Basin Modeling with Mechanical Structural Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current basin modeling techniques are limited in predicting the location and economic interest of hydrocarbon reservoirs in sedimentary basins with complex geological histories and tectonic contexts, as they rely on the vertical preservation hypothesis, which is not valid for basins with frequent detachment phenomena, leading to errors in trap prediction.
Innovation Solution
An alternative basin modeling method using mechanical structural restoration to simulate petroleum system processes in three-dimensional Lagrangian grids, accounting for deformations and geological processes such as sediment deposition, compaction, and fluid migration, while incorporating subgrids for faults and detachments to accurately represent complex tectonic settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If simple vertical preservation hypothesis is used for basin modeling, then the modeling process is simple and fast, but the prediction accuracy of hydrocarbon trap locations deteriorates in basins with complex tectonic histories and detachment phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The basin modeling process is segmented into two distinct phases: (1) a simplified initial assessment phase using vertical preservation hypothesis for rapid screening, and (2) a detailed mechanical structural restoration phase using 3D Lagrangian grids for accurate prediction in complex tectonic settings. This segmentation allows users to benefit from both speed and accuracy depending on basin complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static vertical preservation assumptions to dynamic mechanical structural restoration that accounts for time-dependent deformation processes. The 3D Lagrangian grid system dynamically tracks material points through geological time, capturing the evolution of detachment zones and fault systems that static models cannot represent.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical structural restoration with 3D Lagrangian grids is used, then the prediction accuracy of hydrocarbon trap locations is improved, but the device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary structural restoration to reconstruct past basin architectures before performing petroleum system simulations. By pre-establishing accurate 3D Lagrangian grids that account for detachment and faulting history, the system prepares the geological framework in advance, enabling more efficient and accurate hydrocarbon trap predictions without redundant computational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D Lagrangian grid system acts as an intermediary between geological observations and petroleum system simulations. It translates complex mechanical deformation histories into a structured framework that can be used by subsequent simulation models, bridging the gap between structural geology and basin modeling while managing computational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If simple geometry assumptions are made in basin modeling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of trap prediction deteriorates in basins with frequent detachment phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using simplified vertical preservation assumptions in structurally simple regions while implementing detailed mechanical structural restoration with 3D Lagrangian grids in regions with complex detachment and faulting. This localized approach optimizes the balance between modeling simplicity and prediction reliability based on actual basin characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts modeling parameters based on detected geological complexity. When detachment phenomena or complex faulting are identified, the model transitions from simple geometry assumptions to sophisticated mechanical structural restoration with time-dependent deformation parameters, ensuring reliable predictions while maintaining operational simplicity where applicable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides more accurate mapping of hydrocarbon accumulation zones and their economic potential, improving the prediction of reservoir locations and reducing errors associated with simple geometry assumptions, particularly in basins with complex tectonic histories.
Implementation Method 1
past architectures of the basin are reconstructed, from the current time to the geological time t, by deforming the grid so as to construct a succession of Lagrangian grids, by means of a three-dimensional structural restoration wherein the deformation of the basin is calculated by solving equations of the continuous media mechanics
Implementation Method 2
compaction of the sedimentary layers under the effect of the weight of overlying sediments
Implementation Method 3
chemical transformation of organic matter to hydrocarbons
Implementation Method 4
displacement of the hydrocarbons in the basin under the effect of floatability
Implementation Method 5
displacement of the hydrocarbons in the basin under the effect of floatability, capillarity and advection through underground flows
Implementation Method 6
incorporating subgrids for faults and detachments to accurately represent complex tectonic settings
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mapping a complex sedimentary basin is disclosed. A grid representative of the current architecture of the basin is constructed. A mechanical structural restoration is applied in three dimensions so as to reconstruct the past architectures of the basin from the current time up to a geological time t. A simulation of the geological and geochemical processes that govern the formation of a petroleum reservoir is then carried out, directly in the grids obtained from the restoration, from the geological time t to the current one. This simulation is thereafter used for mapping the sedimentary basin so as to identify zones of the basin where hydrocarbons may have accumulated.