Advances in coupled geomechanical and reservoir modeling with applicationsto reservoir compaction

Coupled geomechanical and reservoir modeling is becoming feasible on a full -field scale. This paper describes the advances of the coupled model descri bed previously,(1) its extensions for modeling compaction, and the applicat ion of the model in full-field studies. The advances of the theory and numerical implementation since the original work(1) make it practical to perform full-field coupled studies with comple x, realistic descriptions of the geomechanical behavior of the reservoir an d shales, which allows prediction of stress changes, reservoir compaction. and surface subsidence. These capabilities are demonstrated in field exampl es that analyze and predict classical pressure-induced compaction in a gas field and thermally induced compaction in a heavy-oil field. In both case,; . the methodology of interpreting the geomechanical laboratory and field da ta and their integration in the coupled modeling process was the key to obt aining a realistic predictive tool. The examples demonstrate that the techn ology is maturing to the point that conventional studies can be converted t o coupled modeling on a fairly routine basis.