Reservoir Architecture De-risking via Fluid Charge Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrocarbon field recovery operations rely heavily on experienced operator guesswork, lack efficient use of equipment, and struggle to accurately predict field conditions, leading to inefficiencies and reduced hydrocarbon recovery.
Innovation Solution
A method involving dynamic simulation of fluid charge processes to evaluate geological strata, using input data and field-based fluid distributions to refine reservoir architecture, well placement, and production plans, ensuring accurate predictions and efficient equipment use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional field experience-based methods are used to determine reservoir architecture, then operational safety is maintained through extensive equipment and careful planning, but productivity is reduced due to inefficiency and inability to quickly ramp up production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human operator experience and guesswork with a computational simulation system. The fluid charge simulation model quantitatively predicts reservoir architecture and fluid distributions, substituting subjective operator judgment with objective numerical modeling to maintain safety while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary simulation and validation of reservoir architecture before actual field operations. By pre-determining geological models and fluid charge characteristics through simulation, the system enables better upfront planning and reduces the need for extensive equipment mobilization during execution, thereby improving productivity without compromising safety
2Productivity
If more equipment is deployed to retrieve smaller hydrocarbon deposits, then recovery capability is maintained, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary simulation to accurately characterize reservoir architecture and fluid charge before deployment. This advance knowledge allows for optimized equipment selection and reduced equipment inventory, as the simulation identifies the most effective recovery strategies without requiring extensive equipment for trial and error
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluid charge simulation to determine key reservoir parameters such as fluid distributions, compartmentalization, and connectivity. These quantified parameters enable more efficient equipment deployment by providing precise targets for recovery operations, reducing the need for complex equipment inventories
3Measurement precision
If conventional workflows validate reservoir architecture only after drilling actual wells, then measurement accuracy is ultimately achieved through production data, but loss of time occurs during exploration and appraisal phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary validation of reservoir architecture through fluid charge simulation before actual well drilling. The simulation model is validated against available data from exploration and appraisal wells, allowing operators to assess reservoir characteristics and make informed decisions before committing to expensive drilling operations, thereby reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an iterative feedback loop where simulation results are continuously validated and refined using data from exploration and appraisal wells. This feedback mechanism allows the model to improve accuracy progressively, providing reliable reservoir architecture validation earlier in the exploration process without sacrificing measurement precision
4Reliability
If extensive equipment components are selected for safety in conventional operations, then operational reliability is improved, but productivity is reduced due to inefficiency and equipment mobilization time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary simulation to determine optimal equipment requirements based on predicted reservoir architecture and fluid charge characteristics. This advance planning allows for precise equipment selection and reduced mobilization time, as equipment can be specifically tailored to the simulated reservoir conditions rather than deploying extensive standard equipment packages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simulation-derived parameters such as fluid distributions, compartmentalization, and connectivity to optimize equipment selection. These quantified parameters enable more efficient equipment planning and reduced mobilization time by providing precise guidance on what equipment is actually needed for the specific reservoir characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments presented provide for a method for using down hole fluid measurements for hydrocarbon recovery operation. In embodiments, the down hole fluid measurements are used to determine reservoir features to aid in calculations for the reservoir. Downhole fluid measurements may also be used to check the accuracy of a downhole geological architecture and fluid charge parameters, thereby providing a check on geological conditions.