Loose Coupling Reservoir Simulator Stress Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for loosely coupling stress analysis systems and conventional reservoir simulators primarily rely on porosity as the coupling parameter, failing to accurately replicate the results obtained from full coupling systems, especially in approximating the flow equation to match full coupling responses.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adjusting the flow equation of the conventional reservoir simulator by removing the rock compressibility effect and adding the volumetric deformation effect of the rock and pores, allowing for a loose iterative coupling system to converge and produce results similar to those of full coupling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If porosity is used as the coupling parameter between stress analysis system and reservoir simulator, then the coupling implementation is simple, but the accuracy of replicating full coupling results deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the coupling parameter from porosity to volumetric strain. By using volumetric strain (εv) instead of porosity (φ) as the coupling parameter, the system achieves more accurate replication of full coupling results while maintaining the simplicity of loose coupling implementation. The flow equation is adjusted to use volumetric strain directly, eliminating the need for complex porosity-based coupling while improving accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If rock compressibility effect is included in the flow equation, then the full coupling system accuracy is maintained, but the loose coupling system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rock compressibility effect from the traditional porosity-based formulation and separates it as a distinct volumetric strain term. By taking out the compressibility effect and expressing it separately through volumetric strain (εv), the system simplifies the loose coupling implementation while maintaining accuracy. The flow equation is modified to explicitly include volumetric strain without requiring complex interactions between multiple coupling parameters.
3Measurement precision
If iterative coupling is used to exchange information between reservoir simulator and stress analysis system, then the convergence to full coupling results is achieved, but the computational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism in the loose iterative coupling system where volumetric strain calculated from stress analysis is fed back to modify the flow equation in the reservoir simulator. This feedback loop enables the system to converge toward full coupling results by continuously adjusting the flow equation based on stress state changes, achieving accuracy without requiring excessive computational iterations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the loose iterative coupling system to approximate the flow equation of conventional reservoir simulations to that of full coupling systems, achieving convergence and similar responses, while removing the rock compressibility effect and incorporating the volumetric deformation effect.
Implementation Method 1
adding the volumetric deformation effect of the rock and the pores
Implementation Method 2
removing the rock compressibility effect
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for loosely coupling a stress analysis system to a conventional reservoir simulator by adjusting the flow equation of the conventional reservoir simulator. The solution is obtained by using the methods in a loose, iterative coupling system such than when convergence is reached, the results obtained are close to those of the full coupling system. A system for implementing the methods on a digitally readable medium.