Reservoir Pressure Mapping via Static Bottom-Hole Data Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining reservoir pressure in subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs are inadequate due to the scarcity of pressure data points, leading to inaccurate representation of 3-dimensional pressure conditions, especially in giant reservoirs with millions of cells and limited permanent downhole pressure gauges.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that processes static bottom-hole pressure survey data and integrates it with simulation modeling to create a two-dimensional pressure map, using a data processing system that populates well cells with pressure values and propagates them to form a three-dimensional grid pressure array, which is then reduced to a two-dimensional layer for the region of interest, accounting for geological features and dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple linear interpolation is used between control points to generate isobaric maps, then the process is simple and fast, but the accuracy is poor because it does not account for geological features or reservoir dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the approach by changing from simple linear interpolation to a simulation-based method that incorporates geological parameters (permeability, porosity, thickness) and dynamic reservoir parameters (production rates, fluid properties). This parameter enrichment allows the system to maintain computational efficiency while dramatically improving accuracy by modeling actual reservoir behavior rather than merely connecting control points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simulation model as an intermediary between the sparse pressure measurements and the final isobaric map. This intermediary layer uses geological and operational data to simulate pressure distribution, effectively bridging the gap between limited measurements and comprehensive reservoir understanding without requiring dense measurement networks.
2Measurement precision
If permanent downhole pressure gauges are installed in all wells to monitor reservoir pressure, then complete pressure coverage is achieved, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the reservoir pressure field through simulation modeling. Instead of installing physical sensors in every well, the system uses a limited number of actual measurements combined with geological and operational data to generate a comprehensive simulated pressure distribution that covers the entire reservoir, effectively copying the full pressure field from sparse samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the simulation model multi-functional by using it to simultaneously honor measured pressure data, incorporate geological heterogeneity, account for dynamic production effects, and generate predictions for unsampled locations. This single simulation framework replaces the need for multiple individual measurement systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If a high number of cells are used in the reservoir model to accurately represent giant reservoirs, then the spatial resolution is improved, but the computational burden and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary integration of geological parameters (permeability, porosity, thickness) and operational data into the simulation model before running pressure simulations. By pre-configuring the model with all necessary heterogeneity information and boundary conditions, the system can efficiently handle high-resolution cell structures without requiring excessive computational resources during the actual pressure calculation phase.
Data Source
AI summary
Estimates are formed of reservoir pressure between the wells for subsurface hydrocarbon producing reservoir. The estimation is based on field data and physical laws governing the hydrocarbon flow in porous media. Information from 3-dimensional fine geological and numerical reservoir simulation models, statistical interpolation between the wells, and static bottom-hole pressure (SBHP) surveys (measurement) at wells are used to more rapidly determine 2-dimensional isobaric reservoir pressure maps for times of interest during the reservoir simulation.