Structural Depth Map Curve Fitting for Reservoir Pore Volume Ranking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining pore volume of subsurface structures are computationally expensive and inefficient when comparing multiple sites for hydrocarbon exploration or CO2 sequestration, as they involve repeated processes that do not effectively rank sites based on size.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a structural depth map to fit a functional relationship between gross rock volume (GRV) and closure height, allowing for the determination of total GRV by curve fitting and summation across multiple reservoir units, which can be converted to pore volume using porosity and other parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If repeated pore volume determination processes are performed for multiple stacked reservoirs, then accurate volumetric quantification is achieved, but computational cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reservoir structure into multiple discrete reservoir units, each with its own closure contour and volume calculation. This allows independent processing of each unit while maintaining overall accuracy, reducing the computational burden compared to processing the entire stacked reservoir system as a single complex unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and calculates the volume of each reservoir unit independently by defining closure contours and calculating volumes between adjacent contours. This extraction approach allows the volume of each unit to be determined separately using simplified geometric relationships, avoiding the need for complex integrated calculations across all stacked reservoirs.
2Measurement precision
If detailed pore volume calculation is performed for each reservoir unit, then accurate site ranking is achieved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from calculating complete pore volumes using complex integration to using a simplified parametric relationship between closure height and volume. By establishing that volume is proportional to the square of the closure height (V ∝ h²), the calculation reduces to a simple parameter substitution, dramatically reducing processing time while maintaining ranking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by calculating only the volume component needed for ranking purposes rather than complete pore volume analysis. By focusing on the closure height parameter and its relationship to volume, the method provides sufficient accuracy for site ranking without performing unnecessary detailed calculations of complete pore spaces, fluid saturations, and complex geometric integrations.
Data Source
AI summary
Example computer-implemented methods, media, and systems for determining a total gross rock volume (GRV) of multiple hydrocarbon reservoir units at a site are disclosed. One example method includes receiving multiple data points with each including an element representing a depth of a location on a structure depth map of a first reservoir unit at a site and another element representing a volume enclosed by the structure depth map and between the location and a closing contour of the first reservoir unit. A function representing a relationship between a GRV of a reservoir unit at the site and a closure height of the reservoir unit is curve fit to the multiple data points. A GRV of each of multiple reservoir units at the site is determined using the function. A total GRV of the multiple reservoir units is determined based on the GRV of each of the multiple reservoir units.