Plurigaussian Simulations: obtain a realistic model when geology gets complex

Plurigaussian Simulations are specifically designed to model complex geology with different structure orientations and heterogeneous deposits (channels, reefs, bars, differently oriented facies, sets of conjugate veins or ore types where geological constraints apply, ...) because they provide realistic and detailed images of internal structure.

Facies modeling using the Plurigaussian Simulations
(displayed with ISATIS 3D Viewer)

In the oil & gas industry, this advanced technique is used in the final stage of field development for which a precise reservoir model is required in order to identify possible bypass oil and optimize the drilling of wells. It is also successfully implemented when dealing with marginal fields which particularly need state-of-the-art technologies to minimize the risks.

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For the mining industry, assessing the uncertainties attached to a geological model is essential for effective decision-making. This is all the more crucial as orebody geometry is complex. Knowing more about its geometric patterns makes the orebody easier to exploit profitably.

Estimation of the geometry of a kimberlite pipe (displayed with Gocad) - Courtesy of De Beers

The application of the plurigaussian simulations to facies simulations of Kimberlite pipes have led to promising results (see the paper presented by David Farrow -De Beers- and Jacques Deraisme -Geovariances- at Geostats 2004, Banff). This issue has been the theme of an on-site course at De Beers Johannesburg, another one is set up for De Beers’ Research Center in Wells later in 2004.