Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for modeling complex wellbores in field-scale reservoir simulation

Abstract

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for a near-well unstructured grid model builder for generating a full-field unstructured grid for reservoir simulation. As described further below, the near-well unstructured grid model builder may include a workflow interface and a parallel unstructured grid model builder. The inputs to the near-well unstructured grid model builder may include existing well trajectory and completion data, future well data, a geological model, a structured grid simulation model, or any combination thereof. The near-well unstructured grid model builder may output a near-well unstructured grid having a specified grid resolution in regions of interest that include a well.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 766,056 filed on Feb. 18, 2013, entitled “Systems Methods, and Computer-Readable Media for Modeling Complex Wellbores in Field-Scale Reservoir Simulation,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates generally to the computerized simulation of hydrocarbon reservoirs and, more particularly, to computerized simulation multiphase multicomponent flow and transport processes involving complex well geometry such as complex maximum reservoirs contact (MRC) wells. These wells can be densely populated within the reservoirs.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Oil, gas, and other natural resources are used for numerous energy and material purposes. A reservoir in a geologic body or other formation may contain oil, natural gas, water, and several constituent compounds. Re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system, method, and computer-readable storage medium for generating an unstructured grid for reservoir simulation. The system receives input data and determines a field polygon based on the input data. The input data includes a structured geocellular model with a well or a structured reservoir simulation with a well. The system then generates a plurality of grid points based on the field polygon. These grid points include a plurality of well grid points and other grid points outside of the region of interest. The system then performs a Delaunay triangulation and generates a Voronoi grid based on the Delaunay triangulation. The system also provides a workflow interface for constructing the unstructured grid and displaying the well data and the region of interest in a 2D or 3D visualization. The technical effect of the patent is to provide a more efficient and accurate method for generating unstructured grids for reservoir simulation.

Problems solved by technology

In order to enhance production and other processes in these reservoirs, the accuracy of flow modeling and other techniques has presented numerous challenges and increased difficulty.

Moreover, the accuracy of flow modeling and other simulation techniques may affect the performance prediction for wells in these reservoirs and the ultimate decision to extract the natural resources.

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