Methods and systems for deploying generative artificial intelligence to subsurface simulation workflows

Abstract

A method for planning a well action within a field. The method includes providing a plurality of inputs related to the field and then submitting a query related to the plurality of inputs via a graphical interface. A response is then generated to the submitted query and displayed in real-time within the graphical interface. Data analytics may then be performed on the displayed response within the graphical interface and a report can then be generated that is based on the displayed response. An uncertainty and optimization workflow can be provided by submitting a query that includes a range of values corresponding to at least one of the inputs and then generating an ensemble of cases, wherein each case is based on the range of values corresponding to the at least one input. The planned well action may then be performed based on the displayed response.

Description

PATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCTMethods and Systems for Deploying Generative Artificial Intelligence to SubsurfaceSimulation WorkflowsBackground

[0001] Field development planning often uses the simulation of an ensemble of reservoir models using a numerical simulator. Uncertainty is natural in this process and stems from the indirect and sparse measurements made of the subsurface to generate reservoir models. There are challenges at each stage of this process - from model generation and simulation to results analysis. Normally, users must manually create very complex reservoir models and then incorporate uncertainties into the modeling process. This process is not always trivial and often needs specialist knowledge and software skills.

[0002] In addition, modifying the reservoir models may require identification of certain traits in the underlying model and then manually implementing the modifications that result in the expected behavior. Over the years, many tools have been created that allow for a more streamlined process, but none enable automatic creation of cases and live interaction with the output files.

[0003] What is needed is a method for the user of a drilling planning system to quickly and easily generate an ensemble of reservoir models related to a planned or proposed well that also allows for rapid analyzation of results and generation of insights related to the data that is the most relevant to his scope of work.Summary

[0004] The current method relates to planning a well action within a field. The method includes receiving a plurality of inputs related to a field, wherein the plurality of inputs include physical, structural, and thermodynamic features of the field, data from a sample taken from the field, a type of rock within the field, a permeability of the rock within the field, and a porosity of rock within the field. The inputs are provided manually or may be taken automatically from an outside data source. A query related to the plurality of inputs may then be submitted which generates a response that corresponds to the submited query. The generated response may include a compositional fluid model, a rock model, a field management model, and a reservoir simulation. According to certain embodiments, the field management model includes means for adding controls to at least one well within the field. According to certain embodiments, the reservoir simulation includes thePATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT compositional fluid model, the rock model, or the field management model. The response may be displayed in real-time within a graphical interface as it is generated, wherein the graphical interface is displayed on a screen associated with a user. The method may further include performing data analytics on the displayed response within the graphical interface and generating a workflow that is related to a planned well action to the user, the workflow being based on the submitted query. The method may also include presenting an option that is based on the submited query and the workflow to the user to make a selection that is related to the planned well action through the graphical interface. A report based on the displayed response and the selection may then be generated. According to certain embodiments, the generated report may include at least one recommendation that is related to the planned well action. The method may also include providing an uncertainty and optimization workflow. According to certain embodiments, the uncertainty and optimization workflow includes submitting a query that is related to the plurality of inputs, the query including a range of values that correspond to at least one of the inputs. An ensemble of cases may then be generated, wherein each case is based on the range of values corresponding to the at least one input. The generated ensemble of cases may then be displayed in real-time within the graphical interface.

[0005] According to certain embodiments, the method also includes performing a well action that is based on the displayed ensemble of cases, wherein performing the wellsite action includes generating or transmitting a signal that instructs or causes an action to occur, wherein the action includes a physical action, and wherein the physical action includes selecting where to drill a wellbore in the subsurface formation, drilling the wellbore, varying a trajectory of the wellbore, varying a weight or torque on a drill bit that is drilling the wellbore, varying a rate or concentration of a fluid being pumped into the wellbore, or a combination thereof.

