PetroMod

Version 2013.2

PM

PetroMod

PetroMod petroleum systems modeling software

Release Notes

*Mark of Schlumberger
Copyright 2013 Schlumberger. All rights reserved.

Contents

About PetroMod ....................................................................................................... 4

PetroMod Installer ............................................................................................... 4
MPI Runtime Environment ...................................................................................... 5
Converting PetroMod 2011/2012 Projects to PetroMod 2013 ................................ 6
Before converting a project .................................................................................. 6
How to convert a project ...................................................................................... 6
New in PetroMod 2013.2 ......................................................................................... 7
Known Issues .......................................................................................................... 9
All Modules ........................................................................................................... 9
PetroMod 1D......................................................................................................... 9
PetroBuilder 2D .................................................................................................... 9
PetroBuilder 3D .................................................................................................. 10
Viewer 2D ........................................................................................................... 11
Viewer 3D ........................................................................................................... 13
Simulator ............................................................................................................ 14
PetroCharge Express .......................................................................................... 16
PetroReport ........................................................................................................ 16
Lithology Editor .................................................................................................. 17
System Requirements............................................................................................ 18
Hardware requirements ..................................................................................... 18
Software requirements....................................................................................... 18
Licensing ............................................................................................................... 20
Module-based licensing ...................................................................................... 20
Support .................................................................................................................. 22
Additional Help Information ............................................................................... 23

Release Notes

About PetroMod
PetroMod* petroleum systems modeling software combines seismic, well, and geological
information to model the evolution of a sedimentary basin. PetroMod software will predict if,
and how, a reservoir has been charged with hydrocarbons, including the source and timing of
hydrocarbon generation, migration routes, quantities, and hydrocarbon type in the subsurface
or at surface conditions.
PetroMod oil and gas migration modeling technology is the most advanced commercially
available tool and the only commercial system with fully PVT controlled modeling of ncomponent/3-phase relationships during the entire migration process. Multiple simulation
methods, i.e., Darcy, flow path (ray tracing), invasion percolation (IP), and the PetroMod
hybrid Darcy/flow path/IP simulator, can be used with the same data models. The 2D and 3D
migration modeling technology uses flash calculations throughout the entire model and its
geologic history. This delivers an improved understanding and prediction of petroleum
properties and oil versus gas probability assessments.
PetroMod 2013 combines a state-of-the-art user interface and high simulation performance
that enables the user to perform sophisticated analyses of the dynamic temperature, pressure
and migration history of complex geologic systems in a fast and intuitive, process-focused
workflow. The unification of the 2D and 3D model builder and new viewer capabilities allow a
fast switch between 2D and 3D model setup and analysis which saves time and costs.

PetroMod Installer
PetroMod installer can be downloaded from the Software Download Center
at: https://www.sdc.oilfield.slb.com/SIS/Login.aspx (follow links for Geology & Geophysics and
PetroMod).

PetroMod 2013.2

MPI Runtime Environment

An MPI runtime environment must be installed on your computer. Otherwise you will not be
able to open the PetroMod 2013 Simulator.
The MPI runtime environment is required for both single and parallel processing on Windows
and Linux systems:
Windows: Microsoft HPC 2008 R2 SP3 MPI
Linux: Intel MPI 4.1.0.27
Please refer to the PetroMod 2013 Installation Guide for more information.

Release Notes

Converting PetroMod 2011/2012

Projects to PetroMod 2013
PetroMod 2011/2012 projects must be converted before they can be opened in PetroMod
2013.

Before converting a project

Before converting a project to PetroMod 2013, you might need to perform the actions
described here.

Unassigned Maps folder

Projects that were converted from PetroMod v11 to PetroMod 2011/2012 might contain a
folder on the model pane called Unassigned Maps. This folder no longer exists in version
2013. If you have maps in this folder in your 2011/2012 project, either move them to an
appropriate folder, e.g. HF Maps folder, or delete the maps before converting your project to
2013. Otherwise PetroMod will be unable to convert the project and issue an error message.

Multipoint curves in the Calibration Editor

In PetroMod 2013, the X unit of multipoint curves must be Fraction (%). If your PetroMod
2011/2012 project contains multipoint curves with a different X unit, the X unit might have no
unit or the wrong unit after conversion. This will cause the PetroMod 2013 Simulator to
terminate with an error message.
To change the X unit before conversion, open the Calibration Editor in PetroMod 2012 and set
the X unit of the multipoint curves to (%).

