An Interactive 5-Day Training Course
Structural Framework & Grid Building
Distributing Facies and Properties in Models
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Duration
5 Days
Price
$ 3,500
Starting From
13 Dec 2027
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Structural Framework & Grid Building
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Structural Framework & Grid Building - GG-GRID-PEA27
| Code | Date | Time | Duration | Location | Currency | Early Bird Fee Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GG-GRID-PEA27 | 13 - 17 Dec 2027 | 10 AM CST | 4 Hours Per Day |
Online |
USD |
3500 |
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Structural Framework & Grid Building
This training covers structural framework construction and grid building for reservoir models. It works through input data preparation, fault modelling and fault networks, horizon modelling and surface construction, depth conversion within the framework, zone and layer definition, grid types and their selection, grid geometry and quality, fault representation in grids, grid quality control and the diagnosis of framework problems.
Description
The structural framework is the skeleton of a reservoir model and every property, volume and flow calculation sits on it. A framework with poorly modelled faults, surfaces that cross each other, cells with extreme geometry or a grid that does not represent the fault displacements will produce volume errors, simulation convergence failures and flow behaviour that reflects the grid rather than the reservoir. These problems are also the hardest to fix late, because everything built on the framework has to be redone.
This training covers framework and grid construction thoroughly. Input preparation is established first, covering interpretation data, fault sticks and polygons, horizon picks, well markers and the quality control required before building begins. Fault modelling follows in detail, covering fault surface construction, fault network building, branch lines and truncations, fault connectivity and the treatment of small and uncertain faults. Horizon modelling is then developed, covering surface construction, conformity relationships, erosional and onlap surfaces, well tie and the handling of conflicts between seismic surfaces and well picks. Depth conversion within the framework is addressed. Zone and layer definition follows, covering layering styles and their flow consequences. Grid types and selection are then developed, covering corner point, stair step and unstructured grids. Grid geometry and quality follow, covering cell shape, orthogonality, aspect ratio and the metrics that identify problems. The training closes with quality control and the diagnosis of framework problems.
Fault network topology determines the compartments and it is easy to get wrong. Whether two faults intersect, whether one truncates against another, and where the branch lines sit, determine which parts of the reservoir are separated in the model. A fault that should truncate but is modelled as continuing produces a compartment that does not exist; one that should continue but is truncated merges two compartments that are actually separate. These errors are visible in the fault model if looked for and invisible in the finished property model.
Grid geometry affects the flow calculation independently of the geology. Cells that are strongly non-orthogonal, that have extreme aspect ratios, or that are twisted produce numerical errors in the simulator that can be mistaken for reservoir behaviour. Grid orientation effects can make flow preferentially follow the grid axes rather than the permeability field. Checking cell geometry quality metrics before the model is populated prevents a class of problem that is very difficult to diagnose afterwards.
Surfaces that cross each other are a common and consequential error. Where two horizon surfaces intersect because of interpretation error or gridding artefacts, the zone between them has negative or zero thickness, and the model handles it by truncation that may not be what the geology intends. These crossings are often in areas of poor data where nobody looks, and they produce volume errors and cell geometry problems. Systematic checking for surface conflicts is a basic quality control step.
Finally, the framework should represent the interpretation, not improve it. Gridding algorithms smooth, interpolate and extrapolate, and the resulting surfaces may be geologically more plausible than the raw interpretation or may introduce features that nobody interpreted. Comparing the modelled surfaces against the original interpretation, particularly in areas away from control, identifies where the algorithm has invented structure, which then has to be accepted deliberately or corrected.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Prepare and quality control framework input data
- Build fault surfaces and fault networks with correct topology
- Model branch lines, truncations and fault connectivity
- Construct horizons with correct conformity and erosional relationships
- Resolve conflicts between seismic surfaces and well picks
- Apply depth conversion within the framework
- Define zones and layering appropriate to the reservoir and its flow
- Select grid types and configure grid geometry
- Represent faults correctly in the grid
- Quality control frameworks and grids and diagnose problems
The training is framework and grid construction practice on real structurally complex data sets. Participants build fault networks and test the topology against the interpretation, construct horizons and resolve surface conflicts, and build grids with different configurations to compare quality metrics and volume results. Deliberately flawed frameworks are supplied for diagnosis. Simulation runs on grids of differing quality demonstrate grid orientation and geometry effects directly.