[0006] It will be appreciated that this summary is intended merely to introduce some aspects of the present methods, systems, and media, which are more fully described and / or claimed below. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be limiting.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present teachings and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present teachings. In the figures:PATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT

[0008] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a system that includes various management components to manage various aspects of a geologic environment, according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 illustrates an architecture diagram of the actions performed by a method for simulating subsurface workflows, according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for simulating subsurface workflows, according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figures 4A-4C illustrate a graphical interface for performing data analytics on the simulated subsurface workflows, according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figures 5A-5C illustrate a graphical interface for performing an uncertainty and optimization workflow, according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of a computing system for performing at least a portion of the method(s) described herein, according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 illustrates a graphical interface displaying a field management module, according to an embodiment.Detailed Description

[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and figures. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0016] It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first object or step could be termed a second object or step, and, similarly, a second object or step could be termed a first object or step, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The first object or step, and the second object or step, are both, objects or steps, respectively, but they are not to be considered the same object or step.PATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT

[0017] The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Further, as used herein, the term “if’ may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context.

[0018] Attention is now directed to processing procedures, methods, techniques, and workflows that are in accordance with some embodiments. Some operations in the processing procedures, methods, techniques, and workflows disclosed herein may be combined and / or the order of some operations may be changed.System Overview

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a system 100 that includes various management components 110 to manage various aspects of a geologic environment 150 (e.g., an environment that includes a sedimentary basin, a reservoir 151, one or more faults 153-1, one or more geobodies 153-2, etc ). For example, the management components 110 may allow for direct or indirect management of sensing, drilling, injecting, extracting, etc., with respect to the geologic environment 150. In turn, further information about the geologic environment 150 may become available as feedback 160 (e.g., optionally as input to one or more of the management components 110).

[0020] In the example of Figure 1, the management components 110 include a seismic data component 112, an additional information component 114 (e.g., well / logging data), a processing component 116, a simulation component 120, an attribute component 130, an analysis / visualization component 142 and a workflow component 144. In operation, seismic data and other information provided per the components 112 and 114 may be input to the simulation component 120.PATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT

[0021] In an example embodiment, the simulation component 120 may rely on entities 122. Entities 122 may include earth entities or geological objects such as wells, surfaces, bodies, reservoirs, etc. In the system 100, the entities 122 can include virtual representations of actual physical entities that are reconstructed for purposes of simulation. The entities 122 may include entities based on data acquired via sensing, observation, etc. (e.g., the seismic data 112 and other information 114). An entity may be characterized by one or more properties (e.g., a geometrical pillar grid entity of an earth model may be characterized by a porosity property). Such properties may represent one or more measurements (e.g., acquired data), calculations, etc.

[0022] In an example embodiment, the simulation component 120 may operate in conjunction with a software framework such as an object-based framework. In such a framework, entities may include entities based on pre-defined classes to facilitate modeling and simulation. A commercially available example of an object-based framework is the MICROSOFT® .NET® framework (Redmond, Washington), which provides a set of extensible object classes. In the .NET® framework, an object class encapsulates a module of reusable code and associated data structures. Object classes can be used to instantiate object instances for use in by a program, script, etc. For example, borehole classes may define objects for representing boreholes based on well data.

[0023] In the example of Figure 1, the simulation component 120 may process information to conform to one or more attributes specified by the attribute component 130, which may include a library of attributes. Such processing may occur prior to input to the simulation component 120 (e.g., consider the processing component 116). As an example, the simulation component 120 may perform operations on input information based on one or more attributes specified by the attribute component 130. In an example embodiment, the simulation component 120 may construct one or more models of the geologic environment 150, which may be relied on to simulate behavior of the geologic environment 150 (e.g., responsive to one or more acts, whether natural or artificial). In the example of Figure 1, the analysis / visualization component 142 may allow for interaction with a model or model-based results (e.g., simulation results, etc.). As an example, output from the simulation component 120 may be input to one or more other workflows, as indicated by a workflow component 144.

[0024] As an example, the simulation component 120 may include one or more features of a simulator such as the ECLIPSE™ reservoir simulator (SLB, Houston Texas), the INTERSECT™PATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT reservoir simulator (SLB, Houston Texas), etc. As an example, a simulation component, a simulator, etc. may include features to implement one or more meshless techniques (e.g., to solve one or more equations, etc.). As an example, a reservoir or reservoirs may be simulated with respect to one or more enhanced recovery techniques (e.g., consider a thermal process such as SAGD, etc ).