How to convert a project

To convert a project use the Convert 2012 to 2013 tool in the PetroMod Command
Menu.

PetroMod 2013.2

New in PetroMod 2013.2

PetroMod 2013.2 contains important bug fixes and enhancements that complement the major
release of PetroMod 2013.1. The table below lists the fixes and enhancements in PetroMod
2013.2.
For a full list of the new features and enhancements in PetroMod 2013, please refer to the
PetroMod 2013.1 Release Notes.
Module

Issue ID

Description

10035584

The Backup Model and Copy Model commands now accept

destination folder names that contain spaces.

2627515

In certain cases, the unit of the calculated overlay was not the
unit selected by the user. This has been fixed.

10032600

In the Create HeatFlow Trend from McKenzie Model process,

you can now select the crust and mantle lithologies from the
respective drop-down menus.

10036850

When the thrusted layer is completely eroded after thrusting,

the Simulator now corrects the porosities and produces the
expected results.

10035931

When you re-organize the faults in the Fault Workshop, e.g.

when you drag them to a different position, they are
automatically renamed. It is now possible to re-name a moved
fault back to its original name.

Command Menu

Overlay
Calculator

PetroMod 1D

PetroBuilder 2D

Kinetics Editor
10031533

When you create a new kinetic and enter values in the

Secondary Cracking tab, the values are now saved as expected,
i.e., when you save your changes, close and re-open the
Kinetics Editor, the values you entered are now reloaded.

10030656

User-defined biogenic reactions now produce biomethane as

expected (in PetroMod 2013.1, only the default biogenic
reaction produced biomethane).

Release Notes

Module

Issue ID

Description

10039230

In the Mechanical compaction tab you can choose the

compaction model. When you select the Multipoint model, a
button called Save multipoint curve becomes available. This
button now functions as expected.

10036799

In certain cases, the Simulator terminated with an error

message in the percolation algorithm when simulating a model
using the Hybrid or Darcy migration methods. This has been
resolved.

10034249

Users can set the gas hydrate formation threshold in the

Miscellaneous tab of the Lithology Editor. Changing this
threshold value now results in the expected change in the
distribution of gas hydrates in the simulated model.

10037954

In some cases, simulating models via the SCM (Simulation

Cluster Manager) caused the PetroMod Simulator to crash. This
has been resolved.

10038295

The difference between the minimum and maximum principle

stress is now correct for both 2D and 3D models.

10040036

Selecting and viewing IP accumulations in models with erosion

now works in both Viewer 3D and Viewer 2D.

Lithology Editor

Simulator

Viewer 3D

PetroMod 2013.2

Known Issues
All Modules
Issue ID 2541011: GUI does not update correctly under Windows Vista and
Windows 7
When running PetroMod on Windows Vista or Windows 7 with a non-Aero theme, the GUI
often fails to update correctly.
Workaround:
Change the theme to Aero:
1. Right-click on the Desktop and select Personalize. The Personalization dialog will open.
2. Select Window Color and Appearance. The Appearance Settings dialog will open.
3. Select Windows Aero and click OK.

PetroMod 1D
Issue ID 2615153: Calibration points are missing from the legend
When calibration data is plotted, for example on a depth plot, the calibration data appears
on the plot but is not shown in the legend.
Issue ID N/A: 1D Extractions from PetroBuilder models with multiple erosions
Due to differences in the Age Table concept, PetroMod 1D cannot properly handle
extractions from PetroBuilder 2D and PetroBuilder 3D models with multiple erosions.

PetroBuilder 2D
Issue ID 2562161: Import Wizard cannot import grid-based data as maps
Workaround:
1 Create a new map in the appropriate folder on the Model pane.
2 Double-click the map to open the Map Edit dialog.
3 Copy data from another model or spreadsheet and paste it into the table in the Map Edit
dialog.
Issue ID N/A: Save as function does not save simulator settings
When you save a model using the Save as function, the simulator settings are not
saved. Make sure you check the simulator settings in these models after saving them.

