A systematic approach for estimation of reservoir rock properties using Ant Colony Optimization

Optimization of reservoir parameters is an important issue in petroleum exploration and production. The Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) is a recent approach to solve discrete and continuous optimization problems. In this paper, the Ant Colony Optimization is used as an intelligent tool to estimate reservoir rock properties. The methodology is illustrated by using a case study on shear wave velocity estimation from petrophysical data by the linear and nonlinear ACO models. The results of this research show that the ACO is a fast, robust and cost-effective method for rock properties estimation. It is proposed that ant colony optimization aids in future reservoir characterization studies.