Geologic Analogue Search Using Virtual Distances for Subsurface Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for oil and gas exploration lack effective tools for accurately comparing subsurface structures with surface analogues to enhance interpretation and improve subsurface region modeling, leading to less precise drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for accessing a data structure of subsurface geologic regions categorized by depositional environments, generating search results for closest analogues based on search criteria, and rendering these results through an interactive graphical user interface, utilizing frameworks like PETREL, TECHLOG, PETROMOD, ECLIPSE, and INTERSECT for enhanced visualization and simulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional visual comparison methods are used to identify analogues, then the process is simple and requires minimal computational resources, but the accuracy and efficiency of identifying accurate analogues is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual comparison methods with an automated computational system that uses data structures, virtual distances, and algorithmic search processes to identify analogues, thereby improving accuracy while managing complexity through systematic automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual distances as a new parameter to quantify similarity between geologic regions, transforming the analogue search from qualitative visual comparison to quantitative parameter-based identification, which enables more precise and consistent results
2Reliability
If comprehensive characterization of subsurface regions is performed, then the accuracy of drilling operations is improved, but the time and computational resources required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-processes and organizes geologic region data into a structured data structure with calculated virtual distances before the actual search is needed, enabling rapid query responses and reducing real-time computational time while maintaining comprehensive characterization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual interpretation processes with automated algorithmic search that uses pre-computed virtual distances to quickly identify and rank analogue regions, significantly reducing interpretation time while maintaining or improving accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A method can include, responsive to receipt of a search instruction that includes one or more search criteria, accessing a data structure for subsurface geologic regions categorized at least in part according to parameters that describe depositional environments, where the data structure includes one or more includes virtual distances between the parameters; generating a search result using the one or more search criteria and the data structure, where the search result represents an organization of at least a portion of subsurface geologic regions as closest analogues to the one or more search criteria; and transmitting search result information for graphically rendering the search result to a display as part of an interactive graphical user interface.