In-situ Stress Perturbation Model Using Gravity Lineaments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for generating in-situ stress perturbation models in hydrocarbon reservoirs are limited by the availability and quality of well and seismic data, leading to higher uncertainty in stress models when such data is lacking or of poor quality.
Innovation Solution
The use of potential fields data, such as gravity and magnetism, to identify lineaments that define the structural framework of the basement, which are then used as constraints in finite element geomechanical simulations to generate in-situ stress perturbation models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If well data and seismic data are used to generate stress perturbation models, then the model accuracy is improved, but the availability and quality of data requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces potential fields data (gravity and magnetic) as an intermediary to bridge the gap between available well/seismic data and the needed stress perturbation modeling. This intermediary data source enables stress model generation in areas where traditional well and seismic data are insufficient, thereby resolving the contradiction between model accuracy and data availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the stress perturbation modeling approach universal by accepting multiple data types (well data, seismic data, and potential fields data) as valid inputs. This multi-functionality allows the same modeling framework to operate in diverse geological settings where different data sources are available, eliminating the need for comprehensive well and seismic data in all cases.
2Reliability
If well data and seismic data are required for stress perturbation modeling, then the model constraints are improved, but the complexity of data acquisition and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential constraints needed for stress perturbation modeling from the complex dataset and identifies potential fields data as a sufficient alternative source. By taking out the core requirement for structural framework information and finding it in potential fields data rather than requiring comprehensive well and seismic data, the patent reduces data acquisition and processing complexity while maintaining model reliability.
3Device complexity
If traditional stress perturbation modeling is used, then the process is simpler, but the uncertainty level of results increases when data is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the input parameters for stress perturbation modeling from traditional well and seismic data to potential fields data (gravity and magnetic anomalies). This parameter change allows the modeling process to proceed with simpler data acquisition while reducing uncertainty levels, as potential fields data can be obtained over larger areas and provide sufficient structural framework constraints for reliable stress modeling.
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 the generation of more accurate and constrained in-situ stress perturbation models even in the absence of comprehensive well and seismic data, thereby reducing uncertainty and improving hydrocarbon reservoir management.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining Bouguer gravity data in the subsurface geological structure, and processing the Bouguer gravity data to determine one or more attributes
Implementation Method 2
combining the lineament and the in-situ stress direction indicator in a three-dimensional (3D) mechanical earth model to determine the in-situ stress perturbation
Data Source
AI summary
Determination of an in-situ stress perturbation model for a subsurface geological structure by using potential fields data. Potential fields data, such as gravity data, may be obtained and attributes may be determined from the gravity data. Lineaments that define the structural framework of the basement may be derived from an interpretation of the attributes. The lineaments may be combined with an in-situ stress direction and used as constraints in a finite element geomechanical simulation to generate the in-situ stress perturbation model.