Detailed analysis of probe permeameter and interval pressure transient test permeability measurements in a heterogeneous reservoir

The goal of reservoir characterization is to generate models that allow the accurate prediction of future well performance and the estimation of reserves. Of particular importance to the characterization of permeability heterogeneity is an accurate understanding of vertical flow behaviour in a reservoir. Upscaling techniques applied to conventional core plug and probe permeameter permeability anisotropy are compared with Interval Pressure Transient Tests (IPTT) conducted with multiprobe formation testers. The aim is to investigate the scale of the dynamic permeability measurement and review the representivity of the IPTT estimate in a field example. We illustrate improvement in permeability anisotropy estimation by a combination of dynamic measurements with static measurements.

Further to this, we consider the permeability prediction from continuous downhole measurement. High-resolution measurements such as probe permeametry data and borehole imaging can produce the most complete data coverage at the well and have similar measurement scales. Predicted permeabilities are compared with IPTT results by upscaling to a length scale appropriate to the IPTT and the geometry of the formation.