[0025] In an example embodiment, the management components 110 may include features of a commercially available framework such as the PETREL® seismic to simulation software framework (SLB, Houston, Texas). The PETREL® framework provides components that allow for optimization of exploration and development operations. The PETREL® framework includes seismic to simulation software components that can output information for use in increasing reservoir performance, for example, by improving asset team productivity. Through use of such a framework, various professionals (e.g., geophysicists, geologists, and reservoir engineers) can develop collaborative workflows and integrate operations to streamline processes. Such a framework may be considered an application and may be considered a data-driven application (e.g., where data is input for purposes of modeling, simulating, etc.).

[0026] In an example embodiment, various aspects of the management components 110 may include add-ons or plug-ins that operate according to specifications of a framework environment. For example, a commercially available framework environment marketed as the OCEAN® framework environment (SLB, Houston, Texas) allows for integration of add-ons (or plug-ins) into a PETREL® framework workflow. The OCEAN® framework environment leverages .NET® tools (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington) and offers stable, user-friendly interfaces for efficient development. In an example embodiment, various components may be implemented as add-ons (or plug-ins) that conform to and operate according to specifications of a framework environment (e.g., according to application programming interface (API) specifications, etc.).

[0027] Figure 1 also shows an example of a framework 170 that includes a model simulation layer 180 along with a framework services layer 190, a framework core layer 195 and a modules layer 175. The framework 170 may include the commercially available OCEAN® framework where the model simulation layer 180 is the commercially available PETREL® model-centric software package that hosts OCEAN® framework applications. In an example embodiment, the PETREL® software may be considered a data-driven application. The PETREL® software can include a framework for model building and visualization.PATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT

[0028] As an example, a framework may include features for implementing one or more mesh generation techniques. For example, a framework may include an input component for receipt of information from interpretation of seismic data, one or more attributes based at least in part on seismic data, log data, image data, etc. Such a framework may include a mesh generation component that processes input information, optionally in conjunction with other information, to generate a mesh.

[0029] In the example of Figure 1, the model simulation layer 180 may provide domain objects 182, act as a data source 184, provide for rendering 186 and provide for various user interfaces 188. Rendering 186 may provide a graphical environment in which applications can display their data while the user interfaces 188 may provide a common look and feel for application user interface components.

[0030] As an example, the domain objects 182 can include entity objects, property objects and optionally other objects. Entity objects may be used to geometrically represent wells, surfaces, bodies, reservoirs, etc., while property objects may be used to provide property values as well as data versions and display parameters. For example, an entity object may represent a well where a property object provides log information as well as version information and display information (e.g., to display the well as part of a model).

[0031] In the example of Figure 1, data may be stored in one or more data sources (or data stores, generally physical data storage devices), which may be at the same or different physical sites and accessible via one or more networks. The model simulation layer 180 may be configured to model projects. As such, a particular project may be stored where stored project information may include inputs, models, results and cases. Thus, upon completion of a modeling session, a user may store a project. At a later time, the project can be accessed and restored using the model simulation layer 180, which can recreate instances of the relevant domain objects.

[0032] In the example of Figure 1, the geologic environment 150 may include layers (e.g., stratification) that include a reservoir 151 and one or more other features such as the fault 153-1, the geobody 153-2, etc. As an example, the geologic environment 150 may be outfitted with any of a variety of sensors, detectors, actuators, etc. For example, equipment 152 may include communication circuitry to receive and to transmit information with respect to one or more networks 155. Such information may include information associated with downhole equipment 154, which may be equipment to acquire information, to assist with resource recovery, etc. OtherPATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT equipment 156 may be located remote from a well site and include sensing, detecting, emitting or other circuitry. Such equipment may include storage and communication circuitry to store and to communicate data, instructions, etc. As an example, one or more satellites may be provided for purposes of communications, data acquisition, etc. For example, Figure 1 shows a satellite in communication with the network 155 that may be configured for communications, noting that the satellite may additionally or instead include circuitry for imagery (e.g., spatial, spectral, temporal, radiometric, etc.).

