Parallel Invasion Percolation for Hydrocarbon Migration Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current basin modeling software is limited by serial computation methods, which restrict data model size and output resolution, making it inadequate for large-scale basin simulations requiring fine-grid modeling of hydrocarbon migration.
Innovation Solution
A parallel-processing invasion percolation method for distributed-memory, high-performance computing clusters, allowing for larger and higher-resolution models by partitioning the basin domain into subdomains and utilizing multiple computing nodes for simultaneous processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If serial computation method is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but computational performance and scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the basin model domain into multiple subdomains, with each processing node handling a specific subdomain. This segmentation enables parallel computation where multiple nodes simultaneously process different portions of the hydrocarbon migration simulation, dramatically improving computational performance while maintaining manageable complexity at each node level.
2Quantity of substance
If serial computation method is used, then memory requirements are reduced, but data model size and resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-node serial processing to multi-node parallel processing, adding a dimensional aspect of distributed computing. This enables the system to handle ultra-large basin models with fine-grid resolution by distributing both computational tasks and memory storage across multiple nodes, effectively increasing the system's capacity without requiring each individual node to have excessive memory.
3Manufacturing precision
If fine-grid modeling is implemented, then migration simulation resolution is improved, but computational time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the computational domain into subdomains processed in parallel, the patent enables fine-grid modeling of large-scale basins to be completed in practical timeframes. Each processing node handles a portion of the fine-grid model simultaneously, maintaining high resolution while reducing total computational time compared to sequential processing of the entire model.
Data Source
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AI summary
A parallel-processing hydrocarbon (HC) migration and accumulation methodology is applied to basin data to determine migration pathways and traps for high-resolution petroleum system modeling. HC is determined in parallel to have been expelled in source rocks associated with a plurality of grid cells divided into one or more subdomains. Potential trap peaks are identified within the plurality of grid cells. An invasion percolation (IP) process is performed until the HC stops migrating upon arrival to the plurality of trap peaks. A determination is made as to whether the grid cells containing HC contains an excess volume of HC. An accumulation process is performed to model the filling of the HC at a trap associated with the identified potential trap peaks. The trap boundary cell list is updated in parallel together with an HC potential value. Trap filling terminates when excess HC is depleted or a spill point is reached.