Unstructured Grid Subsurface Formation Modeling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsurface formation modeling techniques using rectangular or cubical grids are inadequate for accurately representing complex geological structures and fluid flow, leading to less accurate hydrocarbon reserve estimates and slower dynamic simulations.
Innovation Solution
The use of an unstructured grid with nodes and connectors allows for a more realistic representation of subsurface formations by dynamically adjusting node density and connector lengths based on geological and petrophysical data, enabling more accurate fluid flow modeling and faster simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rectangular or cubical grids are used for subsurface formation modeling, then the grid structure is simple and easy to implement, but the accuracy of representing complex geological structures and fluid flow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the subsurface formation into an unstructured grid system where the domain is segmented into irregular cells rather than uniform rectangular or cubical blocks. This segmentation allows each cell to be tailored to fit the actual geological boundaries and structures, improving representation accuracy while maintaining computational feasibility through systematic node and connector organization.
2Productivity
If rectangular or cubical grids are used for subsurface formation modeling, then the modeling approach is computationally efficient, but the accuracy of hydrocarbon reserve estimates is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the subsurface formation to have different grid cell characteristics. Cells near geological features of interest (such as tilted fluid contacts or complex structures) can be refined with higher resolution, while other regions use coarser spacing. This localized refinement improves measurement precision for critical areas without sacrificing overall computational efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If unstructured grids with nodes and connectors are used, then the accuracy of fluid flow modeling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic unstructured grid system where nodes and connectors can be adaptively adjusted based on geological features and simulation requirements. The grid structure is not fixed but can be refined or coarsened in different regions, allowing the system to balance accuracy and complexity dynamically. This dynamic approach enables accurate fluid flow modeling in complex geological settings while managing overall system complexity through adaptive rather than uniformly fine-grained discretization.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for modeling a subsurface formation include obtaining geological data and petrophysical data from the subsurface formation; forming an unstructured grid representing the subsurface formation by determining locations for nodes of the unstructured grid and connecting the nodes to other nodes in the unstructured grid using connectors. The lengths of the connectors are based on distances between the nodes and boundaries of the unstructured grid. Geological and petrophysical properties are assigned to the nodes based on the geological data and petrophysical data; permeability values are assigned to the connectors based on the petrophysical data. A volume of fluids in the subsurface formation is estimated based on the lengths of the connectors of the unstructured grid and based on the geological and petrophysical properties assigned to the nodes and the permeability values assigned to the connectors.