Reservoir characterization using ensemble Kalman filter

This project aims at improved reservoir characterization through better utilization of production data. It will focus on using the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) technique for updating reservoir simulation models to take production data into account and at the same time honoring the prior geological information. The EnKF will provide us with a range of updated reservoir simulation models, and in this way we will be able to quantify the uncertainty of the solution. This project aims at developing a better understanding of the theoretical properties of the methodology. We will do further development of the methodology to be able to work with reservoirs having a more complex geology than those treated until now, and to be able to tune new types of reservoir parameters. Using the EnKF will simplify the workflow for updating reservoir simulation models, and provide better reservoir characterization. The improved reservoir characterization, in particular, the uncertainty analysis, that this methodology provide , will be important for better decision making, leading to increased oil recovery.