WHICH METHOD TO USE FOR ESTIMATING THE STATIC FORMATION TEMPERATURE OF A PETROLEUM RESERVOIR?

Abstract

The static formation temperature of a petroleum reservoir is relevant for evaluating its properties. There is a variety of methods for estimating it. However, each method assumes different hypotheses and simplifications which lead to diverging estimations, in some cases far from the real value. This makes difficult knowing in advance which method to use. In this paper, the most common methods (Horner, spheric and radial, two-measures and cylindric source) are applied to four different wells. The way of applying them to real cases is described, paying special attention to the necessary input data in each case: especially thermophysical properties and number of measurements. Criteria for estimating properties in case their real value cannot be known are also provided. The paper concludes suggesting a decision tree for selecting the most appropriate method depending on the available information.