characterization, modeling, surveillance, and management. Integration is crucial for predicting aspects of hydrocarbon production, carbon storage, and lithium extraction in these carbonates. Carbonate reservoirs are characterized by complex pore systems that include matrix and non-matrix components. These reservoirs often exhibit significant multi-scale pore system heterogeneity due to variations in depositional environments, diagenetic processes, and tectonic history. Understanding the geological setting, including stratigraphy, structural features, and mineralization patterns is essential for accurate reservoir characterization and performance prediction. Based on ExxonMobil’s historical experience with developing and producing carbonate reservoirs, carbonate assets can be placed into reservoir performance families, each with distinct potential challenges, that can help optimize reservoir management strategies over an asset’s lifespan. Advanced reservoir engineering techniques, including static and dynamic modeling, are employed to understand and predict reservoir behavior. Reservoir simulation models, particularly Dual Porosity-Dual Permeability (DPDK) models, are crucial for capturing the distinct flow mechanisms in matrix and non-matrix components. These models are used for history matching, performance forecasting, and optimizing development strategies.