A step change in modeling

Paradigm SKUA™ (Subsurface Knowledge Unified Approach) is a pure 3D method which unifies all subsurface discrete models. SKUA embeds a native full 3D description of the volume. The immediate advantage is that the need for pillars disappears. Horizons and grids geometry are constructed simultaneously in the 3D space using a technology call the "UVT Transform™" based on the observation that horizons represent geochronological surfaces. Working with a paleo-geographically 'correct' mesh, geobodies, reservoir properties and other attributes can be correctly modeled in their depositional state.

SKUA geological grid showing modeling of thin beds inside a flower structure

Because of the underlying "UVT Transform" technology, SKUA is a step change improvement in modeling. Many benchmarks have shown that SKUA reduces modeling time by large amount of times.

Below is a table comparing pillar-based modeling time and SKUA modeling time:

Geological setting	Pillar modeling time	SKUA modeling time
Compressive environment Reverse faults Large displacements	3 days	2 hours
Extensive environment 51 faults 3 thin beds and 12 horizons	Model is 4 models 2 months	3 hours
Highly compressive thrust 30 faults	2 Weeks	2 hours

Better reservoir models

The construction of geological models that honor structural and stratigraphic complexities lead to the construction of better reservoir models, which enable better history matching, and enable better production forecasts.

Requirements for flow simulators and geological modeling grids are different and SKUA creates two types of grids which is not the case for most modeling applications. Flow simulation grids created in SKUA are corner point grids which can have faults represented as pillars or as stair steps across mostly vertical pillars. The choice is left to the reservoir engineer which technique will be used.

The Upscaling and LGR Module part of the SKUA suite will allow up-scaling of a geological grid, created in the Structure and Stratigraphy Module and populated with geological properties (porosity, net-to-gross, etc.) using the Reservoir Properties Module, in a flow simulation grid created in the Flow Simulation Grid Module.