Reservoir Fracture Simulation Using Correlation Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for simulating reservoir fractures in oilfields lack efficiency and accuracy, as they do not effectively incorporate the complexities of fracture properties into reservoir models, leading to suboptimal operational planning and resource extraction.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of a correlation matrix based on experimental fractures to modify reservoir models, allowing for the emulation of fracture effects through multipliers, which are applied to both coarse and fine-scale grid models to improve simulation accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional reservoir simulation methods are used without incorporating fracture complexities, then computational efficiency is maintained, but simulation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir model is segmented into multiple grid scales (coarse grid and fine grid). The coarse grid captures overall reservoir behavior while the fine grid locally resolves fracture complexities only where needed. This segmentation allows the simulation to maintain accuracy in fracture regions without computing the entire reservoir at fine scale, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different grid resolutions are applied to different regions of the reservoir. Fine-grid modeling is applied locally in regions containing fractures where high accuracy is needed, while coarse-grid modeling is used in other regions. This local quality approach ensures simulation accuracy is improved where it matters most without sacrificing computational efficiency across the entire model.
2Measurement precision
If fracture properties are incorporated into reservoir models using detailed fine-scale modeling, then simulation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The model complexity is reduced by segmenting the computational domain into coarse and fine grids. Only the necessary fine-scale details are included in specific regions, rather than modeling the entire reservoir at fine scale. This segmentation maintains simulation accuracy while significantly reducing overall model complexity and computational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying fine-scale modeling throughout the entire reservoir (excessive action), the invention applies fine-scale modeling only partially in regions where fractures are present and accuracy is critical. This partial action approach maintains necessary accuracy while avoiding the unnecessary complexity of full fine-scale modeling.
3Reliability
If conventional simulation approaches are used that do not account for heterogeneous properties, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability of operational planning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different levels of detail and heterogeneity to different regions of the reservoir model. Heterogeneous fracture properties are incorporated locally where they exist, while homogeneous properties are used in other regions. This approach improves the reliability of operational planning by accounting for local variations without making the entire model overly complex and difficult to operate.
Data Source
AI summary
Reservoir fracture simulation relates to a method of evaluating a reservoir. Data associated with properties of the reservoir as well as properties of a fracture in the reservoir, is collected. This data is then used in conjunction with a correlation matrix to determine modification parameters of a reservoir model of the reservoir. The correlation matrix corresponds to an empirical functional relationship between the modification parameters and the data, and is obtained based on a plurality of experimental fractures defined in the reservoir. Effects of the fracture are then emulated by selectively modifying the reservoir model using the modification parameters to generate a modified reservoir model. The reservoir is then modeled with the fracture by using the modified reservoir model to generate a result.