3D Well Block Radius Determiner for Reservoir Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional approaches to calculating the equivalent well block radius in petroleum reservoir simulators fail to accurately account for three-dimensional flow, leading to erroneous well productivity indices and production rates, especially in scenarios with significant vertical flow, and are computationally expensive and difficult to implement in parallel processes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining a three-dimensional equivalent well block radius that accounts for both horizontal and vertical flow through a well perforation, using a database and computer-based program products to calculate a partial penetration factor and vertical flow correction factor, allowing for accurate well block radius determinations without the need for complex numerical or iterative solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional two-dimensional approach is used to calculate equivalent well block radius, then calculation simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to failure to account for vertical flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the conventional two-dimensional well block radius calculation to a three-dimensional framework by introducing vertical flow considerations. The method calculates a three-dimensional equivalent well block radius that accounts for both horizontal and vertical flow components, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring completely new complex numerical simulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the traditional well block radius parameter by introducing correction factors that adjust the radius value based on vertical flow conditions. The method uses permeability ratios and geometric parameters to compute corrected well block radius values that accurately represent three-dimensional flow behavior while maintaining computational efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If complex numerical or iterative solutions are used to account for vertical flow, then measurement precision improves, but computational cost and implementation difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of correction factors and intermediate parameters during the model setup phase, so that the actual production rate calculations can be performed efficiently without requiring complex iterative solutions during time-stepping. The three-dimensional well block radius is pre-computed based on grid geometry and permeability properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex numerical simulation methods with an analytical approach that uses closed-form equations. Instead of performing time-consuming iterative numerical solutions, the method uses mathematical formulas involving logarithmic terms and correction factors to compute well productivity indices, significantly improving computational efficiency while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If three-dimensional flow is accounted for in well block radius calculation, then reliability improves, but ease of operation worsens due to increased calculation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the three-dimensional well block radius calculation into distinct components: horizontal well block radius calculation, vertical flow correction factor computation, and final combination to obtain the three-dimensional equivalent radius. This segmentation allows each component to be calculated independently and efficiently, making the overall method easier to implement in parallel reservoir simulators.
Data Source
AI summary
Three dimensional well block radius determiner machines, systems, program products, and computer implemented methods are provided to determine a three dimensional equivalent well block radius of a perforated grid block cell, with three dimensional flow, of a three dimensional coordinate grid block constructed over a three dimensional simulated well formation in a finite difference petroleum reservoir simulator. Various embodiments of the invention, for example, can beneficially account for both horizontal and vertical flow of oil through a well perforation without the need for complicated, expensive, and time-consuming numerical or iterative solutions. Embodiments of the present invention, for example, can be used as a part of legacy simulators thereby providing more accurate well block radius calculations, by accounting for both horizontal and vertical perforation flow, without introducing significant implementation hurdles, development costs, or simulation runtime delays.