Stochastic Subsurface Modeling for Geometrical Coherency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for modeling geological subsurface terrains face challenges in accurately representing geological horizons and fault networks due to uncertainties in seismic data, leading to inaccurate models with geometrical inconsistencies and failures in preserving coherency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses implicit functions to represent subsurface geometry, applies coherent stochastic perturbations to generate equiprobable models, and refines models by removing erroneous data points, ensuring geometrical coherency and accuracy in modeling geological horizons and faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional deterministic modeling methods are used, then a single model can be produced quickly, but the model fails to account for geometrical uncertainties and produces geometrical inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static deterministic modeling to dynamic stochastic modeling by introducing random perturbations that vary across different model realizations. The system dynamically generates multiple equiprobable models by applying stochastic perturbations to the preferred model, allowing the geometry to adapt and account for uncertainties while maintaining geological constraints through iterative refinement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the modeling approach by introducing stochastic elements (random perturbations) to the geometrical parameters of horizons and faults. Instead of using fixed deterministic values, the system employs probability distributions and statistical variations to represent uncertainties in seismic data, transforming the modeling from a single-parameter solution to a multi-parameter probabilistic framework.
2Measurement precision
If seismic data uncertainties are ignored, then modeling is simpler and faster, but the resulting models are inaccurate and unrealistic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by first determining a preferred model from the seismic data, then using this preferred model as a baseline for generating multiple perturbed realizations. This preliminary step establishes the geological framework and constraints before introducing stochastic variations, ensuring that all subsequent models maintain geological realism while accounting for uncertainties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of the preferred model through stochastic perturbation. Instead of building each model from scratch, the system generates equiprobable realizations by copying the preferred model's structure and applying controlled random variations, significantly reducing computational time compared to independent model building while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If multiple equiprobable models are generated, then uncertainties are accounted for, but the computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the modeling process into distinct phases: (1) determining the preferred model from seismic data, (2) generating multiple perturbed realizations through stochastic sampling, and (3) analyzing the ensemble of models. This segmentation allows efficient parallel processing of multiple realizations while maintaining a systematic workflow, improving productivity by organizing the computationally intensive stochastic modeling into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal modeling framework that can generate multiple equiprobable models using a single preferred model as input. The stochastic perturbation methodology serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates diverse realizations, quantifies uncertainties, maintains geological constraints, and provides statistical analysis capabilities, making the system highly productive despite the complexity of generating multiple models.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and system for, in a computing system, perturbing an initial three-dimensional (3D) geological model using a 3D vector field. A coherent 3D vector field including 3D vectors may be generated where each 3D vector of the 3D vector field is associated with a node of the initial 3D geological model and has a magnitude within a range of uncertainty of the node of the initial 3D geological model associated therewith. The coherent 3D vector field may be applied to the initial 3D geological model associated therewith to generate an perturbed 3D model. The perturbed 3D model may differ from the initial 3D geological model by a displacement defined by the 3D vector field associated with nodes having uncertain values. The perturbed 3D model may be displayed.


