Hybrid Permeability Determination for Complex Formations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining permeability in earth formations, such as Interval Pressure Transient Test (IPTT), face challenges in handling complex geological models and deviated wells, with analytical solutions being overly simplistic and numerical solutions being time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that combine analytical and numerical solutions to model pressure transients within and between layers, selecting the appropriate analytical solution based on geological models and formation testing data, and determining permeability using a hybrid approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional analytical solutions are used for IPTT interpretation, then the interpretation process is simple and fast, but the accuracy is reduced when dealing with complex geological models and deviated wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the earth formation into multiple layers, each with its own geological model (homogeneous or heterogeneous), and applies different solution methods to each layer based on its complexity. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex formations while maintaining computational efficiency for simpler layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically selects between analytical and numerical solutions based on the geological model of each layer and the well configuration. The system adapts its approach in real-time during interpretation, choosing the most appropriate method for each specific case rather than using a fixed approach throughout.
2Measurement precision
If numerical simulation methods are used for IPTT interpretation, then the accuracy is improved for complex geological models and deviated wells, but the computation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different levels of computational complexity to different regions (layers) of the formation. Numerical methods are applied only to layers with complex geological models or deviated well configurations, while simpler layers use faster analytical methods. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between accuracy and computation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mathematical model parameters and solution methods based on the geological model characteristics and well configuration. By adjusting which analytical or numerical methods are applied to each layer, the system optimizes both accuracy and computational efficiency for each specific formation case.
3Device complexity
If conventional analytical solutions assume homogeneous layers and vertical wells, then the derivation is simpler, but the applicability to real-world complex formations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interpretation system that can handle multiple formation types (homogeneous and heterogeneous layers, vertical and deviated wells) using a single integrated framework. The system incorporates both analytical and numerical methods to provide universal applicability across different geological scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic organization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and computer program product for determining permeability of an earth formation of a reservoir are disclosed. A method may include: providing formation testing data of the earth formation; defining layering of the earth formation; determining a geological model for each layer; modeling pressure transient in the earth formation by representing pressure transient within a layer using an analytical solution and representing pressure transient between two layers using a numerical solution, the analytical solution selected based on at least one of the respective geological model and data regarding a drilled well of the reservoir, and a parameter of the analytical solution and a parameter of the numerical solution being determined based on the formation testing data; and determining the permeability of the earth formation based on the pressure transient model.