[0033] Figure 1 also shows the geologic environment 150 as optionally including equipment 157 and 158 associated with a well that includes a substantially horizontal portion that may intersect with one or more fractures 159. For example, consider a well in a shale formation that may include natural fractures, artificial fractures (e.g., hydraulic fractures) or a combination of natural and artificial fractures. As an example, a well may be drilled for a reservoir that is laterally extensive. In such an example, lateral variations in properties, stresses, etc. may exist where an assessment of such variations may assist with planning, operations, etc. to develop a laterally extensive reservoir (e.g., via fracturing, injecting, extracting, etc.). As an example, the equipment 157 and / or 158 may include components, a system, systems, etc. for fracturing, seismic sensing, analysis of seismic data, assessment of one or more fractures, etc.

[0034] As mentioned, the system 100 may be used to perform one or more workflows. A workflow may be a process that includes a number of worksteps. A workstep may operate on data, for example, to create new data, to update existing data, etc. As an example, a may operate on one or more inputs and create one or more results, for example, based on one or more algorithms. As an example, a system may include a workflow editor for creation, editing, executing, etc. of a workflow. In such an example, the workflow editor may provide for selection of one or more predefined worksteps, one or more customized worksteps, etc. As an example, a workflow may be a workflow implementable in the PETREL " software, for example, that operates on seismic data, seismic attribute(s), etc. As an example, a workflow may be a process implementable in the OCEAN® framework. As an example, a workflow may include one or more worksteps that access a module such as a plug-in (e.g., external executable code, etc.).Methods and Systems for Deploying Generative Artificial Intelligence to Subsurface Simulation WorkflowsPATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT

[0035] A method is provided which may use large language models applied to reservoir simulation that allows for generation of full simulation cases from scratch, modification of simulation decks and modeling of uncertainties in the underlying processes, and real time interaction with the simulation results. According to certain embodiments, detailed reports may be automatically generated without any intervening manual steps performed by a user.

[0036] According to certain embodiments, the current method may use large language models to generate code that may be compiled and run in real-time to produce a desired response for the user. In certain embodiments, the method generates C# or Python code with deployments in either pre-existing applications such as geomodelling software, or as a standalone application which may be based on VSCode. According to certain embodiments, the generated code may be on an application programming interface (API) which may be exposed to a large language model which may be responsible for converting a received user query into code.

[0037] According to certain embodiments, the method includes generating simulation specific code which is then executed to perform certain complex tasks that would otherwise take significantly more time and expertise, or would not be possible using current known techniques.Example Architecture

[0038] Figure 2 illustrates an example architecture diagram of the actions performed by current method for simulating subsurface workflows 200, according to certain embodiments. According to certain embodiments, the method 200 may update a grid property 202 create a compositional fluid model 204 and / or a rock physics model 206 for a specified rock type. The method 200 may also create complicated field management logic 208 and allow the user to add controls and / or constraints 210 to wells within the field using simple prompts via a graphical interface.

[0039] According to certain embodiments, actions 202-210 are part of a suite of models used to create full simulation cases 212 from scratch. Simulation cases may also be run 214 in real-time, either as a single case or as an ensemble of cases using local or cloud resources, such as the system 100, Figure 1. The ensemble results of the simulation cases may be displayed 216 in the user interface and insights related to the results may be generated and displayed in the graphical interface alongside the ensemble results, according to certain embodiments. Additional data analytics may be performed 218 on the available simulation results and reports including recommendations for the simulated cases may be generated 220 and displayed for the user.PATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT

[0040] According to certain embodiments, the method 200 may also perform full uncertainty and optimization workflows 222 using simple prompts via the graphical interface. For example, the user may incorporate a level of uncertainty into the model 200 by specifying a range of a given parameter, such as the permeability of a selected type of rock in the field. The uncertainty and optimization workflow 222 may then adjust how the simulation cases are created 212, how the simulation cases are run 214, how the simulation cases are displayed 216, how data analytics are performed 218, or how the reports are generated 220 according to the input level of uncertainty.Method for Planning Well Action