Release Notes

Issue ID 2539364: Holes in gridded faults

When a fault consists of two or more segments, the gridding algorithm might grid them as
separate faults. As a result, there could be gaps in gridded faults.
Workaround:
Ensure that faults consist of only one segment before gridding.
Issue ID 2523052: No session control
There is no session control in PetroBuilder 2D, i.e. it is not possible to save sessions and
load sessions.

PetroBuilder 3D
Issue ID 2492780: Imported facies maps must have same origin as model
This issue occurs when the origin of an imported IRAP Ascii facies map is different from the
origin of your model. When the map is converted, PetroBuilder re-grids the map from draft
resolution to model resolution. The re-gridding process grids the facies map to the origin of
the model, resulting in the loss of the defined area of the imported map.
Issue ID 2539018: Default Layout function
After re-arranging several windows, the Default Layout function does not always restore
the layout as expected.
Issue ID 2542275: Extraction and injection points are not set correctly in Map
View.
When the user tries to set an extraction point or injection point in Map View, the points are
either set in the wrong place or are not visible.
Workaround:
Set the points in 3D View.
Issue ID 2523052: No session control
There is no session control in PetroBuilder 3D, i.e. it is not possible to save sessions and
load sessions.
Issue ID N/A: Save as function does not save simulator settings
See the description of the same known issue in PetroBuilder 2D.
Issue ID 2640624: Display of negative thickness values
When you open the Edit Layer Thickness tool, negative thicknesses are displayed in red.
However, depending on the resolution, some small areas of negative thickness might not
be displayed in red. Also, single grid points with negative thickness might not be displayed
in red.

PetroMod 2013.2

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Issue ID 10005944: Legend does not update when you switch views
When you switch between Simulation Preview and Model View, the legend does not
update. For example, assume that the Facies overlay is selected in Simulation Preview.
Now switch to Model View. The overlay in Model View will change back to the Plain overlay,
but the legend still shows the facies.
Workaround:
When you switch from Simulation Preview to Model view (or vice versa), reselect the Plain
overlay to update the legend.
Issue ID 10007105: Re-gridding process does not re-grid the model correctly
The Regrid Model process allows you to regrid a model according to a sampling factor.
When you enter a sampling factor, PetroMod calculates the new grid resolution in the X
and Y directions.
This calculation does not work correctly. For example, your original model has a grid
resolution of 101 in both the X and Y directions. You want to regrid the model with a
sampling factor of 2. The new grid resolution should be 51. However, the Regrid Model
process calculates a new X and Y resolution of 50, which is incorrect (Figure 1).

Figure 1

Incorrect grid resolution after entering a sampling factor of 2

Workaround:
Manually enter the correct grid resolution into the Grid resolution x and Grid resolution
y fields. In most cases, this means adding 1 to the calculated values.

Viewer 2D
Issue ID N/A: Gaps in 2D Models in Viewer 2D
Gaps can appear when viewing 2D models in Viewer 2D. This is a purely visual problem
due to current limitations in Viewer 2D. The simulated model itself is complete and does
not have any gaps. The gaps occur at locations where the cross-section turns through an
angle and the turning point does not lie on a grid point (Figure 2).

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Release Notes

2D View

Figure 2

3D View

Gaps in Viewer 2D

The diagram on the right is from Viewer 2D looking down on the cross section of a 2D
model (in the 3D View tab). The red rectangles mark the locations where the cross-section
turns through an angle. The green line is a pre-grid horizon and represents the crosssection as entered by the user in PetroBuilder 2D. The black line is the cross-section as
represented in Viewer 2D. You can see that the cross section in Viewer 2D does not turn at
the same location as the pre-grid horizon. This is because the turning point of the pre-grid
horizon does not lie on a grid point. Viewer 2D shifts the turning point to the adjacent grid
point which results in gaps at these locations. As mentioned above, this is a visualization
problem only, there are no gaps in the simulated model.
Workaround:
Add grid points at each point where the cross-section turns through an angle. The easiest
way is to insert a grid point for each cross-section point:
1) Open PetroBuilder 2D and load your model.
2) In the Processes pane, expand the Grid folder and double-click on Modify Grid
Points.
3) Right-click anywhere in the Grid Points table and select Insert Points from
Cross Section. There will now be a grid point for each cross-section point.

