Depositional Grid Modeling for Geological Discontinuity Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geologic modeling techniques struggle to accurately characterize subsurface regions with discontinuities, leading to uncertainties in reservoir characterization and resource extraction operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize finite element cell grids with scalar fields to generate depositional grid cells, incorporating discontinuities, and assign physical properties to characterize geological environments, enabling more accurate computational modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional geologic modeling techniques are used, then the modeling process is simpler, but the accuracy of subsurface region characterization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous depositional space into discrete finite element cells, allowing each cell to be independently processed and characterized. This segmentation enables accurate representation of discontinuities by treating each cell's relationship to discontinuities separately, thereby improving modeling accuracy while managing complexity through systematic discretization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the problem from traditional 3D spatial modeling to 4D modeling by incorporating temporal dimension through depositional time. Each finite element cell is characterized not only by its spatial position but also by its depositional time, allowing accurate representation of geological evolution and discontinuity development over time, which improves characterization accuracy
2Measurement precision
If finite element cells are used to represent depositional space, then the representation of discontinuities improves, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific characteristics to each finite element cell based on its local relationship to discontinuities. Each cell is evaluated individually to determine whether it is intersected by, adjacent to, or distant from discontinuities, allowing precise local representation of discontinuity geometry and properties without requiring complex global modeling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter set used to characterize each finite element cell, incorporating parameters such as depositional time, distance to discontinuities, and intersection geometry. By expanding the parameter space rather than complicating the structural model, the patent achieves better discontinuity representation while managing computational complexity through systematic parameter assignment
3Manufacturing precision
If scalar fields are applied to generate depositional grid cells, then the geological environment characterization improves, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing scalar field values (such as distance to discontinuities, depositional time, and other geometric parameters) for each finite element cell before the main modeling process. This pre-computation allows the subsequent generation of depositional grid cells to proceed more efficiently, reducing processing time while maintaining high characterization accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A method can include accessing a finite element cell grid in a depositional space for a geologic environment, where finite element topological cells spatially overlap in a region of the depositional space that includes a discontinuity; processing the finite element topological cells using one or more scalar fields to generate depositional grid cells, where each of the depositional grid cells includes a surface defined by the discontinuity and at least one surface defined by at least one of the one or more scalar fields; and assigning one or more physical properties to each of the depositional grid cells to generate a computational model that characterizes the geological environment.