Geological Grid Flux Analysis for Hydrocarbon Flow Path Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for geological grid analysis in hydrocarbon production are cumbersome and inefficient, particularly when dealing with complex 3D models and multiple realizations, as they require tedious visual examination or costly simulations, and lack effective tools for visualizing and quantifying key information about fluid flow paths and permeability.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that generates a distribution of flux values across geological grids, using front propagation algorithms to determine how geological attributes like permeability propagate through the subsoil, allowing for the identification of fluid flow paths and areas of high permeability, and enabling comparison across multiple grid realizations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual examination of complex 3D geological models is performed, then analysis can be conducted, but the process becomes tedious and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual examination with an automated computer-implemented method that calculates flux values and generates visual representations of fluid flow paths. The system automatically processes geological grid data and produces quantitative analysis results, eliminating the need for operators to manually examine complex 3D models visually.
2Loss of information
If flow simulation is used to analyze the model, then information about simulated parameters is obtained, but the process becomes long and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for analysis by calculating flux values that directly represent fluid flow paths and permeability characteristics. Instead of running complete flow simulations, the method extracts key propagation information through streamlined calculations, obtaining the necessary insights without the full computational burden of traditional simulation.
3Reliability
If multiple 3D realizations are analyzed, then comprehensive model coverage is achieved, but the complexity of integration increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the analysis from examining multiple complex 3D realizations to a 2D flux value distribution that can be visually represented and compared. By projecting the multi-realization data onto a flux value map, the system enables intuitive comparison across multiple realizations while maintaining comprehensive model coverage, reducing the cognitive burden of integrating multiple 3D models.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention notably relates to a computer-implemented method of geological grid analysis, for hydrocarbon production, based on values of a geological attribute in a subsoil. The method comprises providing one or more geological grids. Each geological grid represents the subsoil. Each geological grid comprises respective cells. Each cell represents a respective portion of the subsoil. The method further comprises, for each geological grid, providing a first distribution. The first distribution comprises geological attribute values each on a respective cell. Each geological attribute value represents a value of the geological attribute in the respective portion. The method further comprises, for each geological grid, determining a second distribution based on the first distribution. The second distribution comprises flux values each on a respective cell. Each flux value represents a flux of the geological attribute in the respective portion. This constitutes an improved method of geological grid analysis.