Automated Fault Damage Zone Modeling in Fractured Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for modeling seismic fault damage zones in naturally fractured reservoirs are inefficient, requiring manual and repetitive tasks, failing to accurately represent fracture distribution and leading to unreliable production predictions due to the lack of standardized approaches and incorporation of structural geology concepts.
Innovation Solution
A method for representing seismic fault damage zones and fracture density in geological models using automated workflows within commercial software like Petrel, utilizing equations to correlate seismic fault slips with damage zone thickness and fracture density, enabling standardized and agile representation of complex fault zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual and repetitive tasks are used for spatial distribution of fractures in numerical models, then specialized professionals can perform the tasks, but it demands a lot of dedicated time and hinders adequate incorporation of structural geology concepts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes with an automated computer-based system. The automated workflow uses software to perform fracture spatial distribution modeling, eliminating the need for manual repetitive tasks while incorporating structural geology concepts through algorithmic implementation of geological principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the software automatically performs fracture distribution modeling without requiring continuous human intervention. The automated workflow executes independently, reducing the time burden on specialized professionals while maintaining geological accuracy through programmed methodologies.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed value of distance from the damage zone is used in relation to faults, then the modeling process is simplified, but it limits or exaggerates the occurrence of fractures and does not obey structural geology criteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fixed distance parameter into a variable parameter that is calculated dynamically based on fault properties and geological conditions. The system computes distance values using geological criteria and structural parameters, allowing the distance to vary spatially rather than remaining constant, thus improving accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The modeling approach transitions from a static fixed-distance method to a dynamic calculation-based method. The distance from damage zone is determined dynamically through automated calculations that consider local geological conditions, fault characteristics, and structural parameters, enabling the model to adapt to varying geological scenarios.
3Device complexity
If very small damage zones and models with very coarse grids are used, then the modeling is computationally simpler, but these strained regions associated with faults are not represented in the geological models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the representation of different spatial zones. The automated system identifies and specifically models strained regions near faults with appropriate detail, while other areas use coarser representation. This allows computational efficiency in low-stress zones while maintaining high precision in critical damage zones through localized refinement.
Solution Approach 2:
The modeling approach segments the reservoir into distinct zones based on proximity to faults and stress characteristics. Strained regions are separated and modeled with higher resolution, while distant areas use coarser grids. This segmentation enables the model to capture critical geological features without requiring fine resolution throughout the entire model domain.
4Productivity
If standardized and automated workflows are implemented for fracture modeling, then the process becomes more efficient and reliable, but it requires integration of complex structural geology concepts and equations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate processes into a single integrated automated workflow. Structural geology concepts, fracture modeling equations, spatial distribution algorithms, and validation procedures are combined into one cohesive system that executes automatically, improving efficiency while managing complexity through integration rather than separate manual steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated workflow system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various fracture modeling tasks, parameter calculations, and validation procedures within a single platform. This universal approach allows the system to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate tools and processes, improving productivity while consolidating complexity into a unified interface.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention proposes a method to represent seismic fault damage zones and fracture density in the geological models of reservoirs in a simple, agile and automated way, so that it can be easily replicated by geologists in any production design. It was developed as a group of workflows, inserted in the commercial software Petrel, widely used in the company for the 3D numerical modeling of reservoirs.