Multiscale Mimetic Solver for Fracture Corridor Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional simulation methods struggle to accurately model and resolve fracture corridors in subterranean reservoirs, leading to inadequate representation of complex flow patterns and inefficient computational processes due to the large size and heterogeneity of geological models.
Innovation Solution
A multiscale mimetic solver is used to perform streamline simulations, combining a coarse grid with a fine grid to explicitly model fracture corridors, employing mimetic discretization and two-point finite volume techniques to enhance computational accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional finite difference flow simulators are used to model large-scale geological models with high heterogeneity, then the model can capture reservoir heterogeneity with small cells, but the computational complexity increases significantly and computational time becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The computational domain is segmented into multiple subdomains or blocks, allowing the large-scale geological model to be divided into smaller, more manageable sections. This segmentation enables parallel computation and reduces the computational burden on a single processor, thereby decreasing computational time while maintaining the ability to resolve flow behavior at the required resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical multilevel approach that adds a dimensional aspect to the computational structure. By organizing computations across multiple levels (from fine-scale local computations to coarse-scale global computations), the method transforms a single-level computationally intensive problem into a multi-level problem that can be solved more efficiently, reducing overall computational time while preserving flow behavior resolution.
2Productivity
If the grid is upscaled to reduce computational complexity, then computational time decreases, but the resolution to which flow behavior can be accurately resolved is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical multilevel method applies local quality by allowing different regions of the model to be computed at different levels of detail. Regions with complex flow patterns or high heterogeneity are computed at finer resolutions, while regions with simpler flow patterns use coarser resolutions. This localized approach maintains computational efficiency while preserving the necessary resolution for accurate flow behavior representation where it is most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The method employs dynamic adaptation of computational resolution based on flow conditions. The computational grid and complexity are adjusted dynamically during the simulation process, refining the grid in regions where flow behavior requires higher resolution and using coarser grids where lower resolution suffices. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between computational efficiency and flow behavior resolution throughout the simulation.
3Ease of operation
If standard coarse scale simulation grid is used to model fracture corridors, then the model can handle large fracture structures, but the thickness of fracture corridors cannot be properly resolved as it is much smaller than typical cell size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested hierarchical structure where fine-scale fracture corridor representations are embedded within coarser-scale grid cells. The fracture corridors are modeled with high resolution at the appropriate hierarchical level, while the surrounding reservoir is represented at coarser scales. This nesting allows the model to simultaneously handle large fracture structures and resolve thin fracture corridor thicknesses by placing the detailed fracture representation inside the broader contextual model.
Solution Approach 2:
The hierarchical multilevel method acts as an intermediary between the coarse-scale model and fine-scale fracture representations. It provides a bridge that allows information to be transferred between different scales, enabling the coarse model to incorporate the effects of fine-scale fracture corridors without requiring the entire model to be at fine resolution. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by mediating between the need for large-scale modeling and fine-scale resolution.
Data Source
AI summary
To simulate a subterranean structure having fracture corridors, a model is used to represent the subterranean structure, where the model also provides a representation of the fracture corridors. A streamline simulation is performed using the model.