Shale Resource Prediction via Thermal Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for predicting recoverable oil and gas resources from in-situ conversion of shale face challenges in accurately determining original hydrogen to carbon ratio (H/C), original total organic carbon content (TOC), and vitrinite reflectance (Ro) values, leading to errors in estimating output oil and gas quantities due to thermal evolution of shale.
Innovation Solution
A method involving thermal simulation experiments to establish prediction models for recoverable oil and gas based on TOC and Ro values, using empirical parameters to quantify recoverable resources, and determining effective shale thickness and distribution regions for accurate resource estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermal simulation experiments are conducted to determine original H/C, original TOC, and Ro values for resource prediction, then prediction accuracy improves, but experimental complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent conducts thermal simulation experiments in advance to establish prediction models before actual resource evaluation. By pre-determining the relationships between TOC, Ro, and recoverable resources through controlled experiments, the method creates lookup tables and empirical formulas that can be directly applied without repeating complex experiments for each evaluation scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thermal simulation experiments to create simplified predictive models that copy the complex thermal evolution processes. Instead of performing full thermal simulation for each resource assessment, the method uses empirically derived formulas and relationships that replicate the essential behavior, reducing experimental burden while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If thermal simulation experiments are performed to determine generated oil and gas amounts and trapped oil and gas at different Ro stages, then resource estimation accuracy improves, but time consumption and experimental resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs thermal simulation experiments beforehand to establish comprehensive prediction models covering different Ro stages. The experimental data obtained is used to create empirical relationships and lookup tables that enable rapid resource estimation without requiring repeated thermal simulations for each evaluation case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent conducts thermal simulation experiments covering a range of Ro stages beyond what might be immediately necessary, creating a comprehensive database of relationships. This excessive action in experimentation upfront allows for efficient resource estimation across various scenarios without needing to perform additional experiments later.
3Ease of operation
If the original state parameters (H/C, TOC, Ro) of shale are obtained through existing technology, then resource prediction can be performed, but large errors occur due to thermal evolution of shale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermal simulation experiments to recreate the original state parameters of shale before thermal evolution. By simulating the thermal history and measuring parameter changes, the method derives initial H/C, TOC, and Ro values that accurately represent the shale's original state, rather than relying on direct measurements from evolved samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct measurement of original parameters (which is impossible in evolved shale) with indirect determination through thermal simulation. The mechanical/chemical analysis of current samples is substituted with simulated thermal evolution experiments that back-calculate the original parameters based on known transformation relationships.
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 quantitative prediction and improved accuracy of recoverable oil and gas resources from in-situ conversion of shale, overcoming limitations of prior methods by using current TOC and Ro values to estimate recoverable resources and determining lower limit values and effective thickness intervals.
Implementation Method 1
a model of the amount of generated oil and gas from the original state of the shale
Implementation Method 2
The in-situ conversion technology is a technology that converts unconverted organic matter in the shale into oil and gas with an in-situ heating method
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for predicting the amount of recoverable oil and gas resources from in-situ conversion of shale. The method can quantitatively evaluate the amount of the recoverable oil resource and the amount of the recoverable gas resource from in-situ conversion of shale with different TOC and Ro and improve the prediction accuracy and efficiency for the amount of the recoverable oil and gas resources from in-situ conversion of shale.