Multi-layer Subsurface Model for Fracture Stacking Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for predicting natural fractures in subsurface regions are limited, as they often rely on empirical assumptions or fail to provide numerical and analytical results for characterizing natural fractures, leading to inadequate modeling and hydrocarbon management in hydrocarbon exploration and production.
Innovation Solution
The development of a method that creates a multi-layer model of the subsurface region, populates it with mechanical rock properties, applies loads to simulate stress and determine tensile failures, and calculates fracture characteristics such as fracture stacking potential, allowing for enhanced prediction and modeling of natural fractures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If empirical assumptions are used to predict natural fractures, then the prediction process is simple, but the accuracy and reliability of fracture characterization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces empirical assumptions with physics-based mechanical models that simulate rock stress states and fracture mechanics. The system uses numerical models to calculate stress distributions, tensile strengths, and fracture propagation based on fundamental mechanical principles, thereby improving prediction accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the prediction approach by changing from qualitative empirical parameters to quantitative physical parameters such as stress magnitude, tensile strength, elastic moduli, and fracture energy. These parameter changes enable more accurate and reliable fracture characterization through physics-based calculations.
2Measurement precision
If detailed mechanical modeling is performed to characterize natural fractures, then the prediction accuracy improves, but the computational complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the subsurface region into discrete geological layers and fracture zones, allowing the mechanical model to be applied to specific regions of interest rather than the entire subsurface volume. This segmentation reduces computational complexity while maintaining precision in critical areas where fracture prediction is most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies detailed mechanical modeling selectively to regions where natural fractures are most likely to occur or where they have the greatest impact on hydrocarbon recovery. By focusing computational resources on partial regions rather than performing exhaustive modeling everywhere, the system achieves high precision where needed while reducing overall computational time.
3Reliability
If comprehensive fracture characteristics are calculated including stacking potential, then the hydrocarbon management improves, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fracture prediction system that calculates multiple fracture characteristics (tensile strength, stress state, fracture orientation, stacking potential) using a single integrated mechanical model framework. This multi-functional approach improves hydrocarbon management quality by providing comprehensive fracture information while avoiding the need for separate specialized models for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple fracture characterization parameters into a unified prediction system that simultaneously evaluates stress state, tensile strength, fracture propagation, and stacking potential. By combining these calculations into one integrated model, the system reduces overall complexity compared to using separate models for each parameter while maintaining high reliability in hydrocarbon management decisions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides more accurate and physics-based predictions of natural fractures, improving hydrocarbon management by better understanding fracture characteristics and their impact on hydrocarbon recovery and production.
Implementation Method 1
applying a plurality of loads to the multi-layer model; determining a stress in each layer of the multi-layer model for each of the plurality of loads
Implementation Method 2
determining a tensile failure at each layer in the multi-layer model for each of the plurality of loads to create one or more natural fractures
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for modeling and predicting fractures within the subsurface region are provided. The methods and systems use multi-layer models to represent stacks of layered rocks, which are used to evaluate shear tractions caused by the relatively higher lateral strains in a more compliant overlying or underlying adjacent layers. As the lateral strains can induce tensional stresses in the brittle layers that can exceed the rocks tensile strength and fail, the formation of natural fractures may be modeled. Accordingly, the method and system model fractures due to stacking using mechanical rock property information from well logs and simulating the farfield loading conditions using basin history.