A streamline approach for integrating transient pressure data into high-resolution reservoir models

We generalize the streamline approach to transient pressure applications by introducing a "diffusive" time of flight along streamlines. This allows us to define drainage areas or volumes associated with primary recovery and c ompressible flow under the most general conditions, We then employ developm ents in seismic tomography and waveform imaging to formulate an efficient a pproach for integrating transient pressure data into high-resolution reserv oir models. The proposed approach exploits an analogy between a propagating wave and a propagating "pressure front" via high-frequency asymptotic solu tions to the transient pressure equation. A key advantage of the asymptotic approach is that parameter sensitivities required for solving inverse prob lems related to production data integration can be obtained analytically us ing a single streamline simulation. Thus, the approach can be orders of mag nitude faster than current techniques that require multiple flow simulation s. We demonstrate the power and utility of the approach by applications to both synthetic and field examples. In the field example, the predominant fr acture patterns emerging from the inversion are shown to be consistent with outcrop mapping and crosswell seismic imaging.