[0041] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method 300 for planning a well action within a field. According to certain embodiments, the method includes providing a variety of different inputs, as at 302. According to certain embodiments, the inputs correspond to different physical, structural, or thermodynamic characteristics or features of the field that the well action is to take place in. For example, the inputs may include but are not limited to data related to fluid in a subsurface portion of the field, a rock type within the field, or related Corey parameters of rock within the field. According to certain embodiments, the inputs may be manually provided by a user via a graphical interface as discussed below or taken automatically from one or more outside data sources which may be directly or remotely connected to the system 100, Figure 1. In certain embodiments, the outside data source may include but is not limited to preexisting reports containing data related to the field, samples taken from the field, results from previously performed experiments, active equipment or tools within the field, a previously performed analogous model, and / or edge internet- of-things (loT) devices such as fiber optics or sensors in the field which may be directly or remotely connected to the system 100, Figure 1.

[0042] According to certain embodiments, the method 300 includes submitting a query that is related to the plurality of inputs, as at 304. The method 300 then automatically generates a response to the submited query, as at 306. In certain embodiments, generating a response may include creating compositional fluid models according to certain given physical inputs and / or rock models which may include but not limited to relative permeability curves, capillary pressure models, and compaction curves. In certain embodiments, the response includes generating a field management model, for example a field management model 700 as seen in Figure 7. The field management model 700 allows a user to add controls or constraints to at least one well within the field. ForPATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT example, a user may adjust or set a plurality of constraints 702 via a plurality of drop down menus 704, 706 provided by the field management model 700. As seen in Figure 7, the drop down menus include selecting a value for a bottom hole pressure 704 and selecting a value for an oil production rate 706, however additional or different constraints 702 other than what is explicitly illustrated herein may also be included. Additionally, according to certain embodiments, the response may also include generating a reservoir simulation from the one or more inputs. The inputs themselves may include a portion of the response including the previously generated compositional fluid model, rock model, or field management model.

[0043] According to certain embodiments, the response is generated in real time as a display within a graphical interface, as at 308. For example, a graphical interface 400 is seen in Figure 4A having a display area 402 and a query box 404. A user submits a query by inputting it into the query box 404, the submitted query then forming a query list 406 adjacent to the display area 402. In Figure 4A, the user has submitted the query “list simulated cases” which generates an appropriate response 408, namely a list of simulated cases generated by the method 300 and displayed within the query list 406. Next, as seen in Figure 4B, the user may submit a new query, “plot the water production rate for all the simulation cases” which is also added to the query list 406. The method 300 may then generate the requested response, which in this instance is a plot 410 displayed in the display area of the water production rate over time for each of the simulation cases.

[0044] Next, the method 300 includes performing data analytics on the response within the graphical interface, as at 310. According to certain embodiments, the user may submit one or more additional queries on the generated response in order to provide more specific information on a requested detail, element, or portion of the generated response. For example, as seen in Figure 4C, after the plot 410 has been generated for all simulation cases, the user submits another query 412 requesting “which simulation case has the highest water production rate”, which in turn generates a corresponding textual response 414. The user then submits query 416 to plot the simulation case which the method 300 has previously determined to have the highest water production rate, the generated result of which being plot 418 displayed in the display area 402. The user may continue to submit additional queries as are needed, for example, query 420 which requests “around which date is the maximum increase in the water production rate” and query 422 which requests that for a selected case "what was the water production rate in January 2034” and to “convert the unitsPATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT from m3 / s to m3 / d”, the method 300 in turn generating corresponding textual responses 424 and 426, respectively.

[0045] The method 300 also includes generating a workflow or a prompt to the user in order to plan the next well action in the field, as at 312. According to certain embodiments, the workflow may be generated according to the queries submited by the user through the query box 402, Figures 4A-4C. In certain embodiments, the prompt for the user may be a set of data that is presented to the user via the graphical interface 400 or a menu presented to the user so that the next step of the planned well actions may be selected via the graphical interface 400.

