Residual Gas Saturation to Aquifer Influx: A Calculation Method for 3-D Computer Reservoir Model Construction

Abstract

Abstract Residual gas saturation controls the volume of gas trapped in that portion of the reservoir that has experienced water encroachment. As water moves into a rock volume filled with gas, the water displacement of the gas is incomplete. The water fills pores and pore throats, causing capillary pressure and relative permeability effects to stop the flow of gas and allow only water to pass through the rock volume. This stoppage results in gas being trapped behind the encroaching waterfront as residual gas. The volume and location of the residual gas are controlled by the distribution of the petrophysical properties. A method based on interrelationships between petrophysical properties is used to create a model for calculating maximum residual gas saturation (Sgrm). The model is developed as a function of porosity, permeability, capillary pressure, and initial water saturation. The input to the model and its results compare favorably with actual field data where aquifer encroachment is verified from well production history.