Permeability Scaling Functions for Carbonate Reservoir Heterogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Assessing net pay in carbonate reservoirs is challenging due to their heterogeneity, poor correlation between porosity and permeability, and non-Archie behavior, leading to inaccurate permeability estimates and inefficient perforation strategies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating permeability scaling functions using subsurface data sets and tomographic imaging, which allows for upscaled permeability distributions to be estimated for larger regions of interest, improving the accuracy of permeability measurements and simulation models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple porosity cutoffs are used for net pay estimation, then the assessment process is simplified, but the accuracy of permeability estimation deteriorates in carbonate reservoirs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the assessment approach by changing from simple porosity cutoffs to permeability-based scaling functions that account for carbonate heterogeneity, improving measurement precision while maintaining systematic process structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional empirical porosity-based mechanical assessment with computational permeability scaling functions derived from numerical simulations, substituting a more sophisticated computational model for the simpler empirical approach
2Loss of time
If core sample permeability measurements are performed at small scales, then measurement cost and time are reduced, but the representativeness of the measurements deteriorates due to heterogeneity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from direct physical measurement at small scales to a multi-scale computational approach, adding the dimension of numerical simulation to bridge the gap between small-scale measurements and large-scale reservoir representation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary numerical simulations on core-scale models to establish permeability scaling functions before applying them to field-scale assessments, preparing the transformation relationships in advance to avoid direct large-scale measurement
3Measurement precision
If permeability scaling functions are generated using numerical simulations, then permeability distribution accuracy is improved, but computational complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the computational problem into distinct stages: core-scale simulation to establish scaling functions, followed by field-scale application using pre-derived relationships, dividing the complex computational task into manageable segments
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides more accurate and precise permeability measurements, reduces discrepancies between production forecasts and actual production, and enhances operational decisions by accounting for heterogeneity and rock type-specific permeability variations.
Implementation Method 1
permeability spatial distributions using permeability measurements and tomographic imaging of a core slab
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for generating permeability scaling function for different features of interest are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: obtain subsurface data sets; generate permeability scaling functions for individual features of interest; store the permeability scaling functions; and generate upscaled subsurface distributions using the permeability scaling functions.