PetroMod 2013.2

12

4) Click Start to apply the new grid points

Issue ID 10028130: Reinjection cells in the Break Through Path overlay are not
shown
The Break Through Path overlay does not show the reinjection cells.
Workaround:
1. Select the Break Through Path overlay (Migration Properties group).

2. In the overlays Info box, click the Color Schemes button.

3. In the Color schemes dialog, click the Edit button. The reinjection cells are now
visible.

Viewer 3D
Issue ID 2515868: Selecting percolation accumulations
Move the cursor near a percolation accumulation in 3D View and click with the left mouse
button. The percolation is selected even though the cursor is not on the accumulation.

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Release Notes

Issue ID N/A: Filter accumulations according to Flash calculations

The option for filtering accumulations according to the results of Flash calculations does not
work correctly.
Issue ID 10028985: Opening model folders in the Project pane is slow
When the simulated model contains faults, expanding the model folder on the Project pane
is slow. In some cases it can take several minutes for Viewer 3D to expand the folder.

Simulator
Issue ID 2620221: PetroReport shows incorrect values for TecLink models
Although this issue is visible in PetroReport, the cause of the issue is in the Simulator
which, in some cases and depending on the model, can generate incorrect mass balance
values.
Issue ID 2638589: 2D diagonal faults on parallel processors
Simulating 2D diagonal faults using the Hybrid or Darcy migration method on parallel
processors causes errors. When this occurs, the Simulator stops with an error message.
Workaround:
Simulate the model on a single processor.
Or
Use the special option Odfg 0 to switch off diagonal faults.
Issue ID 2626329: Incorrect accumulation column heights
When a closed or partially open fault (FCP fault) runs through a flowpath layer, the
accumulations on either side of the fault might have different column heights. This issue
can occur for models simulated using either the Hybrid or Darcy migration method.
Issue ID N/A: Convection does not work with locally refined volumetric faults
For convection through faults, use the Volumetric Elements option in the Simulator
interface (PetroFlow > Fault Method).
Issue ID N/A: 3D faults extending beyond AOI cause the simulator to crash on IP
runs
When simulating a 3D model with invasion percolation, the simulation crashes if the faults
extend beyond the models AOI.
Workaround:
Crop the faults in PetroBuilder 3D to ensure they do not extend beyond the AOI.

PetroMod 2013.2

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Issue ID 2619106: Open volumetric faults running underneath reservoirs do not

drain accumulations
This issue occurs when a model is simulated using the following Simulator settings:

Fault method: Volumetric faults

Migration method: Hybrid
Figure 3 shows an open volumetric fault running underneath a reservoir layer (yellow). The
reservoir contains an oil and a gas accumulation. The hydrocarbons should have drained
out of the reservoir through the open fault.

Accumulations

Figure 3 Hydrocarbons should have drained out of the reservoir

Issue ID N/A: Faults ending at the top of an accumulation cause a breakthrough

even when the seal is intact
When a fault runs through an accumulation and finishes by running along the horizon at
the top of the accumulation, the Simulator allows hydrocarbons to migrate through the
top of the fault and out of the reservoir, even if the overlying seal is intact (Figure 4).

Figure 4 The expected accumulation (green dotted line) is empty.

Workaround:
Make sure that faults ending at the top horizon of an accumulation do not continue along
the horizon. Pay particular attention to the gridded model: Even if your pre-grid fault ends
exactly at the horizon, the gridding algorithm might extend the fault along the horizon to
the next grid point. In this case, edit the pre-grid fault as required and re-grid the model.

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Release Notes

Issue ID 2640687: Faults ending at the top of an accumulation prevent a

breakthrough
This issue affects 2D and 3D models simulated with the Hybrid or Flowpath migration
methods. When an open fault ends at the top of an accumulation, the hydrocarbons
remain in the accumulation even when a breakthrough is expected (Figure 5). For an
FCP/Perm fault, the hydrocarbons remain in the accumulation if the fault capillary
pressure is lower than the capillary pressure in the seal rock, otherwise they breakthrough
as expected. This issue does not apply to closed faults: If the fault is closed to fluid flow,
the breakthrough occurs as expected.

Figure 5 The expected breakthrough does not occur and the accumulation remains full.

