Geological Facies Proportion Cube Combination Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for combining vertical probability (VPC) and horizontal probability (HPC) models in geological facies analysis often result in biases due to zero probabilities, leading to serious modeling errors and failure to meet the mathematical constraint where the sum of each row and column in the final proportion model must equal 1.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates combined proportion cubes by determining values from corresponding cells in VPC and HPC models, associating proportion values based on differences and averages to ensure the sum constraint is met, and optionally adding complementary values to maintain the constraint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If VPC and HPC models are combined using conventional methods, then the combination process is simple, but zero probabilities in one model result in zero probabilities in the final model causing bias and modeling errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the combination algorithm with minimum value selection and complementary value assignment) that mediates between VPC and HPC models. This intermediary process prevents direct multiplication of probabilities, thereby avoiding the zero-probability problem while maintaining the combination of both models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the probability combination process with modified rules. Instead of directly using the product of probabilities, it uses a copying approach where the minimum value is selected and complementary values are assigned, thereby preserving the structure while eliminating the harmful zero-probability effect.
2Ease of operation
If conventional combination methods are used, then the process is straightforward, but the mathematical constraint that the sum of each row and column must equal 1 is not satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the combination process continuously checks and adjusts probability values to ensure the sum constraint is satisfied. The algorithm calculates complementary values and assigns them iteratively until the mathematical constraint (sum equals 1) is met, providing self-correction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the probability combination process by introducing complementary value assignment and minimum value selection. These parameter changes transform the combination operation from a simple multiplication to a controlled adjustment process that maintains the sum constraint while combining VPC and HPC models.
3Measurement precision
If zero probability values are present in input models, then the input data reflects certain geological certainties, but the final model loses information and introduces bias
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of zero probabilities into a beneficial outcome. By selecting the minimum value (which may be zero) and then assigning complementary values to ensure the sum constraint is met, the patent transforms the loss of information into a controlled redistribution that preserves the overall probability distribution while eliminating the harmful zero-probability bias.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for determining geological facies in subsoil for oil and gas exploration. The method determines a combined proportion cube from a first meshed proportion cube and a second meshed proportion cube. The invention combines some facies models giving vertical probabilities and some facies models giving horizontal probabilities. This determination is particularly efficient in the presence of a zero probability in one of these models and is capable of respecting the mathematical constraint according to which the sum of each row and each column in the final proportion model must be equal to a predetermined maximum value.