1. Geologically based methods for determining fault rock permeabilities and thicknesses in flow simulators still rely on simplifying assumptions about fault structure and content.
2. The article proposes quantitative and flexible methods for parameterizing fault-related uncertainties and including them in full-field flow simulation modeling.
3. The study reveals that neglected fault-related assumptions and uncertainties can have a significant influence on oil production in reservoirs.
The article titled "Faults in conventional flow simulation models: A consideration of representational assumptions and geological uncertainties" discusses the simplifying assumptions and uncertainties present in conventional flow simulation models when it comes to fault structure and content. The authors argue that even when geologically based methods are used to determine fault rock permeabilities and thicknesses, there are still many assumptions that need to be addressed.
One potential bias in the article is that it focuses primarily on the limitations and uncertainties of conventional flow simulation models without providing a balanced perspective on their benefits or successes. While it is important to acknowledge the limitations, it would also be valuable to discuss how these models have been useful in understanding reservoir behavior and making predictions.
The article also makes unsupported claims about the influence of neglected fault-related assumptions and uncertainties on oil production. While it is plausible that these factors could have an impact, there is no evidence provided to support this claim. Without empirical data or case studies, it is difficult to assess the actual significance of these factors on oil production.
Additionally, the article does not explore counterarguments or alternative approaches to addressing the uncertainties in flow simulation models. It presents one method for parameterizing fault-related uncertainties but does not discuss other potential strategies or their potential advantages or disadvantages.
There is also a lack of discussion about potential risks associated with incorporating more complex representations of faults into flow simulation models. For example, using explicit fault rock grid-blocks with extreme local grid refinements could introduce computational challenges and increase model complexity without necessarily improving accuracy.
Overall, while the article raises important points about the limitations of conventional flow simulation models, it lacks balance in its presentation and fails to provide sufficient evidence for its claims. It would benefit from a more comprehensive analysis of both the strengths and weaknesses of current approaches as well as exploration of alternative strategies for addressing geological uncertainties in flow simulation modeling.