Workaround:
Make sure open faults and FCP/Perm faults end below the top of the accumulation.

PetroCharge Express
Issue ID N/A: Application remains in waiting mode for a long time after opening a
file
When loading files from a network drive, PetroCharge Express often does not respond for
a long time.
Workaround:
Use Files > Open Project (Quick mode).

PetroReport
Issue ID 10023700: Incorrect report balance for IP migration with polygons
When you simulate a model with the IP migration method and use polygons in
PetroReport, the balance calculations for the polygons are incorrect.

PetroMod 2013.2

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Lithology Editor
Issue ID N/A: Mixing lithologies

When you mix lithologies to create a new lithology, permeabilities defined by

multipoint models are not mixed correctly. In particular, this affects mixes of
standard lithologies. After mixing, lithology permeability settings should be
checked and manually adjusted as required.
Formulae cannot be used when mixing lithologies.
Problems may arise when mixing two or more properties from different theoretical
schemes (e.g. Athys depth law for compaction and Schneiders effective stress
formulation for compaction).

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Release Notes

System Requirements
Hardware requirements
For workstations (e.g. Dell T7600)
Processor
Memory
Disk space
Graphics
Network card

2 x Intel E5-26xx CPUs

32 GB RAM
5GB of free disk space
Nvidia Quadro 5000
1000 Mbit NIC

For laptops (e.g Dell M4600)

Processor
Memory
Disk space
Graphics

Intel Core i7-2860Q 2.5 GHz

16 GB RAM
5GB of free disk space
Nvidia Quadro 2000M

For Linux clusters

Processor
Memory
Disk space
Network card

2 x Intel E5-2670 CPUs (8 cores each)

128 GB RAM
5GB of free disk space
1 or 10 GBit NIC

Software requirements
Microsoft Windows 7
RedHat Enterprise Linux 5.6 / 6.3 or later
Microsoft.NET Framework

64-bit
64 bit
2.0

IM POR TANT for W indow s users: Several visualization issues in PetroMod 2011 were due
to the use of older graphic drivers. Only the Nvidia driver versions 295.73 and
later provide built-in support for PetroMod. We strongly recommend installing these
drivers to ensure optimal visualization and avoid visualization problems.
W arning for R HEL 5 users: Due to known issues concerning the instability of OpenGL
graphics, PetroMod only supports local rendering on 3D graphic cards with stable
graphic drivers. Rendering via a network could cause stability issues. In particular, we

PetroMod 2013.2

18

observed problems with the Mesa OpenGL package that is delivered with RHEL5 and
works as a fall-back when no other driver is installed.
W arning for Linux users: Do not change the GUI style of your window manager (for
example via qtconfig) while PetroMod is running. If you do, PetroMod could crash.
Note for M icrosoft W indow s users: When running PetroMod on Windows 7 with a nonAero theme, the GUI often fails to update correctly. Change the theme to Aero to
resolve this issue (see also Issue ID 2541011 in the Known Issues section).
Note for M icrosoft W indow s 7 and R edHat Enterprise Linux 5.6 / 6.3 or later users:
We recommend installing the latest graphics drivers available from Nvidia or ATI to
avoid OpenGL graphic display errors. In most cases the driver version that comes with
the operating system is quite old. Moreover, generic drives are used when the
graphics hardware is not recognized correctly during installation of the operating
system. These drivers only support basic functionality and do not offer the OpenGL
features required by PetroMod. Please be aware that most onboard graphics hardware
does not support OpenGL at all. A dedicated graphics card is required for PetroMod.
R ecom m ended: If your notebook has an integrated graphic unit in the processor (GPU), as
is the case with the Intel Sandy Bridge processor, we recommend disabling the GPU in
the BIOS. This will help you avoid performance problems and visualization errors.

