Multiscale Model Simulation for Overlapping Pores

The patent creates a digital replica (virtual model) of the core sample's pore structure using imaging techniques like micro-CT scanning. This digital copy allows virtual experiments to be performed on the pore network, replacing physical laboratory experiments. The digital model captures the geometric characteristics of pores, throats, and tortuosity, enabling simulation of fluid flow and capillary pressure without requiring actual physical testing, thus dramatically reducing time and cost while maintaining measurement accuracy.

The patent segments the complex pore network into discrete computational elements (nodes and elements representing pores, throats, and channels). This segmentation transforms the continuous, complex pore structure into a manageable digital pore network model that can be processed computationally. By dividing the pore space into discrete units, the system can handle high-resolution imaging data without being overwhelmed by complexity, enabling efficient simulation and analysis of capillary pressure and relative permeability.

The patent replaces physical mechanical experiments (porosimetry, NMR, gas adsorption) with computational simulations performed on a digital pore network model. Instead of physically injecting fluids into core samples and measuring responses, the system simulates multiphase fluid flow through the digital model, calculating capillary pressure curves and relative permeability relationships computationally. This substitution maintains the reliability of obtaining direct evidence of hydrocarbon deliverability while dramatically increasing productivity by eliminating the time-consuming nature of physical experiments.