General | GOCAD® 2009 Compatibility | Technical & Integration | License Offerings | Learning & Training
General
1. What is Paradigm SKUA and who is it for?
Paradigm SKUA 2009 is a 3D modeling software environment for interpreters, geologists, and reservoir engineers that enables the rapid and accurate construction and updating of structural and reservoir models using multi-core computation. The SKUA technology eliminates the tedious and/or reductive modeling processes typically utilized to create a pillar-based geology model. SKUA modeling is based on a space/time mathematical framework which simply states that all horizons are iso-chronological surfaces. This easy-to-use approach honors all available, relevant data and geological rules to produce an accurate, paleo-geographically correct mesh in record time.
2. How does Paradigm SKUA compare to Paradigm GOCAD?
SKUA differs from GOCAD in its modeling technology and how it handles structural modeling, objects and workflows. GOCAD models individually faults and horizons and 3D reservoir grids are modeled using pillars aligned on the faults. SKUA, in contrast, provides a true 3D model where horizons, faults, and 3D grids are modeled using the new paleo-geographic UVT Transform® technology. This technology enables simpler workflows to construct structural and reservoir models, streamlining the user interface and reducing the user learning curve. SKUA tightly merges seismic interpretation with structural modeling to improve interpretation quality and reduce cycle time and uncertainty in prospect definitions.
Paradigm SKUA 2009, in combination with the many compatible Paradigm GOCAD 2009 modules, delivers a complete and superior solution for reservoir modeling and engineering.
Back to Top
GOCAD 2009 Compatibility
3. Are all the GOCAD 2009 modules compatible with SKUA 2009?
Many, though not all, of the GOCAD 2009 modules are compatible with SKUA 2009. The non-compatible modules are:
- GOCAD Structural Modeling
- Rock Volume Uncertainty (Alea®)
- 3D Reservoir Grid Builder
- Stratigraphic Modeling and Fault Analysis
4. Why are some GOCAD 2009 modules not available on SKUA 2009?
The incompatible modules are the core structural and stratigraphic modules which makes SKUA different.
5. Is SKUA replacing GOCAD?
Over time we expect that GOCAD customers will convert to the more advanced SKUA technology. However, software development on GOCAD is ongoing and perpetual licenses will be honored through maintenance mode.
Back to Top
Technical & Integration
6. Can SKUA grids (geologic and flow simulation) be imported into other applications? If so, which ones and in what formats?
The SKUA geologic grid cannot be exported from SKUA or imported into other packages. The SKUA flow simulation grid can be exported using Eclipse ASCII, Eclipse Binary, CMG ASCII, VIP ASCII, or Rescue formats. These formats are readable in other modeling applications and flow simulators.
7. I want to create an SGrid in SKUA and use it in GOCAD. Can I export that grid between SKUA and GOCAD, in SGrid, for example?
Yes, interoperability is enabled between SKUA and GOCAD. The SKUA flow simulation grid is an SGrid and can be loaded in GOCAD as such, and used in other GOCAD modules.
8. Can I apply my company’s proprietary geostatistical algorithms onto the SKUA geologic grids?
Yes. Provided your company has ten or more Paradigm SKUA Structure, SKUA Stratigraphy and SKUA Flow Simulation Grid licenses, you can leverage the Paradigm SKUA Developer Kit to apply proprietary geostatistical algorithms onto the SKUA geologic grid. If these algorithms have been used already against the GOCAD SGrid, taking advantage of the new geologic grid can be relatively simple.
9. How easy is it to edit an interpretation in SKUA?
It is very easy to ignore or remove some bad interpretation data (faults and horizons). Paradigm introduced SKUA Stratigraphic Interpretation Modeling, tightly merging seismic structural and 3D chrono-stratigraphic interpretation with structural, stratigraphic and reservoir modeling to improve interpretation quality and reduce cycle time and uncertainty in prospect definitions.
10. What are the current integration capabilities between SKUA 2009 and Paradigm Geolog 6.7.1?
Both are now part of the integrated Paradigm Rock & Fluid Canvas™ 2009 | Epos® 4.0 release which enables direct exchange of well information between the two applications.
11. What does Paradigm plan for the integration of SKUA and Epos?
Paradigm Rock & Fluid Canvas 2009 | Epos 4.0 closes the classical gap between modeling and interpretation as well as facilitate workflows that validate reservoir interpretations, populate reservoir models, and consolidate a broad set of E&P data. These workflows are enabled by the connectivity between the solutions, allowing SKUA modelers to import "best-of-class" well, seismic, horizon, and fault data from Epos 4.0 repositories.
Back to Top
License Offerings
13. How do I license SKUA 2009?
All modules are sold “a la carte.” SKUA-specific modules are SKUA Structure, for modeling faults and horizons; SKUA Stratigraphy, for performing chrono-stratigraphic interpretation, modeling horizons taking full advantage of the UVT Transform and building Geologic Grids; and SKUA Flow Simulation Grids, for building grids that are optimal for flow simulation. These require the following modules: 3D Viewer, Foundation Modeling, Maps, Cross-Section and Well Viewer, which are part of the GOCAD Base Module
Paradigm subsurface solution experts are available to discuss your structural and reservoir modeling needs and purchase considerations. For sales information, please contact sales_info@pdgm.com; for technical Information, contact tech_info@pdgm.com.
14. What are the SKUA offerings and prices for academic clients?
Academic offering is available for Paradigm SKUA.
Back to Top
Learning & Training
15. Is training available for SKUA 2009?
Yes, the Paradigm SKUA 2008 Fundamentals course is a one-day introductory offering for users who are new to Paradigm modeling technologies (GOCAD and SKUA). It must be complemented with the Paradigm Modeling Reservoir Architecture with SKUA training.
The three-day Paradigm SKUA Structure and Stratigraphy Modeling training introduces users to the SKUA software environment and modules and includes several comprehensive case study exercises. This class is essential for learning the SKUA methodology and how it differs from pillar-based modeling/data issues and processes. Students will gain the needed proficiency to begin modeling on SKUA 2009 immediately. This class is an ideal transitional training for GOCAD power users.
16. Are there any technical white papers available?
Yes. You can requests papers SPE 116649 and SPE 119188 from the Society of Petroleum Engineers (http://www.spe.org/). Also, return to this product site for the latest available resources on Paradigm SKUA.
Back to Top