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Release Notes

Licensing
Licenses are required to access PetroMod. Certain functionalities or modules are only available
with the respective licenses.
All new PetroMod 2013 licenses require a dongle. If you currently use PetroMod 2012 (or
earlier) and are purchasing additional PetroMod 2013 licenses, you will also need a dongle.
MAC based HOSTIDs for new PetroMod licenses are only available with special approval from
your Schlumberger account manager.
Contact your Schlumberger Account Manager to obtain the necessary licenses and dongle.
Maintenance contracts are usually yearly contracts, renewed at any time during the year. Prior
to PetroMod 2012, PetroMod licenses allowed you to step up to a new PetroMod version
based on the PetroMod license expiration date without having a valid maintenance contract.
Beginning with PetroMod 2012, upgrades are based on your maintenance contract expiration
date. This is how you read the new licensing format:
FEATURE petrobuilder3D slbsls <yyyy.mm> <dd-mmm-yyyy> <#>
Where
<yyyy.mm> is the maintenance expiration year and month
<dd-mmm-yyyy> is the license expiration day, month, year
<#> is the number of licenses
Maintenance renewal is required to run any PetroMod version released after your
maintenance expiration date. You will be automatically contacted by Schlumberger
Information Systems before your maintenance expires.

Module-based licensing
PetroMod 2013 uses a module-based licensing concept. The benefits are:

Easier to understand as the module names describe the functions.

More flexibility to match clients needs and configure specific packages at a lower cost.
Ability to offer lower-cost entry level options.
Functionality and maintenance fees for already purchased packages will not change for
existing clients.
Purchasing of lower-cost modules will make it easier for clients to order quickly, based
on their immediate requirements.

Previous PetroMod packages will still be offered.

The following table lists all available PetroMod modules.

PetroMod 2013.2

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PetroMod 1D

PetroMod 2D

PetroMod 3D

PetroMod 1D

2D Model Builder

3D Model Builder

PM1D PetroRisk

PM2D Model Builder

PM3D Model Builder

2D Pressure-Temperature Simulation

3D Pressure-Temperature Simulation

PM2D Multi-1D Pressure-Temperature

PM3D Multi-1D Pressure-Temperature

PM2D Full 2D Pressure-Temperature

PM3D Full 3D Pressure-Temperature

2D Kinetics Models

3D Kinetics Models

PM2D 2-Component

PM3D 2-Component

PM2D Multi-Component

PM3D Multi-Component

2D Petroleum Migration Simulation

3D Petroleum Migration Simulation

PM2D Flowpath

PM3D Flowpath

PM2D Invasion Percolation

PM3D Invasion Percolation

PM2D Hybrid

PM3D Hybrid

2D Add-ons

3D Add-ons

PM2D PetroRisk

PM3D PetroRisk

PM2D TecLink

PM3D Geomechanics

PM2D Geomechanics

PM3D Gas Hydrates

PM2D Gas Hydrates

PM3D Thermal Calibration

PM2D Crustal Modeling

PM3D Biodegradation
PM3D Local Grid Refinement (LGR)
PM3D Crustal Modeling

2D and 3D Add-ons
PM Parallel Processing

PM SARA Kinetics

PM 14-Component Phase Kinetics

PM TSR Modeling

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Release Notes

Support
To submit a support request:
1. Visit the Schlumberger Software website at http://www.software.slb.com
2. Click Support on the menu bar.
3. Login or Register
The support page offers these services:

4. Submit your support request in one of these ways:

Create a ticket

Click My Tickets to create a ticket that will be sent to the

Customer Care Center.
In

the ticket, you must specify the

software product
version
platform.

Data Exchange
Use this service to attach files to a ticket or upload files via
Secure File Transfer.

PetroMod 2013.2

Click Data Exchange

Enter the Ticket Incident Number and your email address

Select the HTML or Java Applet UI upload method

HTML has a default file size limit of 2GB

Java has no file size limit.

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Telephone

Click Call us to find the telephone numbers of support

personnel in your region.

E-Mail

Send an email to customercarecenter@slb.com

Subject
Software product (e.g. PetroMod)
Email content
Product version
Module (e.g. PetroBuilder 3D)
Description of the issue
How you have tried to solve the issue
Screenshots
Your phone number and email address.

Additional Help Information

PetroMod provides the following help information:
The PDFs of the user guide, installation guide, and release notes are included in the
installer and can be downloaded on the PetroMod Documentation page of the
Schlumberger Support Portal.

Task and process specific information is available via these buttons

PetroMod.

The PetroMod Help Center provides online access to the user guides and links to the
Schlumberger Software website. Open the Help Center from the Help menu in any
PetroMod module

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in

Release Notes