Tightly Coupled Subsystem Simulation for Injection Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current numerical simulation techniques for injection treatments in subterranean zones face inefficiencies and instability due to loosely coupled models, leading to error accumulation and unreliable solutions.
Innovation Solution
A tightly coupled simulation approach is implemented, where a common solution vector is defined and updated across multiple subsystem models, allowing them to operate in parallel and solve governing equations implicitly, reducing errors and improving stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If loosely coupled models are used for numerical simulation, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but computational efficiency deteriorates and error accumulation occurs leading to unreliable solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distinct subsystem models into a tightly coupled simulation framework where all models share a common solution vector. This integration ensures that fluid flow, stress, and deformation equations are solved simultaneously rather than sequentially, eliminating error accumulation and improving solution reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic organization of the coupled system.
2Productivity
If tightly coupled simulation approach is implemented, then computational efficiency is improved and error accumulation is reduced, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex tightly coupled simulation system into distinct subsystem models (fluid flow, stress, deformation) that each represent specific physical processes. By organizing the system this way, the patent achieves computational efficiency through simultaneous solution of governing equations while managing complexity through clear separation of concerns and modular model structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal solution framework that handles multiple subsystem models through a common solution vector and unified numerical solver. This multi-functional approach allows the same computational infrastructure to efficiently solve different types of governing equations (fluid flow, stress, deformation) simultaneously, improving productivity while avoiding the need for separate complex processing systems.
3Speed
If subsystem models operate in parallel with updated parameters, then computational speed is improved, but ensuring complete data sets and coordination between models becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the common solution vector continuously exchanges information between parallel-operating subsystem models. Each model receives updated parameters from the solution vector, operates independently at high speed, and feeds its results back into the unified system. This feedback loop ensures all models have access to complete data sets and remain coordinated without sacrificing computational speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and software can be used to simulate a fracture treatment. In some aspects, a common solution vector for multiple distinct subsystem models is defined. Each subsystem model represents a distinct subsystem of an injection treatment system. Parameters of the subsystem models are updated based on the solution vector according to predefined relationships between the solution vector and the parameters of the subsystem models. The subsystem models are operated based on the solution vector and the updated parameters.