Reservoir Dissolution Simulation with Dynamic Topology Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to explicitly simulate the evolution of reservoir geometry due to dissolution, particularly in modeling the formation of conduits and surface discontinuities within reservoirs, leading to inaccuracies in representing the topology changes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a graph model to simulate reservoir evolution by representing the reservoir with nodes and connections, updating geological parameters based on dissolution, and modifying the topology by suppressing or generating nodes and connections based on predefined conditions, incorporating a flow field simulation to determine rock dissolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gridded geological model is used to simulate dissolution, then the simulation can model particle paths and stochastic displacements, but it cannot explicitly render the evolution of reservoir geometry or modify the topology to respect the actual geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is segmented into discrete elements (nodes and connections) forming a graph model. Each node represents a discrete volume element with associated geological parameters, allowing the model to track geometric changes at the element level while maintaining overall reservoir structure. This segmentation enables explicit rendering of geometry evolution by modifying individual node properties and connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional gridded model to a graph-based representation, adding a topological dimension to the geometric model. The graph structure with nodes and connections explicitly represents the connectivity and geometry of the reservoir, allowing topology modification to reflect actual geometric evolution during dissolution processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If the graph model topology is updated by suppressing nodes based on predefined conditions, then the geometry evolution is explicitly rendered, but the complexity of the model increases due to dynamic topology modification
Solution Approach 1:
The graph model topology is made dynamic, allowing nodes and connections to be added or suppressed based on evolving geological conditions. This dynamic adaptation enables the model to automatically adjust its structure to reflect reservoir geometry changes during dissolution, improving geometric accuracy without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-based conditions (such as porosity thresholds, permeability values, or dissolution rates) to trigger topology modifications. When nodes exceed or fall below predefined parameter thresholds, their connectivity status changes automatically. This parameter-driven approach simplifies the complexity by providing clear, rule-based criteria for topology updates.
3Loss of information
If dissolution simulation computes updated values of geological parameters for each node, then the evolution can be tracked, but the computational effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and tracks only the essential geological parameters (such as porosity, permeability, and dissolution rate) at each node, rather than computing all possible properties. This selective extraction of critical parameters reduces computational overhead while maintaining sufficient information to accurately represent dissolution evolution and guide topology modifications.
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
The method accurately simulates the evolution of reservoir geometry, including the formation of conduits and surface discontinuities, providing a more realistic representation of reservoir topology changes due to dissolution, enabling better understanding and prediction of fluid circulation and underground cavity development.
Implementation Method 1
simulating dissolution induced by a fluid flowing through the reservoir during a determined time period
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for simulating the evolution of a reservoir due to dissolution within the reservoir includes representing the reservoir by a graph model comprising a plurality of nodes and connections between the nodes, wherein each node is associated with at least one geological parameter, simulating dissolution induced by a fluid flowing through the reservoir during a determined time period, wherein said simulating comprises computing updated values of geological parameters assigned to the nodes of the graph model as a consequence of said dissolution, and updating a topology of the graph model when a parameter of a node of the graph model satisfies a predefined condition.