Reservoir Permeability Scaling via Non-Ergodicity Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for scaling hydrocarbon reservoir model data are inefficient, particularly in calculating effective permeability, which is crucial for accurately modeling fluid flow, and face challenges in computation time and data conciliation from various sources.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a mean power formula to scale permeability values by modifying the power coefficient to correct non-ergodicity bias, allowing for faster computation and reliable results, while also integrating statistical data and well tests to conciliate different types of small-scale data for improved reservoir modeling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional scaling methods are used to calculate effective permeability, then computation time is reduced, but accuracy and reliability of the results deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputation timeVSAvoidaccuracy of permeability values

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the power coefficient in the mean power formula to correct non-ergodicity bias, transforming the scaling approach from a simple computational method to a statistically corrected one. This parameter change enables accurate permeability calculation while maintaining reduced computation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex numerical simulation methods with an analytical scaling approach based on the mean power formula. This substitution eliminates the need for time-consuming numerical computations while achieving reliable permeability values through mathematical correction of bias.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If detailed statistical data from multiple sources are integrated, then reliability of reservoir modeling is improved, but complexity of data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of reservoir modelingVSAvoidcomplexity of data processing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges statistical data from multiple sources (core data, log data, well tests) into a unified scaling framework. By combining these data types through the mean power formula with non-ergodicity correction, the method achieves reliable modeling while managing processing complexity through systematic integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal scaling method that can handle multiple data types and sources simultaneously. The corrected mean power formula serves as a multi-functional tool that processes core data, log data, and well test data together, reducing the need for separate processing procedures for each data source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8359184B2Method, program and computer system for scaling hydrocarbon reservoir model data

Publication Date: 2013.01.22 TOTALENERGIES SE

AI summary

A method, program and computer system for changing scale of reservoir model permeabilities (for example a hydrocarbon reservoir) are provided. Mini-models of reservoirs are defined (S100) with a number of meshes and cells in these meshes. For each model mesh, a scaling of the permeability values KH of the meshes is carried out (S400-800) via a mean power formula KHω<sub2>H</sub2>∝ΣkH<sub2>i</sub2>ω<sub2>H </sub2>relating the mesh permeability KH to the local permeabilities kH,i of the cells. According to the invention, the power coefficient ωH appearing therein is analytically modified, relatively to its expression given by the Noetinger-Haas relationship, in order to correct a non-ergodicity bias.