How do you select the appropriate reservoir simulation grid size and resolution?

It’s always recommended to keep minimum 3 grid cells between the wells based on well spacing to reflect fluids and pressure changes vs time during simulation runs. There are many constraints/limitations with the most of the available geological softwares to handle super large reservoirs in sizes due to computer memory and visualization capability. So, you can revised the process by building your high resolution model considering a total of 50MM or higher grids cells target number and then to checkout what will be the grid cell dimensions achieved. Currently most of the simulation tools had strong capabilities to coarsen high resolution dynamic models to gain speed during use AHM process which can be removed once achieve good results.

One thing I find helpful is to really understand what you’re trying bring into the model or what you’re trying to capture) but ultimately what questions you’re trying to answer. This should be a conversation within the team ( geo , RE , engineers ) . We tend to get stuck into… “industry standard…“ or “what do people normally do”…“ how our legacy models are modelled” rather than build models that are fit for purpose. There are simulators and modelling applications that can handle high res or larger scale run times these days :) but it’s just a matter of what sort of answers and decisions you want to gather from the model itself.

Grid size should consider the importance of features that will impact business decisions. An old rule of thumb of 3-5 grid cells between wells is good if you are dealing with reasonably minimal heterogenity in layers and areal variation. If you have concerns for coning of gas or water or viscous fingering effects, smaller grids may be needed. Most simulation software will accept local grid refinements around areas of interest. Unstructured gridding techniques are available to allow refinement near wells and larger grids away form high flux areas.

Roughly correct v. precisely wrong. A simpler model which generates an ensemble of simulations and an understanding of uncertainty is better than a single precise model.

I am almost in agreement with all the points of view I have read .. one more aspect can be added: the upscaling of the permeability. Depending on the heterogenity of the system we would need to have an high number of cells to honor the permeability and the flow.

Selecting the right reservoir simulation grid size and resolution involves balancing detail and computational efficiency. Factors like reservoir complexity, heterogeneity, and simulation objectives influence this choice. It requires careful consideration to achieve accurate results while managing computational costs effectively.

Realmente la elección del tamaño de celdas del modelo de depende de diversos factores, el principal de ellos se basa en el Objetivo y Alcance para el cual se está construyendo el modelo, destacando que si es una Caracterización estática (requiere celdas más pequeñas para representar de forma óptima la heterogeneidad), o modelado dinamico (generalmente celdas más grandes). De igual modo debe estar alineado con la capacidad de cómputo disponible (hardware), y el tiempo que tomaría en obtener los resultados esperados. Balanceando estos factores se puede determinar de forma asertiva el tamaño adecuado. Así mismo, para el caso del modelado dinamico, se pueden hacer diversos ensayos con un submodelo, antes de realizar la corrida full field.