Geological Time Data Structure for Reservoir Simulation Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geological models currently neglect aspects of geological time, which can lead to inaccurate resource assessment and recovery simulations, as they primarily focus on short-term simulations rather than accounting for the long-term geological processes.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that utilizes a geological time data structure to link objects of a geological model to geological times, enabling the generation and output of simulation results along a geological time axis, thereby incorporating long-term processes into the modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If geological models focus on short-term simulations for resource recovery, then simulation speed and practical applicability are improved, but accuracy of long-term geological process representation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to traditional spatial geological models by creating a four-dimensional modeling framework (three spatial dimensions plus time). This is achieved through time-indexed geological objects that can represent the same spatial location at different geological time points, allowing simultaneous analysis of both short-term recovery processes and long-term geological evolution without compromising simulation speed
Solution Approach 2:
The geological model is segmented into discrete time steps or time slices, where each time slice represents a specific geological period. This segmentation allows the model to handle long-term processes by breaking them into manageable temporal units that can be simulated sequentially, maintaining computational efficiency while improving long-term accuracy
2Reliability
If geological models incorporate comprehensive geological time data, then accuracy of resource assessment is improved, but model complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal temporal framework that can be applied to any spatial geological object. The time-indexed object structure serves multiple functions: it tracks geological evolution, manages temporal relationships between different geological features, and enables both historical analysis and future prediction within a single unified model, reducing overall system complexity despite the added temporal dimension
Solution Approach 2:
The model implements a nested structure where temporal information is embedded within spatial objects. Each geological object contains time-related attributes and relationships that are nested within its spatial definition, allowing the model to manage complexity by organizing data hierarchically rather than as separate independent components
Data Source
AI summary
A method can include providing a geological time data structure configured to link objects of a reservoir model to geological times; linking one of the objects of the reservoir model to one of the geological times; generating simulation results for the reservoir model; and, based at least in part on the geological time data structure, outputting at least some of the simulation results along a geological time axis. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.