Sedimentary Area Modeling With Current-Driven Particle Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forward stratigraphic modeling methods are inadequate for simulating the formation of oil or gas reservoirs due to their reliance on diffusion-based particle transport algorithms, which are continuous and homogeneous, and cannot account for localized phenomena like marine currents, leading to high computational loads and unsuitable timescales.
Innovation Solution
A method that models sedimentary area formation by incorporating the influence of marine currents on particle transport, using a geological gridded model to simulate the deposition of clastic and carbonate particles over time, considering various current types and particle granulometry, and updating the model based on particle deposition and topography changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If diffusion-based algorithms are used to simulate particle transport, then the model can handle large geographical and time scales, but it cannot account for localized phenomena like marine currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different particle transport mechanisms in different spatial contexts: diffusion-based transport for regional-scale areas and current-driven transport (advection) for localized areas where marine currents are present. This allows the model to accurately represent localized phenomena like marine currents while maintaining computational efficiency for large-scale regional modeling.
2Reliability
If Navier-Stokes equations are used to simulate localized phenomena, then current-induced particle transport can be modeled, but the computational load becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the computational domain into regions where different physical processes dominate: areas influenced by marine currents where advection is important, and areas where diffusion suffices. This segmentation allows the model to apply computationally intensive current-driven transport only where necessary, rather than across the entire regional-scale model domain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the governing transport parameters based on local conditions: using diffusion coefficients for regional-scale transport and incorporating current velocity vectors for localized current-influenced areas. This parameter adaptation allows accurate representation of current-induced transport without requiring full Navier-Stokes equations across the entire model domain.
3Productivity
If continuous and homogeneous transport is assumed, then computational complexity is reduced, but the model cannot represent discrete particle deposition patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic particle transport that transitions between continuous diffusion and discrete advection based on local hydrodynamic conditions. In areas with strong marine currents, particles are transported as discrete entities following current trajectories, creating realistic deposition patterns. In areas without significant currents, continuous diffusion approximation is used for computational efficiency.
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 allows for a more accurate and computationally efficient simulation of sedimentary area formation, including the creation of oil or gas reservoirs, by accounting for localized marine current effects and varying water levels, reducing computational time and improving model precision.
Implementation Method 1
transporting each introduced particle in the geological gridded model, based on the computed direction and velocity of the water current
Implementation Method 2
depositing the particle in the cell
Data Source
AI summary
A method for modelling the formation of a sedimentary area is disclosed, comprising: •—a setup step comprising defining a geological gridded model of the area comprising a plurality of cells, and setting a reference water level, •—a step of simulating the evolution of the model over a period of time, comprising: •a. assigning a water depth to each cell, •b. determining, for each cell, a direction and velocity of a water current, •c. introducing at least one particle in at least one cell of the model, •d. transporting each introduced particle in the model, based on the computed direction and velocity of the water current, comprising displacing the particle to a neighboring cell or depositing the particle in the cell, and the determination whether the particle is displaced or deposited depends on a particle granulometric class and the velocity of the water current applied to the particle, •e. updating the geological gridded model of the area according to the transport of each introduced particle.