Module 4

3D Grid Construction

Petrel Workflow Tools

Surfaces and
Data edit

Stratigraphic
Modeling

3D Grid Construction: Structural Modeling

Interface
Studio

Pillar Gridding

Fault Modeling
3D Grid
Construction
Structural
Framework

3D Grid
Construction
Structural Gridding

Property Modeling

Well Log
Upscale

Facies &
Petrophysical
Modeling

Make Horizons
Zones & Layering
Make contacts &
Volume Calculation
Workflow Editor

Intro to Petrel

Introduction

3D Grid Construction
Objectives
Understand the main methods used to build a 3D grid:
Make simple grid process
Structural modeling
Structural framework
Structural gridding.

3D Grid Construction: Methods

Make simple grid

Structural
gridding

Corner point
gridding

Structural framework

Processes used for 3D Grid Construction

3D Grid Construction
Corner Point Gridding
Structural Gridding

Structural Modeling

Fault Framework Modeling Fault Modeling

Structural Gridding

Structural Framework

Pillar Gridding

Make Horizons/Zones/Layers

Fault Framework Modeling

Horizon Modeling

Make Simple Grid

Make Simple Grid Process

Generates a simplified version of a 3D
grid. These grids are used when doing
simulation, velocity modeling, or making
grids with no faults.

Surfaces Input data

Make simple grid

Make Zones

Layering

Processes used for 3D Grid Construction

3D Grid Construction
Corner Point Gridding

Structural Framework

Structural Modeling

Structural Gridding

Fault Framework Modeling

Fault Modeling

Structural Gridding

Pillar Gridding

Make Horizons/Zones/Layers

Fault Framework Modeling

Horizon Modeling

Make Simple Grid

Corner Point Gridding: Structural Modeling

This is the classical process for making a
structural model in Petrel. It is subdivided into
three processes: Fault Modeling, Pillar Gridding,
and Make Horizons

Fault Modeling

Pillar Gridding

Make Horizons

Make Zones

Layering

Structural Modeling: Input Data for Fault Modeling

Process
Fault Polygons

Interpreted Seismic

Digitize on Surfaces

Digitize on cross-sections

Digitize on Fault Surfaces

Fault sticks

Structural Modeling: Fault Modeling Process (1)

The Structural modeling processes include the use of the Fault modeling and
the Pillar gridding processes together to create a skeleton framework.
1. Define a Fault model. Before you start Fault
modeling, define and name a model that will
store the fault model and all 3D grids related to
that fault model.

2. Activate the new empty model and activate the

Fault modeling process.

Structural Modeling: Fault Modeling Process (2)

3. Right-click the input data (fault sticks)
in the Input pane and select Convert
to faults in fault model.
4. Specify to build a key pillar on every
5th fault stick and set the max search
distance to the nearest neighbor pillar.

Structural Modeling: Key Pillars

The new faults are stored in the Faults model folder named after their input.
The faults consists of adjustable key pillars. Many shape points are defined by
the geometry selected before automatically converting data to faults in the fault
model (in this case, three point listric geometry).
Top shape point

Mid shape point

Key pillar
Base shape point
Line between pillars

Activate the Fault modeling process and

choose the fault geometry from the function bar.

Vertical

Linear

Listric

Curved

Structural Modeling: Automated Trimming of Faults

Pillars after Make

simple grid, vertical.

Pillars after Corner Point gridding, with projected

path of pillars were they do not extend to the top.

The Key pillars generated by Corner point gridding must run

through the complete model area. Cut/extend pillars against a
surface or a given constant.
1. Select Processes pane > Fault modeling. On the Operations
tab, set the Top and Base limits, given by 2D grids.
2. Choose All or Only selected pillars. Cut and extend to the limits
and click OK.

Structural Modeling: Automatic Connection of Faults

Automatic fault connection:
Faults close to each other, not cutting through, and faults overlapping
each other must be connected to build a proper lattice for the Pillar
gridding process. Normally used with clean orthogonal fault data.
Also used to find problems with fault intersections. After those have
been located and edited, auto connection can be run again.

Remove distance: Removes pillars less

Extend distance: Searches for pillars
within the given distance and connect them. than the given distance from the connection.

EXERCISE