Geobody Continuity in Geological Models via Hybrid Simulation Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multiple Point Statistics (MPS) simulation struggles to efficiently capture long-range patterns and continuities due to high CPU and RAM costs, leading to non-representative statistics and unrealistic geological models.
Innovation Solution
A novel regular-random hybrid simulation path is introduced, using an anisotropy-specific regular path on the coarsest level of multiple grids to capture large-scale continuity and random paths on lower levels to explore variability, reducing the number of multi-grid levels in the vertical direction for improved geobody continuity and hard data conditioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional random simulation path is used in MPS simulation, then computational implementation is simple, but geobody continuity and long-range patterns cannot be captured effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation domain is divided into multiple grids with different resolutions (coarse grid, intermediate grid, fine grid). The coarse grid uses a regular simulation path to capture large-scale continuity, while finer grids use random paths to explore local variability. This segmentation allows different simulation strategies to be applied at different scales, resolving the contradiction between capturing geobody continuity and maintaining implementation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the simulation path selection by considering the grid level (coarse, intermediate, fine) as an additional dimension. Instead of using a single simulation path for all grid levels, the method selects different path types (regular vs. random) based on the grid level, enabling effective capture of long-range patterns at coarse levels while maintaining local stochasticity at fine levels.
2Shape
If regular simulation path is used on all grid levels, then large-scale continuity is captured, but computational cost and memory requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Different simulation path strategies are applied locally to different grid levels based on their specific needs. The coarse grid level, which requires capture of large-scale continuity, uses a regular simulation path. The finer grid levels, which focus on local variability, use random simulation paths. This local differentiation optimizes computational resources by applying the more expensive regular path only where it is most beneficial.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying the computationally expensive regular simulation path to all grid levels (excessive action), the patent applies it partially only to the coarse grid level where it is most needed for capturing large-scale continuity. This partial application reduces computational cost and memory requirements while still achieving the desired geobody continuity.
3Manufacturing precision
If more multi-grid levels are used in vertical direction, then resolution is improved, but geobody continuity deteriorates due to excessive grid refinement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptivity in the vertical grid structure by allowing the number of grid levels to vary based on the specific geological context and data availability. Rather than using a fixed number of grid levels, the method dynamically adjusts the vertical grid refinement to balance resolution requirements with the need to maintain geobody continuity, particularly in layers with limited vertical data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of grid level configuration from a fixed structure to a variable structure that can be adjusted based on geological characteristics. By modifying the number and spacing of grid levels in the vertical direction, the method optimizes the balance between achieving sufficient resolution and maintaining realistic geobody continuity, particularly for features like channels that extend over large vertical distances.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a method that improves the long-range geobody continuity in Multiple Point Statistical methods, wherein the coarsest multi-grid level cells are simulated in a regular path, and the subsequent level cells are simulated in a random path as usual. The method is general and is applicable to different cases: such as hard data conditioning, soft data conditioning, non-stationarity modeling, 2 or more than 2 types of facies modeling, and 2D and 3D modeling. The method is particularly useful in reservoir modeling, especially for the channelized systems, but can be generally applied to other geological environments.