Implicit Property Modeling for Geological Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for populating properties into models of stratified subsurface layers with discontinuities such as folds and faults are complex, computationally intensive, and often produce inaccurate results, taking several minutes to over an hour to compute.
Innovation Solution
The method involves simulating geological processes by identifying boundary data and associating disjoint segments of discontinuous layers using marching techniques, which allows for the creation of a digital model that can simulate processes like fluid flow more accurately and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If restoration techniques are used to work into a more simple unfolded and un-faulted space, then the model can be simplified for processing, but the computation time increases significantly (several minutes to over an hour)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the computational process into two distinct phases: a rapid implicit property modeling phase that operates on the complex folded and faulted geometry without restoration, and a separate property population phase that handles the simplified structure. This segmentation allows the computationally intensive restoration step to be avoided while maintaining accuracy through the implicit function approach during the first phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by first establishing the folded and faulted geometry and implicit properties before any restoration or simplification occurs. The implicit function is evaluated across the complex geometry in advance, capturing all necessary structural information before the model is simplified, thereby avoiding the need for time-consuming restoration computations later.
2Reliability
If existing restoration techniques are used to populate properties into complex folded and faulted geological domains, then the model can represent real geological structures, but the results become inaccurate due to computational limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical restoration process (which involves iterative geometric transformations and property mapping) with an implicit function-based approach. The implicit function directly encodes the geological properties in relation to the folded and faulted geometry, eliminating the need for restoration computations and thereby achieving both accurate geological representation and property population without the inaccuracies introduced by conventional restoration methods.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods are used to process geological data and create digital models, then the models can represent subsurface structures, but the processing efficiency is low (taking several minutes to over an hour)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by using an implicit function that can adaptively represent complex folded and faulted geometries without requiring static restoration processes. The implicit function dynamically captures the essential geological features and properties through mathematical evaluation, enabling rapid processing while maintaining the precision needed for accurate digital models of subsurface structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of simulating a process of a geological structure includes obtaining a first digital model including structural data representing a geological structure. The method also includes selecting at least one marching technique based in part on a grid dimension and a grid cell shape of a grid on the first digital model. The method further includes applying the at least one marching technique to at least a portion of the structural data of the first digital model to identify at least some boundary data. The method further includes populating a second digital model based in part on the first digital model, a property, and the boundary data. The method further includes simulating a process of the geological structure using the second digital model.