Automatic reservoir model identification using syntactic pattern recognition in well test interpretation

Abstract

Well test model identification is a challenging task due to the numerous types of well test interpretation models and the non-uniqueness of pressure responses generated by different reservoir models. An automated framework is crucial to aid in the identification of well test interpretation models. Since the identification of well test interpretation relies primarily on the various flow regimes appeared on different diagnostic plots. A novel approach is proposed for the well test model identification from the pressure transient test data using the syntactic pattern recognition in this study. In this study, the identification process of well test interpretation model is divided into six steps: preprocessing, feature primitive extraction, curve shape tracking, flow regime division, model preliminary inference, and model final validation incorporating TDS technology. The automatic identification framework developed with this method has been able to identify a variety of complex well test interpretation models correctly, and the non-uniqueness of model results can be well resolved by syntactic pattern recognition combined with TDS technology. In general, the findings of this study can help for better understanding of the process by which well test expert completes the task of model identification.