Petrel (reservoir software)

Petrel is a Schlumberger owned Windows PC software application intended to aggregate oil reservoir data from multiple sources. It allows the user to interpret seismic data, build reservoir models suitable for simulation, submit and visualize simulation results, and design development strategies to maximize reservoir exploitation. It addresses the need for a single application able to support the "seismic-to-simulation" workflow, reducing the need for a multitude of highly specialized tools.

History of Petrel

Petrel software was developed in Norway by a company called Technoguide. Technoguide were formed in 1996 by former employees of Geomatic, some of whom were key programmers involved in the early development of Irap RMS. Petrel was developed specifically for PCs and the Windows OS, it was commercially available in 1998. Petrel was developed to have a familiar Microsoft like interface, with a pre-arranged workflow that enabled less experienced user to follow, Technoguide made 3D geologic modeling more accessible to all subsurface technical staff, even those without specialist training. In 2002, Schlumberger acquired Technoguide and the Petrel software tools and they now currently support and market Petrel. Petrel offers new functionality in each new release, not only in geological modeling but also seismic interpretation, uncertainty, well planning and links to the industry standard simulators, Eclipse and FrontSim.

Versions

* Petrel Version 2007.1

The Petrel 2007.1 release expands the application’s seismic-to-simulation scope with greater capabilities for exploration workflows. Petrel software now easily handles large-scale seismic surveys and regional scale 2D lines. New fracture modeling and dual porosity capabilities support carbonates and unconventional gas workflows. The new release also offers new drilling visualization capabilities and enables real-time updates through WITSML, the industry standard data delivery mechanism. Petrel 2007.1 software was built on the Ocean framework facilitating rapid functionality updates and integration of proprietary and niche capabilities.

* Petrel Version 2008.1

Released in March 2008 the latest version of Petrel further expands the seismic-to-simulation workflows. Major enhancements include support for hydraulic fractures, sector modeling, multi-threading of several modeling processes, and improvements to the 3D seismic autotracking workflows. A major re-working of the volume rendering and extraction module now allows users to interactively blend multiple seismic volumes, isolate out areas of interest and then instantly extract what is seen into a 3D object called a geobody. In essence this is “what you see is what you pick”, making this approach to volume interpretation fast, intuitive and accurate. Extracted 'geobodys' can be sampled directly into the geological model for improved reservoir characterization and more accurate volume calculations.

ee also

* Skua
* Gocad

Links

* http://www.slb.com/petrel
* http://www.slb.com