Hydrodynamic Trap Identification Using Tilt Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying hydrodynamic traps in hydrocarbon reservoirs are time-consuming and uncertain due to the challenges of constructing hydraulic head maps, especially in settings with limited reservoir pressure data and local property variations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that receives a depth structure map and multiple pairs of tilt value and tilt azimuth value to determine hydrodynamic traps, using representative ranges of reservoir pore water flow rates and fluid properties to adjust the depth structure map, thereby rapidly assessing hydrodynamic effects without constructing hydraulic head maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hydraulic head maps are constructed to address fluid contact tilts, then hydrodynamic trap identification accuracy is improved, but workflow time and uncertainty increase due to paucity of reservoir pressure data and local reservoir property variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential information needed for hydrodynamic trap identification by isolating and analyzing only the critical parameters: depth structure map, tilt values, and tilt azimuths. This selective extraction avoids the need to construct complete hydraulic head maps while still achieving accurate trap identification, thereby reducing workflow time without sacrificing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified representation of the hydrodynamic trap geometry using tilted planes defined by depth structure maps and tilt parameters. This copy or model of the trap geometry allows for rapid identification without requiring complex hydraulic head map constructions, effectively reducing computational time while maintaining identification accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If hydraulic head maps are constructed to address fluid contact tilts, then hydrodynamic trap identification accuracy is improved, but uncertainty increases due to paucity of reservoir pressure data and local reservoir property variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using depth structure maps and tilt parameters that are specific to each local reservoir area rather than relying on regional hydraulic head maps. This localized approach accounts for local reservoir property variations and paucity of pressure data by directly analyzing the specific geometric and structural characteristics of each trap location, thereby reducing uncertainty while maintaining accuracy.
3Productivity
If representative ranges of reservoir pore water flow rates and fluid properties are used to adjust the depth structure map, then hydrodynamic trap identification speed is improved, but the complexity of data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using representative ranges of reservoir pore water flow rates and fluid properties to transform the depth structure map into adjusted depth structure maps that account for hydrodynamic effects. This parameter-based approach enables rapid trap identification by systematically varying key parameters (flow rates, fluid properties) and observing changes in trap geometry, thereby increasing productivity while managing processing complexity through structured parameter variation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for rapid identification of hydrodynamic traps by isolating regional reservoir pore water flow rates and fluid properties, reducing uncertainty and time required for hydrodynamic trap identification, and enabling the identification of potential well locations based on common subsets of hydrodynamic traps.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid that is immiscible with water, such as oil, can also present. Immiscible fluids can be moved by buoyancy until trapped when they reach a location where no further reduction in pressure can be achieved by migration due to the configuration of the porous geological layers.
Implementation Method 2
Accumulations of buoyant fluids in such hydrodynamic traps are assumed as having flat boundaries, i.e., horizontal fluid contacts, with the water that fills the rest of the reservoir.
Data Source
AI summary
Example computer-implemented methods, media, and systems for rapidly identifying hydrodynamic traps in hydrocarbon reservoirs are disclosed. One example computer-implemented method includes receiving a depth structure map of a geological structure associated with a subsurface reservoir. Multiple pairs of tilt value and tilt azimuth value associated with a fluid contact of the subsurface reservoir are received. A respective set of hydrodynamic traps associated with the subsurface reservoir is determined for each pair of tilt value and tilt azimuth value and based at least on the depth structure map. It is determined that there exist a common subset of hydrodynamic traps from the respective set of hydrodynamic traps of each pair of tilt value and tilt azimuth value. One or more locations of potential wells associated with the subsurface reservoir are identified based at least on the determined common subset of hydrodynamic traps.