Integrated 4D Basin Modeling for Source Rock Presence and Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Understanding the presence and quality of hydrocarbon source rocks in a region is complicated by geochemical data limitations and the complexity of interactions among physical, chemical, biologic, and geological uncertainties, making source rock prediction difficult, especially in marine settings where factors like ocean currents and paleo-water-depths contribute to uncertainty.
Innovation Solution
A 4D basin model integrating geological, geochemical, and resettlement models to simulate 3D spatial characteristics over time, incorporating paleobathymetry, nutrient availability, light penetration, and sedimentation rate to predict primary productivity, delivery flux, burial efficiency, and total organic carbon, allowing for accurate source rock distribution calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If source rock prediction is performed using traditional methods, then the process is simpler, but the prediction accuracy and confidence are reduced due to geochemical data limitations and complexity of interactions among physical, chemical, biologic, and geological uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate models (geological model, geochemical model, resettlement model) into a single integrated 4D basin model. This merging allows the system to simultaneously account for physical, chemical, biologic, and geological factors, thereby improving source rock prediction accuracy while managing complexity through unified model architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The 4D basin model serves multiple functions: it simulates 3D spatial characteristics over time, predicts primary productivity, calculates delivery flux, determines burial efficiency, and estimates total organic carbon. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address various aspects of source rock prediction, improving comprehensive accuracy without requiring separate specialized systems for each parameter.
2Reliability
If a 4D basin model integrating multiple models is used, then the confidence in source rock presence and quality estimation is enhanced, but the device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated 4D basin model is divided into distinct functional modules: a geological model for spatial characteristics, a geochemical model for chemical processes, and a resettlement model for material redistribution. Each module handles specific aspects of the simulation, allowing the complex system to be managed through modular architecture while maintaining high reliability through comprehensive integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to traditional 3D basin modeling, creating a 4D model that simulates spatial and temporal evolution of source rock characteristics. This additional dimension allows the system to capture dynamic processes such as changes in primary productivity, delivery flux, and burial efficiency over time, thereby enhancing estimation confidence through time-resolved analysis.
3Measurement precision
If empirical relationships are relied upon for source rock prediction, then the process is more straightforward, but the basin-specific interpretation accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated 4D basin model dynamically calculates multiple parameters including primary productivity, delivery flux, burial efficiency, and total organic carbon based on specific basin conditions. By changing from static empirical relationships to dynamic parameter calculations that account for local geological, geochemical, and resettlement processes, the system achieves higher basin-specific interpretation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational framework that translates fundamental processes (primary productivity, delivery, burial) into source rock quality estimates. This intermediary layer allows the system to incorporate basin-specific details and uncertainties while maintaining a structured approach to prediction, balancing accuracy with process clarity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Basin-wide modeling is utilized to improve confidence of source rock presence and quality estimation. A 4D basin model incorporates geological model, geochemical models, and resettlement model for a region. Utilizing the 4D basin model provides consistency of internal data, geology-constrained basin-wide calculations, capability to capture local controls to allow basin-specific interpretations, reduction of reliance on empirical relationships, and capability to investigate source rock development through time.