Unstructured Grid Well Trajectory Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reservoir simulation models using structured grids struggle to accurately represent complex well geometries and internal boundaries, leading to inconsistencies in well trajectory data between structured and unstructured grid models, which complicates simulation comparisons and affects production predictions.
Innovation Solution
A method to generate unstructured grid models with actual well trajectories by interpolating well perforation location coordinates and forming smooth wellbore paths, allowing for accurate representation of well trajectories at true positions, thereby aligning well data between structured and unstructured grid models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If structured grid models are used for reservoir simulation, then the modeling process is simpler and computational efficiency is maintained, but the accuracy of well trajectory representation deteriorates due to inability to capture complex well geometries at true positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reservoir model into two distinct grid systems: a structured grid for general reservoir simulation and an unstructured grid specifically for representing complex well trajectories. This segmentation allows each grid type to optimize for its specific function - the structured grid maintains computational efficiency while the unstructured grid provides accurate well position representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an unstructured grid as an intermediary layer between the structured grid model and the well trajectory data. This unstructured grid acts as a mediator that accurately captures complex well geometries and internal boundaries, while still allowing the overall simulation to run on the computationally efficient structured grid framework.
2Measurement precision
If unstructured grid models are used to accurately represent complex well geometries, then well trajectory accuracy is improved, but device complexity and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using unstructured grids only in specific regions where complex well trajectories exist, while the rest of the reservoir continues to use simpler structured grids. This localized approach provides high accuracy where needed without unnecessarily increasing complexity across the entire model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a structural dimension to the grid model by superimposing an unstructured grid layer over the structured grid. This dimensional addition allows the model to represent complex 3D well trajectories accurately while maintaining the organizational simplicity of the underlying structured grid system.
3Reliability
If unstructured grid models are used with actual well trajectories, then production prediction accuracy is improved, but computational time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using unstructured grids only for well trajectory representation rather than for the entire reservoir model. This selective application provides sufficient accuracy for production predictions without incurring the full computational cost of a completely unstructured grid model.
Data Source
AI summary
An unstructured grid model with actual well trajectory of individual multilateral wells of a subsurface reservoir is formed. Well trajectory data obtained during drilling of the wells and corresponding to well trajectory data stored as a structured grid model is provided as an input data set for unstructured grid simulation. The unstructured grid model may be formed in a computerized mainframe processor system, or by parallel reservoir simulation by processor nodes of a multicore processor of parallel processor nodes synchronized and under control of a master node.