Reservoir Simulation Grid Conformal to Wellbore Trajectories
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate hydrocarbon reservoir simulations require finely gridded models to predict fluid movements and condensate formation, but these models are computationally intensive, making them impractical for long histories or forecast times, especially in gas condensate reservoirs where condensate accumulation restricts gas flow and declines productivity.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines coarse grid models with conformal grid geometries near wellbores, aligned with isobars and streamlines, to reduce computational time while maintaining accuracy, allowing for efficient simulation of fluid flow and condensate formation without the need for extremely small grid cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If smaller grid cells are used to improve prediction accuracy of fluid movement and breakthrough timing, then manufacturing precision (prediction accuracy) is improved, but device complexity (computational requirements) increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir simulation domain is segmented into multiple grid blocks of varying sizes. Fine grid blocks are used in regions requiring high prediction accuracy (near wellbores, fault zones), while coarse grid blocks are used in less critical areas. This segmentation allows the model to maintain accuracy where needed while reducing overall computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different grid cell sizes are assigned to different spatial locations based on local requirements. Areas with high fluid flow gradients or critical production zones use smaller grid cells for accurate prediction, while distant or low-impact areas use larger grid cells. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between prediction accuracy and computational efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If extremely small grid cell sizes are used to accurately simulate condensate formation and flow restriction, then manufacturing precision (simulation accuracy) is improved, but productivity (computational speed) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation domain is divided into fine and coarse grid regions. Extremely small grid cells are concentrated only in areas where condensate formation and flow restriction occur (near wellbores), while the rest of the reservoir uses larger grid cells. This segmentation maintains simulation accuracy for condensate processes while improving overall computational speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Small grid cell sizes are applied locally in regions where condensate accumulation significantly impacts flow (near wellbores and pressure gradients), while larger grid cells are used in regions where condensate effects are minimal. This localized approach ensures accurate condensate simulation where critical while maintaining computational productivity.
3Productivity
If a coarse grid model is used to reduce computational time, then productivity (computational efficiency) is improved, but manufacturing precision (prediction accuracy) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The model uses a segmented grid structure combining coarse and fine grid blocks. Coarse grid blocks provide computational efficiency for large-scale reservoir simulation, while embedded fine grid blocks maintain prediction accuracy in critical areas. This segmentation allows the model to achieve both computational efficiency and adequate prediction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Coarse grid cells are used in regions where high prediction accuracy is not critical (distant from wellbores, low flow gradients), improving computational efficiency. Fine grid cells are strategically placed in regions requiring accurate predictions (near wellbores, fault zones, high flow gradients), maintaining manufacturing precision where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of simulating fluid flow in a hydrocarbon reservoir is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a coarse grid model of the hydrocarbon reservoir and a trajectory of a wellbore that penetrates the hydrocarbon reservoir, and determining an initial grid geometry surrounding the trajectory. The method further includes constructing a reservoir simulation grid, conformal to the initial grid geometry in a first region in a vicinity of the wellbore and conformal with the coarse grid model in a second region more distant from the wellbore than the first region, and performing a hydrocarbon reservoir simulation, modeling a flow of fluid in the hydrocarbon reservoir based, at least in part, on the reservoir simulation grid.