Hydrocarbon Reservoir Location Modeling with Tectonic-Time Seismic Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geologic modeling methods fail to accurately predict hydrocarbon reservoirs in regions with complex sediment accumulations and structural/tectonic impacts, such as those found in Abu Dhabi, due to the reliance on clinoform models that do not account for tectonic processes influencing the formation of plummets.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that create a mechanical properties model of a subsurface geological area by generating presumed seismic sections based on tectonic time and pressure data, removing faults and folds, and using undeformed layer cake stratigraphy to simulate the deposition of plummets, which are characterized by tectonic events, to improve reservoir characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If clinoform models are used for geologic modeling, then the modeling process is simple and follows standard sedimentological patterns, but the model fails to accurately predict hydrocarbon reservoirs in regions with tectonic impacts and complex sediment accumulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the geologic model by transitioning from clinoform geometry to plummet geometry, and from purely sedimentological processes to tectonically-influenced processes. This allows the model to accurately represent regions like Abu Dhabi where tectonic activity has created complex depositional patterns that cannot be captured by standard clinoform models
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the geologic modeling process into distinct components: tectonic event identification, plummet formation simulation, and hydrocarbon reservoir prediction. This segmentation allows each component to be modeled with appropriate complexity and accuracy while maintaining overall model manageability
2Reliability
If plummets are modeled to account for tectonic impacts, then the accuracy of hydrocarbon reservoir prediction improves, but the complexity of the geologic model increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first identifying and modeling tectonic events and their timing before simulating sediment deposition. This sequential approach allows the complex plummet formation process to be broken down into manageable steps: tectonic framework establishment, then sediment accumulation simulation within that framework
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces plummets as an intermediary geological feature that mediates between tectonic forces and sediment deposition. Plummets serve as a bridge that translates complex tectonic interactions into recognizable depositional patterns, making the overall system more tractable for modeling and prediction
3Ease of operation
If standard sedimentological criteria are used to characterize depositional surfaces, then the characterization process is straightforward, but complex sediment accumulations and tectonic features cannot be properly identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the characterization criteria adaptive rather than static. The model dynamically adjusts sedimentological criteria based on detected tectonic signals, allowing the same depositional surface to be characterized differently depending on the tectonic context. This enables proper identification of tectonic features while maintaining ease of operation through automated rule-based systems
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining a location of hydrocarbon reservoirs using a mechanical properties model of a subsurface geological area. The method (10,20) comprises the steps of: creating a plurality of presumed seismic sections at the time of deposition based on a seismic interpretation of the subsurface geological area and influences of tectonic time data and tectonic pressure data (11,21); creating a mechanical properties model of the subsurface geological area based on the plurality of presumed seismic sections at the time of deposition and the influences of tectonic time data and tectonic pressure data (12,22).