RESEARCH ARTICLE
Implementation of Region-Based Covariance Localization Ensemble Kalman Filter in History Matching Workflow

History matching is an indispensable phase in the workflow of reservoir analysis. Nevertheless, there is a considerable challenge in performing the procedure in a proper scientific manner due to the inherent nature of non-unique solutions from the many-unknown variables with limited known equations.

In this study, we introduce the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) method complemented by the Region-Based Covariance Localization (RCL) scheme to address the aforementioned issue.

The algorithms work initially by modifying the covariance localization generated by Gaussian correlation model using region information such as facies or flow unit, in which the area within a region is spatially correlated. Subsequently, the correlation between distant areas in the region is eliminated, hence promoting better modification of the distribution of the parameters while maintaining the characteristics of the predefined geological model of the reservoir.

Result shows that RCL scheme is capable of enhancing the performance of EnKF procedure and produce parameter distributions that is close to the true model of the reservoir.

Implementation of the proposed methodology ameliorates the accuracy and reliability of the history matching process, thus establishing better consideration in predicting reservoir performance.