Reservoir Connectivity Analysis Using Graph-Theoretic Framework

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current reservoir connectivity analysis methods in hydrocarbon exploration face challenges in handling uncertainty and complexity, particularly in identifying compartment boundaries and fluid connections, especially in the presence of structural and stratigraphic irregularities like faults, which limits their ability to accurately model fluid flow and optimize well placement.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a graph-theoretic framework combined with geometrical processing to create a mathematical graph structure representing reservoir compartments and connections, allowing for the evaluation of reservoir connectivity scenarios and improving the handling of uncertainties in compartment identification and fluid flow analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual identification of compartment boundaries is used, then geologists can identify compartments from reservoir geometry, but the process is time-consuming and difficult to handle uncertainty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompartment identification accuracyVSAvoidcompartment identification time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual geological interpretation with automated computational algorithms. The system uses computer-based methods to automatically identify compartment boundaries, spill points, and break-over points from reservoir geometry data, eliminating the need for manual analysis while improving consistency and handling uncertainty through systematic computational approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the compartment identification process by changing from manual visual inspection to automated parameter-based analysis. The system processes reservoir geometry parameters, structural features, and stratigraphic data through computational algorithms to automatically determine compartment boundaries and connections, significantly reducing time while maintaining or improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional spill points and break-over points are identified on 2D maps, then compartment boundaries can be defined, but the method cannot handle 3D connectivity and uncertainty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity analysis reliabilityVSAvoidanalysis method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from 2D map-based analysis to 3D volumetric analysis. The system processes three-dimensional reservoir geometry data to identify spill points and break-over points in three dimensions, enabling accurate representation of fluid connectivity and compartment boundaries in the actual 3D subsurface environment, thereby improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces computational algorithms as an intermediary between raw reservoir data and connectivity analysis results. The system uses computer-based processing to systematically analyze structural and stratigraphic features, automatically determining compartment boundaries and fluid connections while handling uncertainty through standardized computational methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual compartment identification procedures are used, then compartment boundaries can be identified, but handling uncertainty of structural and stratigraphic features is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuncertainty handling capabilityVSAvoidanalysis process ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual geological judgment with automated computational analysis that systematically handles uncertainty. The system processes structural and stratigraphic feature data through algorithms that can evaluate multiple scenarios and probability distributions, providing robust connectivity analysis that adapts to uncertain input data without requiring manual interpretation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9874648B2Reservoir connectivity analysis in a 3D earth model

Publication Date: 2018.01.23 EXXONMOBIL UPSTREAM RESEARCH COMPANY(US)

AI summary

There is provided a system and method for reservoir connectivity analysis in a 3D earth model. A subsurface region is identified and a baseline reservoir connectivity model is obtained from the subsurface region. Compartments and connections are determined from the baseline reservoir connectivity model using reservoir connectivity analysis, and a set of 3D objects representing the compartments and/or connections is created from the 3D earth model. A mathematical graph structure is created from the 3D objects and reservoir connectivity scenarios are evaluated based on analysis of the mathematical graph structure and 3D objects.