[0046] The method 300 further includes generating a report based on the displayed response, as at 314. In certain embodiments, the generated report includes at least one recommendation related to the planned well action including but not limited to setting a constraint related to an existing well or to the drilling of a new well. In certain embodiments, the generated report may include a notification informing the user to collect more data in order for a recommendation to be generated.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the method 300 includes performing an uncertainty and optimization workflow based on the displayed response, as at 316. According to certain embodiments, the uncertainty and optimization workflow may include generating an ensemble of cases. Each case is constructed based on the response generated, for example, from step 304. The uncertainty and optimization workflow may be generated in real-time in response to the user intent. For example, a graphical interface 500 is seen in Figure 5A having a display area 502 and a query box 504. A user submits a query by inputting it into the query box 504, the submitted query then forming a query list 506 adjacent to the display area 502. In Figure 5A, the user has submitted the query “plot 3D water saturation for first case” 508 which generates an appropriate response, namely a three-dimensional plot 510 corresponding to water saturation for a first case. In Figure 5B, the user submits a query 512 requesting “Using 10 cases, run uncertainty workflow with Corey gas 2.5-6.4 and water 5.3”. The method 300 may then generate a response 514 displayed within the query list 506, the generated response 514 including ten simulations, each simulation being performed with a different Corey gas parameter that is in the range of 2.5 and 6.4 as specified by the user. According to certain embodiments, the user may submit one or more additional queries on the generated response in order to provide more specific information on a requested detail, element, or portion of the generated response. For example, as seen in Figure 5C, after the response 514 has been generated for all simulation cases, the user submits another queryPATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT516 requesting “analyze results”, which in turn generates a corresponding textual response 518 displayed in the query list 506 requesting that the user be more detailed with their query and further select what the user would like to specifically analyze. The user then submits query 520 to “analyze water production rate”, resulting in plot 522 being generated and displayed in the display area 502, the plot 522 including the results of each of the ten simulation cases having a different Corey gas parameter that is in the submitted user range. According to certain embodiments, plot 522 could be used for further data analytics, such as those described above and seen in Figures 4A-4C, for example.

[0048] The method further includes performing a wellsite action in response to the uncertainty and optimization workflow, as at 318. According to certain embodiments, performing a wellsite action includes generating or transmitting a signal that instructs or causes an action to occur. The action may include a physical action. The physical action may include selecting where to drill a wellbore in the subsurface formation, drilling the wellbore, varying a trajectory of the wellbore, varying a weight or torque on a drill bit that is drilling the wellbore, varying a rate or concentration of a fluid being pumped into the wellbore, or a combination thereof.

[0049] Exemplary Computing System

[0050] In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may be executed by a computing system. Figure 6 illustrates an example of such a computing system 600, in accordance with some embodiments. The computing system 600 may include a computer or computer system 601 A, which may be an individual computer system 601 A or an arrangement of distributed computer systems. The computer system 601A includes one or more analysis modules 602 that are configured to perform various tasks according to some embodiments, such as one or more methods disclosed herein. To perform these various tasks, the analysis module 602 executes independently, or in coordination with, one or more processors 604, which is (or are) connected to one or more storage media 606. The processor(s) 604 is (or are) also connected to a network interface 607 to allow the computer system 601 A to communicate over a data network 609 with one or more additional computer systems and / or computing systems, such as 601B, 601C, and / or 601D (note that computer systems 601B, 601C and / or 601D may or may not share the same architecture as computer system 601A, and may be located in different physical locations, e.g., computer systems 601 A and 601B may be located in a processing facility, while in communicationPATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT with one or more computer systems such as 601 C and / or 601D that are located in one or more data centers, and / or located in varying countries on different continents).

[0051] A processor may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, processor module or subsystem, programmable integrated circuit, programmable gate array, or another control or computing device.

[0052] The storage media 606 may be implemented as one or more computer-readable or machine-readable storage media. Note that while in the example embodiment of Figure 6 storage media 606 is depicted as within computer system 601A, in some embodiments, storage media 606 may be distributed within and / or across multiple internal and / or external enclosures of computing system 601A and / or additional computing systems. Storage media 606 may include one or more different forms of memory including semiconductor memory devices such as dynamic or static random access memories (DRAMs or SRAMs), erasable and programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable and programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs) and flash memories, magnetic disks such as fixed, floppy and removable disks, other magnetic media including tape, optical media such as compact disks (CDs) or digital video disks (DVDs), BLURAY® disks, or other types of optical storage, or other types of storage devices. Note that the instructions discussed above may be provided on one computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium, or may be provided on multiple computer-readable or machine-readable storage media distributed in a large system having possibly plural nodes. Such computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium or media is (are) considered to be part of an article (or article of manufacture). An article or article of manufacture may refer to any manufactured single component or multiple components. The storage medium or media may be located either in the machine running the machine-readable instructions, or located at a remote site from which machine-readable instructions may be downloaded over a network for execution.

