Gridless Point-Vector Reservoir Modeling for Scalable Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional geostatistical modeling techniques for petroleum reservoirs are limited by the need for a grid of cells, which imposes constraints on regridding, refinement, and scalability, making it difficult to generate accurate and updatable models of geological properties.
Innovation Solution
The use of gridless point-vector (PV) modeling techniques that represent geological properties in a vector graphics format, allowing for strict contact boundaries and contour lines, enabling the creation of infinitely resolvable, resolution-independent, and geologically scalable models without a predetermined grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional geostatistical modeling techniques using a grid of cells are used, then the model structure is simple and easy to implement, but the model imposes constraints on regridding, refinement, and scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the grid structure from traditional geostatistical models, extracting the constraint-imposing element (the grid) while retaining the essential modeling functionality. This allows the model to be updated and refined without being constrained by a fixed grid structure, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of implementation and model flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic, adaptive mesh system that can be refined and regenerated based on new data and modeling needs. Unlike static grids, this dynamic mesh structure allows for continuous adaptation and refinement, enabling the model to evolve with new information while maintaining computational efficiency.
2Device complexity
If a grid of cells is used to define geological properties, then the model is easy to construct, but it limits the ability to update the model with new data and perform regridding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mesh system that can be continuously updated and refined. The mesh structure adapts to new data through automated refinement processes, allowing model updates without requiring complete restructuring. This dynamic approach maintains relatively simple construction while dramatically improving ease of updating and regridding capabilities.
3Productivity
If traditional gridded models are used, then computational implementation is straightforward, but geological scalability and resolution independence are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the computational domain into adaptive mesh elements that can be segmented at different levels of detail. This segmentation allows coarse representations for broad geological features and fine representations for detailed local variations, achieving high geological precision while maintaining computational efficiency through hierarchical structuring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the model to have different levels of mesh refinement. Areas requiring higher geological precision receive finer mesh elements, while other regions use coarser elements. This localized adaptation optimizes both computational efficiency and geological modeling precision across different spatial scales.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for modeling petroleum reservoir properties using a gridless reservoir simulation model are provided. Data relating to geological properties of a reservoir formation is analyzed. A tiered hierarchy of geological elements within the reservoir formation is generated at different geological scales, based on the analysis. The geological elements at each of the different geological scales in the tiered hierarchy are categorized. Spatial boundaries between the categorized geological elements are defined for each of the geological scales in the tiered hierarchy. A scalable and updateable gridless model of the reservoir formation is generated, based on the spatial boundaries defined for at least one of the geological scales in the tiered hierarchy.