Hydrocarbon Saturation Modeling via Cell Slicing and Weighted Averaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inaccurate hydrocarbon in place volume estimates in hydrocarbon reservoirs due to inaccurate hydrocarbon saturation estimates, particularly in complex reservoir settings like fault intersections and transition zones, lead to poor well construction decisions and inefficient field development.
Innovation Solution
A method using a three-dimensional grid to determine hydrocarbon saturation distribution by weighting hydrocarbon saturation estimates at different depths within each cell, slicing cells until discretization error is reduced below a predetermined value, and averaging these estimates to improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a three-dimensional grid is used to model the hydrocarbon reservoir, then the hydrocarbon in place volume can be estimated, but the estimates can be inaccurate due to discretization error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing each grid cell into multiple vertical layers or zones based on depth intervals. This allows the saturation height function to be evaluated at multiple discrete depth points within each cell, capturing the vertical variation in hydrocarbon saturation more accurately. The cell-averaged saturation is then computed by integrating these layered estimates, reducing discretization error while maintaining computational feasibility.
2Measurement precision
If saturation estimates are determined at multiple depths within each cell, then discretization error is reduced, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining a set of depth intervals and weight factors that will be used across all grid cells. The saturation height function is evaluated at these predetermined depth points, and the weight factors are calculated in advance based on the geometric properties of the cells. This pre-computation approach reduces the computational burden during the main saturation estimation process, as the same depth intervals and weights can be reused across multiple cells without recalculation.
3Measurement precision
If cells are sliced into multiple depth intervals, then hydrocarbon saturation distribution accuracy is improved, but the model complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different grid cells to have different numbers of depth intervals based on their specific geological characteristics and saturation variability. Cells with high saturation gradients or complex geometry can be divided into more layers, while cells with uniform saturation properties use fewer layers. This adaptive approach optimizes the balance between accuracy and model complexity, applying higher resolution only where necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional grid of a hydrocarbon reservoir can be received. The three-dimensional grid can include a plurality of cells, each cell of the plurality of cells can include a first index value, a second index value, and a third index value. The first index value, the second index value, and the third index value of each cell can together uniquely identify each cell of the plurality of cells. Each cell can further include at least one parameter measured from the hydrocarbon reservoir. A hydrocarbon saturation distribution of the hydrocarbon reservoir can be determined using a saturation height function and the at least one parameter of each cell of the plurality of cells. The hydrocarbon saturation distribution can include a cell hydrocarbon saturation estimate for each cell of the plurality of cells. The hydrocarbon saturation distribution can be provided. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.