Translating outcrop data to flow models, with applications to the Ferron sandstone

Quantitative models are needed to predict interactions between rock propert ies and drive mechanisms in geologically complex reservoirs. Analog studies using outcrop data provide insights for modeling, understanding, and predi cting the behavior of oil and gas reservoirs. Stratigraphic cornerpoint gri ds preserve the geometries and facies distributions of outcrop data sets. F low simulations of two outcrop exposures of sandstone-rich fluvial-deltaic tongues within the Cretaceous Age Ferron sandstone (Utah) revealed differen ces in fractional flow, recovery efficiency, and deliverability that can be related to stratigraphic setting. Compared with homogeneous models, models based on the landward-stepping tongue exposed at the Picture Flats localit y had more tortuous flow paths and lower gas recovery efficiency. In the se award-stepping tongue exposed at the Interstate 70 location, the displaceme nt was layer like. Gas deliverability at the Interstate 70 locality varied with the well location; it was highest when the well penetrated high-permea bility shallow-marine sediments and lowest when flow was restricted by a sh ale-lined valley-fill succession.