Organisations sending participants to this training will:
- Build frameworks that represent the structural interpretation correctly
- Avoid compartmentalisation errors from fault topology mistakes
- Reduce simulation convergence and numerical problems
- Catch surface conflicts and geometry problems before populating models
- Reduce rework from late framework corrections
- Improve the reliability of model volumes
Participants will:
- Build fault networks with correct topology
- Construct horizons and resolve conflicts
- Configure grids appropriate to the structure
- Recognise and diagnose framework problems
- Quality control grids before populating them
- Build the foundation skill of reservoir modelling
- Reservoir modellers and geomodellers
- Structural geologists supporting modelling
- Seismic interpreters delivering interpretation to modelling
- Reservoir engineers working with simulation grids
- Technical staff reviewing model frameworks
- Geoscientists moving into modelling roles
- Graduate geoscientists entering modelling teams
Module 1 - Input Data Preparation
- Interpretation data handover requirements
- Fault sticks and polygons
- Horizon interpretation and its density
- Well markers and their consistency
- Deviation surveys and well paths
- Checking interpretation against well picks
- Coordinate systems and projections
- Data loading and conversion
- Identifying interpretation gaps
- Interpretation quality assessment
- Preparing data for framework building
Module 2 - Fault Modelling
- Fault surface construction from sticks
- Fault surface smoothing and fidelity
- Fault dip and geometry representation
- Listric and planar fault modelling
- Fault extent and tip definition
- Fault network topology
- Branch lines and intersections
- Truncation relationships
- Y faults and crossing faults
- Small and uncertain fault treatment
- Sub-seismic fault representation
- Fault model quality control
Module 3 - Horizon Modelling
- Surface construction from interpretation
- Gridding algorithms and their behaviour
- Smoothing and its effects
- Extrapolation beyond control
- Well tie and adjustment
- Conflicts between seismic and well picks
- Resolving conflicts appropriately
- Conformity relationships between surfaces
- Erosional and onlap surfaces
- Surface crossing detection and correction
- Isochore and isopach quality control
- Comparing modelled surfaces to interpretation
Module 4 - Depth Conversion in the Framework
- Time against depth model building
- Velocity model construction
- Layer cake and gradient methods
- Depth conversion within the framework
- Well tie in depth
- Residual correction and its application
- Fault position in depth
- Depth uncertainty and its propagation
- Multiple depth realisations
- Volume sensitivity to depth conversion
- Documenting the depth conversion basis
Module 5 - Zones and Layering
- Zone definition from stratigraphy
- Zone boundaries and their conformity
- Layering styles and their selection
- Proportional layering
- Top and base conform layering
- Fractional and thickness based layering
- Layer count and vertical resolution
- Layering across erosional surfaces
- Layering and flow unit correspondence
- Thin layer representation
- Layering effects on upscaling and flow
- Testing layering alternatives
Module 6 - Grid Types and Selection
- Corner point grids
- Stair step grids and fault representation
- Pillar grids and their constraints
- Unstructured and PEBI grids
- Grid type selection criteria
- Structural complexity and grid choice
- Simulator compatibility requirements
- Grid extent and boundaries
- Areal cell size selection
- Local grid refinement
- Computational size limits
- Matching grid to purpose
Module 7 - Grid Geometry and Quality
- Cell geometry and its metrics
- Orthogonality and its importance
- Aspect ratio limits
- Twisted and inverted cells
- Negative volume cells
- Pinch-outs and zero thickness
- Grid orientation effects on flow
- Grid distortion near faults
- Pillar geometry and fault throw
- Quality metrics and acceptance thresholds
- Identifying problem areas in a grid
- Correcting grid geometry problems
Module 8 - Quality Control and Diagnosis
- Framework quality control checklist
- Fault topology verification
- Surface conflict checking
- Volume checking against independent calculation
- Well cell assignment verification
- Juxtaposition verification across faults
- Transmissibility and fault seal representation
- Visual inspection protocols
- Diagnosing simulation convergence problems
- Diagnosing unexpected flow behaviour
- When to rebuild rather than patch
- Documenting the framework and its decisions
Upon successful completion of this training course, delegates will be awarded an official Certificate of Completion issued by the Petroleum Engineers Association (PEA), an ISO 9001:2015 certified training organization. The certificate carries 10 Credits and formally records the total learning hours completed.
Each certificate is signed by the Course Facilitator and the CEO of the Petroleum Engineers Association, and serves as verifiable proof of professional training that delegates can present to employers and professional bodies worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
All course bookings made through PEA are strictly non-refundable. By registering for a course, you acknowledge and accept that all fees are payable in full and are not subject to refund under any circumstances, including changes in personal or professional commitments or partial attendance.
PEA reserves the right to make reasonable adjustments to course content, trainers, or schedules where necessary, without entitling delegates to a refund. Comprehensive details of each course — including objectives, target audience, and content — are clearly outlined before enrolment, and it is the responsibility of the delegate to ensure the course's suitability prior to booking.
For any inquiries related to cancellations or bookings, please contact our support team, who will be happy to assist you.