[0053] In some embodiments, computing system 600 contains one or more method execution module(s) 608. In the example of computing system 600, the computer system 601 A includes the method execution module 608. In some embodiments, a single method execution module may be used to perform some aspects of one or more embodiments of the methods disclosed herein. In other embodiments, a plurality of method execution modules may be used to perform some aspects of methods herein.PATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT

[0054] It should be appreciated that computing system 600 is merely one example of a computing system, and that computing system 600 may have more or fewer components than shown, may combine additional components not depicted in the example embodiment of Figure 6, and / or computing system 600 may have a different configuration or arrangement of the components depicted in Figure 6. The various components shown in Figure 6 may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both hardware and software, including one or more signal processing and / or application specific integrated circuits.

[0055] Further, the steps in the processing methods described herein may be implemented by running one or more functional modules in information processing apparatus such as general purpose processors or application specific chips, such as ASICs, FPGAs, PLDs, or other appropriate devices. These modules, combinations of these modules, and / or their combination with general hardware are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] Computational interpretations, models, and / or other interpretation aids may be refined in an iterative fashion; this concept is applicable to the methods discussed herein. This may include use of feedback loops executed on an algorithmic basis, such as at a computing device (e.g., computing system 600, Figure 6), and / or through manual control by a user who may make determinations regarding whether a given step, action, template, model, or set of curves has become sufficiently accurate for the evaluation of the subsurface three-dimensional geologic formation under consideration.

[0057] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Moreover, the order in which the elements of the methods described herein are illustrated and described may be re-arranged, and / or two or more elements may occur simultaneously. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosed embodiments and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

PATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCTCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for planning a well action within a field, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of inputs related to the field; submitting a query related to the plurality of inputs; generating a response to the submited query; displaying the response in real-time within a graphical interface as it is generated, wherein the graphical interface is displayed on a screen associated with a user; performing data analytics on the displayed response within the graphical interface, generating a report based on the displayed response; and performing the well action based on the displayed response.

2. The method of Claim 1, further comprising providing an uncertainty and optimization workflow, wherein providing the uncertainty and optimization workflow comprises: submitting a query related to the plurality of inputs, the query comprising a range of values corresponding to at least one of the inputs; and generating an ensemble of cases, wherein each case is based on the range of values corresponding to the at least one input.

3. The method of Claim 2, wherein displaying the response in real-time within a graphical interface comprises displaying each of the ensemble cases within the graphical interface.

4. The method of Claim 1, wherein generating a response to the submitted query comprises: generating a compositional fluid model; generating a rock model; or generating a field management model.

5. The method of Claim 4, further comprising generating a reservoir simulation using the generated compositional fluid model, the generated rock model, or the generated field management model.PATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT6. The method of Claim 4, wherein the generated field management model is configured to add controls or constraints to at least one well within the field.

7. The method of Claim 1, further comprising generating a workflow related to planned well action to the user, wherein the workflow is based on the submitted query.

8. The method of Claim 1, further comprising presenting an option based on the submitted query to the user to make a selection related to the planned well action through the graphical interface.

9. The method of Claim 1, wherein generating the response comprises generating the response in real-time by a computer system.

10. The method of Claim 1, wherein generating report comprises generating at least one recommendation related to the planned well action.

11. The method of Claim 1, wherein performing the well action based on the displayed response comprises generating or transmitting a signal that instructs or causes an action to occur, wherein the action comprises a physical action, and wherein the physical action comprises selecting where to drill a wellbore in the subsurface formation, drilling the wellbore, varying a trajectory of the wellbore, varying a weight or torque on a drill bit that is drilling the wellbore, varying a rate or concentration of a fluid being pumped into the wellbore, or a combination thereof.

