Geocellular Model Rock Type Distribution via Seismic Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating geocellular models of underground formations rely on limited well log data, leading to inaccurate distribution of rock types and loss of valuable rock property information, as they assume uniformity of rock types between measured wells without considering depositional facies, resulting in unrealistic spatial continuity and geometries.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of a three-dimensional geocellular model by obtaining rock properties from well logs, interpolating and simulating rock properties using variograms and kriging/co-kriging techniques, and integrating seismic survey data to accurately assign rock types to cells, ensuring more precise representation of rock types and depositional facies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rock types are distributed assuming uniformity between measured wells, then the modeling process is simplified, but the accuracy of rock type distribution and spatial continuity becomes unrealistic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms rock property data from discrete well log measurements into continuous spatial distributions by changing the parameter representation from point-values to field-values. This involves interpolating rock properties (porosity, permeability, grain density) across the entire model grid using geostatistical methods, thereby resolving the contradiction between modeling simplicity and distribution accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces seismic survey data as an intermediary element to bridge the gap between discrete well measurements and continuous rock type distribution. Seismic attributes serve as a mediator that provides spatial continuity information between wells, enabling more accurate rock type assignment without requiring complex direct well-to-well interpolation.
2Device complexity
If limited well log data is used for creating geocellular models, then data acquisition is simpler, but the representation of rock property information becomes incomplete and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple data sources (well log data, seismic survey data, and rock property measurements) into a unified geocellular model. By combining these diverse data types and integrating them through analytical modeling, the system recovers and represents rock property information that would be lost if only limited well log data were used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical interpolation methods with analytical modeling approaches that use mathematical relationships and geostatistical principles. This substitution enables more accurate representation of rock properties by leveraging the physical and chemical relationships between different rock properties rather than relying solely on spatial proximity.
3Ease of operation
If traditional interpolation methods are used without considering depositional facies, then the modeling process is more straightforward, but the geometries and spatial continuity become unrealistic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different rock properties and depositional facies characteristics to different spatial locations within the model. Instead of applying uniform interpolation parameters across the entire model, the system adjusts local rock property distributions based on depositional environment, facies type, and regional geological constraints, thereby achieving realistic spatial continuity while maintaining operational feasibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Distributing petrofacies using analytical modeling. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: creating, by a computer system, a geocellular model of an underground formation, the creating by: reading a first value of a first rock property associated with a first well log; associating the first value of the first rock property with a first cell of a plurality of cell of the geocellular model; assigning a value of the first rock property to each cell of the plurality of cells based on the first value and a datum of information, the datum of information distinct from the first value.