Hybrid Grid Subsurface Modeling via Vertical Pillars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gridding techniques in subsurface modeling, such as seismic and reservoir grids, face challenges in efficiently transferring information and maintaining high resolution, particularly due to the irregular nature of reservoir grids and the coarser resolution of seismic grids.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid grid is introduced, which is regular in the x and y dimensions and maintains the irregular layered approach in the z direction, comprising vertical 1D arrays or 'pillars' defined by geological features, allowing for a compromise between seismic and reservoir grid sampling rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a regular seismic grid is used for subsurface modeling, then the data structure is simple and processing is efficient, but the resolution is insufficient to capture detailed geological features
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D subsurface volume is segmented into multiple 1D vertical arrays (pillars) at regularly spaced locations. Each pillar is independently defined by geological features, allowing high vertical resolution while maintaining regular horizontal spacing. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by dividing the complex 3D irregular grid into simpler 1D components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional 3D irregular grid to a hybrid representation that is regular in the horizontal (x, y) dimensions and irregular only in the vertical (z) dimension. By emphasizing the 1D vertical arrays at regular horizontal locations, the patent achieves high resolution where needed while maintaining computational simplicity through regular spacing in the dominant horizontal dimensions.
2Loss of information
If an irregular reservoir grid is used to capture geological features, then the resolution and accuracy are improved, but the complexity of information transfer and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the subsurface model into vertically-oriented 1D arrays at regularly spaced horizontal locations. This segmentation allows geological features to be captured within each pillar while maintaining a regular overall structure, thereby reducing the complexity of information transfer compared to fully irregular grids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each vertical pillar to be independently defined by local geological features while maintaining regular horizontal spacing. This enables high local resolution where geological complexity exists without requiring the entire grid to be irregular, thus improving information transfer efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If high resolution is maintained throughout the entire subsurface volume, then detailed geological features are captured, but the computational cost and data volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces data volume by transitioning from a fully 3D high-resolution grid to a hybrid structure with regular horizontal spacing and 1D vertical arrays. This dimensional simplification maintains high vertical resolution for capturing geological features while reducing the overall number of grid cells compared to a fully 3D high-resolution model.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the model into vertical pillars, the patent enables resolution to be maintained where geological features exist without requiring uniform high resolution throughout the entire volume. The segmented structure allows computational efficiency while preserving detailed representation of subsurface geology.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of modelling a subsurface volume, and a corresponding computer program and apparatus. The method comprises defining a regular planar grid of regularly arranged locations in the two dimensions substantially parallel to the surface, and calculating a plurality of one dimensional arrays, each one dimensional array extending from a different one of the regularly arranged locations, in the direction from surface to subsurface. Each of the one dimensional arrays comprises a plurality of one dimensional cells, wherein the cells are delineated according to actual geological features of the subsurface volume.