Subsurface Storage Capacity Mapping Using Production-Calibrated Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for estimating storage capacity in unconventional subsurface volumes are complex, time-consuming, and computationally intensive, limiting the handling of large basins and requiring detailed geological and reservoir simulation models.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize historical production data, subsurface reservoir data, and initial storage capacity models to adjust and generate effective storage capacity data, incorporating parameters like mobility, buoyancy, and reservoir heterogeneity, and provide graphical representations of storage capacity as a function of position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex geological and reservoir simulation models are used for storage capacity estimates, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity estimate accuracyVSAvoidmodel complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the storage capacity estimation process into distinct components: geological model generation, reservoir simulation, and storage capacity calculation. By dividing the complex modeling process into manageable segments, the system maintains high precision while reducing overall system complexity and enabling parallel processing to decrease computation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-generating geological models and reservoir simulations before actual storage capacity estimation. These pre-computed models serve as reusable assets that can be applied to multiple estimation scenarios, thereby improving precision without repeatedly incurring the full computational cost of complex simulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If complex geological and reservoir simulation models are used for storage capacity estimates, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity estimate accuracyVSAvoidmodel generation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs reservoir simulations and generates geological models in advance as preliminary actions. These pre-computed results are stored and reused for multiple storage capacity estimates, significantly reducing the time required for subsequent estimations while maintaining high precision through the use of detailed pre-simulated models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates simplified copies or representations of complex geological and reservoir models that can be rapidly processed. These copied models retain the essential features needed for accurate storage capacity estimation but are optimized for faster computation, thereby reducing loss of time while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If complex geological and reservoir simulation models are used for storage capacity estimates, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity estimate accuracyVSAvoidbasin handling capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the basin into multiple segments or zones that can be independently modeled and estimated. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different regions, improving overall productivity while maintaining high precision through localized detailed modeling of each segment rather than attempting to model the entire basin as a single complex system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial modeling approaches where full-detail geological and reservoir simulations are performed only for critical or high-priority zones within the basin, while other areas use simplified models. This selective application of complex modeling maintains measurement precision for key areas while improving overall productivity by reducing computation in less critical regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20260004210A1Determining an effective storage capacity of an unconventional subsurface volume of interest as a function of position

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 CHEVRON USA INC

AI summary

Method, systems, and non-transitory computer readable media for determining an effective storage capacity of an unconventional subsurface volume of interest as a function of position are disclosed. Some implementations may include: obtaining historical production data correlating to the unconventional subsurface volume of interest, obtaining subsurface reservoir data correlating to the unconventional subsurface volume of interest, obtaining an initial storage capacity model comprising initial forecast production data, adjusting the initial forecast production data using the historical production data, the subsurface reservoir data, or both to generate the effective storage capacity data of the unconventional subsurface volume of interest, generating a graphical representation of the effective storage capacity of the unconventional subsurface volume of interest as a function of position using visual effects to depict at least a portion of the effective storage capacity data, and displaying the graphical representation in the graphical user interface.