12. A computing system, comprising: one or more processors; and a memory system comprising one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the computing system to perform operations, the operations comprising: providing a plurality of inputs related to a field; submitting a query related to the plurality of inputs;PATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT generating a response to the submited query; displaying the response in real-time within a graphical interface as it is generated, wherein the graphical interface is displayed on a screen associated with a user; performing data analytics on the displayed response within the graphical interface, generating a report based on the displayed response; and performing a well action based on the displayed response, wherein performing the well action based on the displayed response comprises generating or transmitting a signal that instructs or causes an action to occur, wherein the action comprises a physical action, and wherein the physical action comprises selecting where to drill a wellbore in the subsurface formation, drilling the wellbore, varying a trajectory of the wellbore, varying a weight or torque on a drill bit that is drilling the wellbore, varying a rate or concentration of a fluid being pumped into the wellbore, or a combination thereof.

13. The computing system of Claim 12, wherein the plurality of inputs comprise: physical features of the field; structural features of the field; thermodynamic features of the field; data from a sample taken from the field; a type of rock within the field; a permeability of rock within the field; or a porosity of rock within the field.

14. The computing system of Claim 12, wherein the inputs are provided manually via the graphical interface or are taken automatically from an outside data source coupled to the one or more processors.

15. The computing system of Claim 14, wherein the outside data source coupled to the one or more processors comprises at least one of the following: a preexisting report related to the field, results from experiments conducted in the field, currently active equipment or tools disposed in the field, or sensors disposed in the field.PATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT16. The computing system of Claim 12, wherein generating a response to the submitted query comprises generating a reservoir simulation using inputs taken from at least one local or network resource coupled to the one or more processors.

17. The computing system of Claim 12, wherein generating a report based on the displayed response the well action comprises generating a recommendation comprising: a constraint on an existing well or for drilling a new well; or a recommendation for additional data collection.

18. The computing system of Claim 12, wherein displaying the response in real-time within a graphical interface comprises: displaying a textual response; displaying a graphical response; or displaying a request for additional queries.

19. The computing system of Claim 18, wherein the textual response is displayed in a query list within the graphical interface and wherein the graphical response is displayed in a display area within the graphical interface.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computing system, cause the computing system to perform operations, the operations comprising: receiving a plurality of inputs related to a field, wherein the plurality of inputs comprise physical, structural, and thermodynamic features of the field, data from a sample taken from the field, a type of rock within the field, a permeability of the rock within the field, and a porosity of rock within the field, and wherein the inputs are provided manually or are taken automatically from an outside data source, submitting a query related to the plurality of inputs; generating a response to the submited query, wherein the response comprises: a compositional fluid model; a rock model;PATENT Atorney Docket No.: IS24.1070-WO-PCT a field management model, wherein the field management model comprises means for adding controls or constraints to at least one well within the field; and a reservoir simulation, wherein the reservoir simulation comprises the compositional fluid model, the rock model, or the field management model; displaying the response in real-time within a graphical interface as it is generated, wherein the graphical interface is displayed on a screen associated with a user; performing data analytics on the displayed response within the graphical interface; generating a workflow related to a planned well action to the user, wherein the workflow is based on the submitted query; presenting an option based on the submitted query and the workflow to the user to make a selection related to the planned well action through the graphical interface; generating a report based on the displayed response and the selection, wherein the generated report comprises at least one recommendation related to the planned well action; providing an uncertainty and optimization workflow, wherein providing the uncertainty and optimization workflow comprises: submitting a query related to the plurality of inputs, the query comprising a range of values corresponding to at least one of the inputs; generating an ensemble of cases, wherein each case is based on the range of values corresponding to the at least one input; and displaying the generated ensemble of cases in real-time within the graphical interface; and performing a well action based on the displayed ensemble of cases, wherein performing the wellsite action comprises generating or transmitting a signal that instructs or causes an action to occur, wherein the action comprises a physical action, and wherein the physical action comprises selecting where to drill a wellbore in the subsurface formation, drilling the wellbore, varying a trajectory of the wellbore, varying a weight or torque on a drill bit that is drilling the wellbore, varying a rate or concentration of a fluid being pumped into the wellbore, or a combination thereof.

Images