Geologic Model Construction Using Hierarchical Templates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geologic modeling technologies fail to precisely represent the geologic characteristics of subsurface regions, particularly in terms of fluid flow, due to limitations in scale representation and stochastic algorithms, leading to inaccurate fluid flow simulations and inefficient model construction and updating processes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using pre-built, editable, and reusable templates that include specific properties and characteristics of subsurface regions to construct geologic models, allowing for precise representation of fluid-affecting elements and rapid model updates by organizing templates based on depositional settings, geologic formations, and other relevant parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If stochastic geologic modeling algorithms are used to construct geologic models, then the modeling process can be automated, but the models fail to precisely represent geologic characteristics and fluid flow properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the geologic model into multiple hierarchical levels (first level for major facies, second level for sub-facies, third level for flow units). Each level represents different scales of geologic heterogeneity, allowing the model to capture both regional patterns and local flow-critical details. This segmentation enables precise representation of fluid flow properties while maintaining automation through algorithmic construction of each hierarchical level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the traditional 2D/3D grid-based models. By adding a fourth dimension (hierarchical level), the model can represent geologic features at multiple scales simultaneously. The first level captures broad facies distributions, while subsequent levels add finer-scale heterogeneity, enabling precise fluid flow representation without sacrificing automation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fine grid resolution is used to represent small-scale geologic features, then the model can capture detailed fluid flow paths, but the model construction and updating becomes computationally expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the model into hierarchical levels where only the necessary levels are constructed with fine resolution. The first level uses coarser resolution for computational efficiency, while only the second and third levels (when needed for flow analysis) use fine resolution to capture detailed fluid flow paths. This selective segmentation maintains productivity by avoiding unnecessary computation at all levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic model updating where the hierarchical structure allows selective refinement. When new data becomes available, the model can dynamically adjust which hierarchical levels require updating, rather than requiring complete re-modeling. This dynamic approach maintains high detail where needed while preserving computational efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If geologic models are constructed using traditional algorithms, then the models can be generated, but they cannot precisely represent spatial associations and topological relationships of geologic elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spatial representation into hierarchical levels that separately capture different aspects of geologic relationships. The first level represents major spatial associations and topological relationships between facies. The second level captures sub-facies spatial relationships, and the third level represents flow-unit topologies. This segmentation allows precise representation of spatial and topological attributes while maintaining ease of model generation through algorithmic construction of each level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to traditional spatial modeling, enabling simultaneous representation of multiple scales of spatial association and topological relationship. This additional dimension allows the model to capture both regional spatial patterns and local topological features without compromising either aspect of representation.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A
AI summary
A method of forming a geologic model of a subsurface region is disclosed. Data related to the subsurface region is obtained. A framework is constructed to represent the subsurface region. A template is selected from a plurality of templates. The selected template provides at least one property that is characteristic of the subsurface region. The selected template is inserted into the framework, to form the geologic model. The geologic model is then outputted.