Juxtaposition Across Geological Discontinuities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate prediction of fluid flow across geological discontinuities in reservoirs is challenging due to the difficulty in modeling non-orthogonal interfaces, leading to numerical errors and inaccurate flow simulations in existing seismic data analysis methods.
Innovation Solution
The method involves identifying geological discontinuities in seismic data, parameterizing their sides, determining isolines of parameterization properties, and mapping the divided surfaces to create a more accurate flow simulation-compatible diagram, which reduces numerical errors and maintains face-neighborhood topological information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a grid based approach is used to model substrata, then the discretization of geological structures is achieved, but the discontinuity in grid at geological discontinuities makes computing fluid flow extremely difficult and introduces numerical errors
Solution Approach 1:
The method segments the geological model by identifying and separating different substrata types on either side of the discontinuity. By parameterizing each side independently and determining isolines of parameterization properties, the grid is divided into segments that can be mapped across the discontinuity, allowing accurate flow computation without numerical errors that would result from treating the discontinuity as a single continuous grid.
2Productivity
If estimations or assumptions are used to fix data at discontinuities, then calculations can be completed, but numerical errors up to and including non-physical behaviors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The method introduces an intermediary mapping process between the two sides of the discontinuity. Instead of making direct estimations or assumptions at the discontinuity, the patent uses isolines of parameterization properties as intermediate structures to bridge the gap between different substrata. This intermediary approach allows calculations to proceed without introducing non-physical behaviors or significant numerical errors.
3Measurement precision
If known approaches are used to determine fluid behavior at discontinuities, then some flow estimation is achieved, but the approaches are either costly and difficult to implement or inaccurately approximate fault geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The method changes the parameterization of the geological model by using isolines of parameterization properties to represent the discontinuity. This parameter-based approach allows for accurate fault geometry approximation while maintaining computational efficiency. By parameterizing both sides of the discontinuity and using isolines to map between them, the patent achieves accurate fault geometry representation without the high cost and complexity of other known approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described in which a seismic data set of a geological survey is provided. A geological discontinuity in the seismic data set is identified. A first parameterization of at least a portion of a first side of the geological discontinuity is identified. A second parameterization of at least a portion of a second side of the geological discontinuity is identified. A plurality of isolines of properties of the first and second parameterizations is determined. A surface of the geological discontinuity is divided according to the isolines. The divided surfaces of the geological discontinuity are mapped.