Coupled Stratigraphic and Hydrological Models for Organic Matter Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stratigraphic models inadequately predict the distribution and quality of terrestrial organic matter in sedimentary basins due to simplistic hydrological assumptions, neglecting factors like lake presence and river systems, leading to inaccurate reproduction of palustrine environments and overestimation of organic matter production in topographic highlands.
Innovation Solution
A method coupling stratigraphic models with hydrological models and in situ accumulation models that account for water conditions in sedimentary basins, simulating the transport and preservation of terrestrial organic matter, using hydraulic conductivity and unsaturated zone dynamics to determine accurate accumulation zones and quantities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current stratigraphic models with simplistic hydrological assumptions are used, then the modeling process is simple and fast, but the prediction accuracy of terrestrial organic matter distribution and quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines stratigraphic modeling with hydrological modeling into an integrated framework. The hydrological model calculates unsaturated zone thickness and water conditions, which are then used as inputs to the organic matter accumulation model. This merging of previously separate models resolves the contradiction by improving prediction accuracy through comprehensive water condition assessment while maintaining a structured, modular approach to model complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces unsaturated zone thickness as an intermediary parameter that mediates between hydrological conditions and organic matter accumulation. This intermediary variable translates complex hydrological processes into a quantifiable metric that directly influences organic matter preservation predictions, thereby improving accuracy without requiring direct simulation of all hydrological processes.
2Ease of operation
If simplistic hydrological assumptions are made, then the model is easier to operate, but the reproduction of palustrine environments and river systems becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating hydrological conditions across different spatial locations within the sedimentary basin. The model calculates unsaturated zone thickness and water conditions specifically for each location, allowing accurate reproduction of palustrine environments in low-lying areas and different conditions in highlands, rather than applying uniform simplistic assumptions throughout the entire basin.
3Productivity
If simplified organic matter accumulation models are used, then the computational process is faster, but the estimation of organic matter quantity and distribution becomes less deterministic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of unsaturated zone thickness and water conditions before simulating organic matter accumulation. By pre-establishing the hydrological framework and water condition parameters, the model creates a deterministic basis for organic matter accumulation calculations, improving precision without requiring repeated complex hydrological simulations during the organic matter modeling phase.
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 approach provides a more deterministic estimation of terrestrial organic matter distribution, improving the characterization of hydrocarbon potential by accurately modeling the accumulation and preservation of organic matter, leading to more reliable hydrocarbon resource assessments and optimal exploitation strategies.
Implementation Method 1
determined from a hydrological model and parameters of said hydrological model, in particular the hydraulic conductivity
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic conductivity and unsaturated zone dynamics to determine accurate accumulation zones
Implementation Method 3
stratigraphic modeling aims to simulate the evolution of a sedimentary basin over geological time in order to quantify in particular the geometry of the sedimentary layers, the type of sediments deposited
Implementation Method 4
model of accumulation of terrestrial organic matter taking into account the water conditions within the sedimentary basin
Implementation Method 5
evaluation of the petroleum potential of a sedimentary basin requires the best characterization of the distribution of the sediments within a sedimentary basin, and more particularly the distribution and the quality of the organic matter within these sediments, controlled by the processes deposit, degradation and/or preservation of this organic matter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
- A method for exploiting hydrocarbons within a sedimentary basin, using stratigraphic simulation coupled with a hydrological model and a terrestrial organic matter accumulation model. - For at least one time step, the distribution of inorganic sediments within the basin is determined using a stratigraphic simulator. Then, using a hydrological model, at least one unsaturated zone is delineated within the basin. Using a terrestrial organic matter accumulation model that is a function of the thickness of the unsaturated zone, the stability of the unsaturated zone thickness, and the surface water flux defined for the time step considered, at least one zone of terrestrial organic matter accumulation within the basin and the amount of terrestrial organic matter accumulated in this accumulation zone are determined. - Application particularly to oil exploration and production.