Spreadsheet Subsurface Modeler Workflow for Reservoir Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reservoir simulation models are complex and time-consuming to build and interpret, requiring significant training and effort, and existing tools are not user-friendly or adaptable to different simulator software, limiting their effectiveness in optimizing hydrocarbon resource development.
Innovation Solution
A streamlined workflow and tool integrated into a spreadsheet application that simplifies the construction and interpretation of reservoir simulation models, capable of formatting input data for various simulator software, retrieving simulation results, and displaying them in a user-friendly format, allowing for customization and integration with multiple commercial simulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pre-processor and post-processor programs are used for reservoir simulation, then simulation functionality is comprehensive, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to multiple complex programs requiring considerable training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate programs (pre-processor, simulator, post-processor) into a single integrated workflow system. The unified interface consolidates model building, simulation execution, and results interpretation into one cohesive platform, reducing the number of separate tools users must master while maintaining comprehensive simulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated workflow system provides universal functionality that can handle various simulation tasks through a single interface. The system is designed to work with multiple commercial simulators and provides comprehensive model building and results interpretation capabilities within one platform, making it adaptable to different simulation needs without requiring separate specialized programs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pre-processor and post-processor programs are used for reservoir simulation, then simulation functionality is comprehensive, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in customization and continuous training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By merging customization capabilities into a single integrated interface, the system allows users to adapt the workflow to their needs without learning multiple separate programs. The unified platform consolidates all customization options in one place, reducing the cognitive load and training requirements while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If uncertainty and sensitivity analysis tools are used that operate on simulation input files, then analysis capability is provided, but loss of time increases due to difficult setup and error-prone parameterization
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated workflow system performs preliminary organization and validation of input parameters within the unified interface before simulation execution. By pre-structuring the input data flow and providing built-in parameter validation, the system eliminates the time-consuming setup and error-checking that would otherwise be required when using separate uncertainty and sensitivity analysis tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified workflow interface acts as an intermediary between the user and the simulation input files. It provides a user-friendly layer that automatically handles parameterization and data formatting, eliminating the need for users to directly manipulate complex input files and reducing setup time while maintaining full analysis capability.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive reservoir simulation modeling is performed with all required details, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to the amount of data and variables that must be accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow system segments the complex model construction process into organized, manageable components within the unified interface. By dividing the input data into structured sections and providing guided workflows for each component, the system maintains comprehensive modeling detail while reducing the time required to assemble and validate the complete model.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for reducing the complexity of the reservoir simulation process is described. In more detail, an add-in for spreadsheet software program has been developed allowing a user to input minimal amount of information for a simulation, wherein the add-in exports the data as a file readable by any simulation software. Upon completion of the simulation, the add-in will retrieve the results and display them in an easy-to-interpret manner. Thus, the add-in makes the simulation process easier, robust, and user friendly.