Distinct Path Determination in Heterogeneous Velocity Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for efficiently determining distinct alternative paths between two object sets in heterogeneous geologic data volumes, which is crucial for assessing reservoir connectivity in petroleum reservoirs, affecting hydrocarbon management and production decisions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of a geologic cellular model with selected geophysical properties, calculating front propagation speed, and determining two-way total arrival times to identify distinct paths connecting source and target objects, using gradients and curvatures of the arrival times, and assessing reservoir connectivity for hydrocarbon production planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional path-finding methods are used in heterogeneous geologic data volumes, then computational simplicity is maintained, but the ability to accurately identify distinct alternative paths is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The geologic data volume is segmented into discrete cells with specific property values, allowing the complex continuous medium to be analyzed through discrete computational units. Each cell is assigned properties like porosity and permeability, enabling systematic path analysis through gradient calculations at cell boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gradient and curvature calculations as intermediary mathematical operations between the raw geologic data and the final path identification. These intermediaries transform the heterogeneous property data into directional information that reveals distinct alternative paths without requiring complex simulation models.
2Reliability
If comprehensive path analysis is performed to ensure all distinct paths are identified, then path coverage is improved, but computational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs gradient and curvature calculations at all cell boundaries (excessive action) to ensure no distinct path is missed, yet only processes cells that contribute to path identification. This approach guarantees complete path coverage while avoiding unnecessary computations in regions that do not affect path connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the analytical parameters from direct property value analysis to gradient and curvature derivatives. This parameter transformation enables the system to identify paths through mathematical features of the data rather than exhaustive simulation, reducing computational time while maintaining reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If detailed geologic modeling is created to accurately represent reservoir heterogeneity, then model precision is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential geometric and property information needed for path identification from the complete geologic model. By focusing on gradient and curvature features at cell boundaries rather than processing the entire model dataset, it achieves accurate path analysis with reduced processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The method transitions from analyzing geologic properties in the original spatial dimensions to examining gradient and curvature in derivative dimensions. This dimensional transformation reveals path structures through mathematical features that are not apparent in the raw data, maintaining model accuracy while simplifying the analysis process.
Data Source
AI summary
Distinct paths (40), e.g., locally optimal, are determined in a heterogeneous velocity field (32) between a source object and a target object (33) using gradients (35) of a two-way total arrival time field (34). The foregoing technique may be used to assess hydrocarbon reservoir connectivity.