History Matching of Reservoir Simulation Model: a Case Study from the Mishrif Reservoir, Buzurgan Oilfield, Iraq

Abstract

In petroleum reservoir engineering, history matching refers to the calibration process in which a reservoir simulation model is validated through matching simulation outputs with the measurement of observed data. A traditional history matching technique is performed manually by engineering in which the most uncertain observed parameters are changed until a satisfactory match is obtained between the generated model and historical information. This study focuses on step by step and trial and error history matching of the Mishrif reservoir to constrain the appropriate simulated model. Up to 1 January 2021, Buzurgan Oilfield, which has eighty-five producers and sixteen injectors and has been under production for 45 years when it started in 1976. Reservoir exhibits heterogeneity in porosity and permeability throughout the field, therefore it’s a big challenge to control all reservoir properties during matching process. The historical matching process includes matching field and wells oil and water production rates, water injection rates, water cut, and reservoir static pressure. Finally, the results show that the good matching between simulated model and observed data; oil and water production rates, water injection rates, water cut, and static reservoir pressure which allow for implementing perfect future production forecasting strategies.