Adaptive Grid Orientation for Fractured Formation Flow Modeling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Reservoir simulation technologies face challenges in accurately estimating fluid flow parameters, particularly flow direction, in fractured formations, leading to poor modeling results when the grid orientation is not aligned with principal flow directions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that select a grid block representing an earth formation, calculate principal flow directions, and adjust the grid orientation to align with these directions, allowing for the estimation of fluid flow parameters and generation of a fluid flow model, using data acquisition tools and processors to collect and analyze fracture data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the grid orientation is not aligned with principal flow directions, then the grid setup is simpler and faster, but the accuracy of fluid flow parameter estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of principal flow directions and equivalent permeability tensors before finalizing the grid orientation. This preliminary action allows the system to determine the optimal grid alignment based on fracture data, ensuring accurate fluid flow parameter estimation while maintaining computational efficiency through automated orientation adjustment.
2Reliability
If the grid orientation is adjusted to align with principal flow directions, then the accuracy of fluid flow modeling improves, but the computational time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation parameters of the grid block based on calculated principal flow directions. By automatically adjusting grid axes to align with dominant flow directions derived from fracture data, the system improves modeling reliability while minimizing computational time through efficient parameter transformation rather than brute-force optimization.
3Productivity
If a fixed grid orientation is used, then the setup process is faster and less complex, but the ability to accurately model anisotropic flow in fractured formations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the grid orientation from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic one that adapts to the principal flow directions. The grid block orientation is automatically adjusted based on fracture data and calculated flow characteristics, enabling accurate modeling of anisotropic flow while maintaining high productivity through automated adaptive reorientation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of estimating flow properties of an earth formation includes: selecting a grid block representing a region of the earth formation, the region including at least one of an area and a volume of the earth formation, the grid block including a plurality of grid cells and having an orientation defined by grid axes; and calculating a fluid flow model of the region. Calculating the model includes: estimating a principal flow direction for each grid cell; adjusting the orientation of the grid block based on the principal flow direction; and calculating fluid flow parameters in each grid cell to generate the fluid flow model.