Tidal Current Sediment Transport for Reservoir Formation Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forward stratigraphic models are inadequate for simulating the formation of oil or gas reservoirs due to their reliance on diffusion-based particle transport algorithms, which are continuous and homogeneous, and cannot account for localized phenomena like marine currents, leading to high computational loads and unsuitable time scales.
Innovation Solution
A method that simulates sedimentary area formation by incorporating the influence of tidal currents, decomposing them into plume and bottom currents, and iteratively modeling the transport and deposition of particles over time, taking into account the direction and velocity of these currents to create a more accurate geological model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If diffusion-based particle transport algorithms are used to model large geographical and time scales, then computational feasibility is improved, but the ability to model localized phenomena such as marine currents and reservoir formation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the particle transport mechanism into two distinct components: diffusion-based transport for large-scale regional modeling and advection-based transport for localized current-driven phenomena. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be applied where it is most effective, resolving the contradiction between computational feasibility and modeling accuracy for localized phenomena
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching between diffusion and advection mechanisms based on local hydrodynamic conditions. When marine currents are present, advection takes over as the dominant transport mechanism; when currents are absent or weak, diffusion prevails. This dynamic adaptation enables accurate modeling of localized phenomena while maintaining computational efficiency at larger scales
2Manufacturing precision
If Navier-Stokes equations are used to simulate localized phenomena such as snow avalanches, then modeling accuracy for localized phenomena is improved, but computational load increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the advection component from the full Navier-Stokes equations and implements it as a separate, simplified particle transport mechanism. This extraction allows the beneficial advection-based localized modeling to be incorporated without the excessive computational burden of complete Navier-Stokes simulation, particularly for sediment transport applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the governing parameters for particle transport from the full set of Navier-Stokes parameters to a simplified set that includes advection velocity and direction derived from marine current data. This parameter simplification maintains accuracy for current-driven transport while dramatically reducing computational complexity compared to full fluid dynamics simulation
3Productivity
If continuous and homogeneous geological phenomena are simulated, then computational efficiency is improved, but the ability to model discontinuous and heterogeneous phenomena such as reservoir formation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively applying advection mechanisms only in regions where marine currents are present, rather than throughout the entire model domain. This partial application maintains computational efficiency in diffusion-dominated regions while capturing discontinuous, heterogeneous phenomena in current-influenced zones where it is necessary
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 a more precise simulation of sedimentary area formation, including the deposition of clastic and carbonate particles, by accounting for localized marine currents, reducing computational burden, and providing a realistic representation of oil or gas reservoir development.
Implementation Method 1
water current is a tidal current, comprising alternate phases of rising tide current and falling tide current
Implementation Method 2
transporting each introduced particle in the geological gridded model based on the computed direction and velocity of the water current
Implementation Method 3
updating the geological gridded model of the area according to the transport of each introduced particle
Implementation Method 4
deposition of clastic and carbonate particles
Data Source
AI summary
A method for simulating the evolution of a geological gridded model of an area comprising a plurality of cells, over a predetermined period of time T, comprising: a) assigning a water depth to each cell, b) determining, for each cell, a direction and velocity of a water current, c) introducing a number of particles in the model, d) transporting each particle based on the direction and velocity of the current, and e) updating the model according to the transport of each particle, wherein the current is a tidal current, comprising alternate phases of rising tide current and falling tide current, simulating the evolution of the model over the period of time T comprises iterating steps a. to e. a number of times equal to 2k, each iteration of steps a. to e. corresponds to simulating the evolution of the model over a period of time T/2k, each iteration of step b. is performed the rising tide or falling tide current, and two successive iterations of step b. are performed for each one of the rising tide current and falling tide current.