Virtual Structured Grid Mapping for Unstructured Reservoir Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
The oil and gas industry faces challenges in converting unstructured grid-based reservoir models into structured grid-based simulators due to the complexity and cost of rewriting existing structured grid-based simulators, particularly when dealing with highly faulted and structurally complicated models, which limits accurate history matching and reservoir performance prediction.
Innovation Solution
The method involves defining a virtual structured grid for an unstructured grid reservoir model by adding cells to align it with a structured grid, allowing for a one-to-one correspondence between cells, and preparing input data for structured grid reservoir simulators to perform simulations, enabling the use of existing structured grid simulators for unstructured grid models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If unstructured grid models are converted to structured grid models for use with existing simulators, then compatibility with existing structured grid simulators is improved, but manufacturing precision and accuracy of reservoir performance prediction deteriorate due to loss of geometric fidelity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mapping relationship as an intermediary between unstructured grid models and structured grid simulators. The mapping includes correspondence relationships between grid cells, faces, and edges that enable data transformation while preserving the geometric fidelity of the original unstructured model. This intermediary layer allows existing structured grid simulators to process unstructured grid data without direct conversion, thereby maintaining accuracy while ensuring compatibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing structured grid-based simulators are rewritten with unstructured grids to achieve accurate modeling, then manufacturing precision and accuracy of reservoir performance prediction are improved, but device complexity and development cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface layer that enables existing structured grid simulators to handle unstructured grid models. Instead of rewriting the core simulator code for different grid types, the system adds a mapping and transformation layer that makes the simulator multi-functional. This approach allows the same simulator to process both structured and unstructured grids through the unified mapping relationship, avoiding the need for separate unstructured grid simulator development.
3Adaptability or versatility
If workarounds are used to convert unstructured grid models to structured grid models, then adaptability to existing simulators is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately map history matching changes on cell faces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mapping process into multiple detailed components: cell-to-cell mapping, face-to-face mapping, and edge-to-edge mapping. This segmentation allows each element to be transformed independently with precise correspondence tracking. By breaking down the conversion into these granular segments, the system can accurately map history matching changes on cell faces and edges, preserving the precision needed for accurate reservoir model tuning while maintaining compatibility with structured grid simulators.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a reservoir simulation are based on data from an unstructured grid using a structured grid reservoir simulator. Exemplary methods comprise obtaining an unstructured grid reservoir model comprising a reservoir model discretized on an unstructured grid. A virtual structured grid is defined for the unstructured grid reservoir model. The unstructured grid is aligned with the virtual structured grid by adding cells to the unstructured grid to make the unstructured grid and virtual structured grid have the same number of cells. The virtual structured grid may be represented in the unstructured grid. Structured grid reservoir simulator input data comprising reservoir model data assigned to the virtual structured grid is prepared based on reservoir model data in the unstructured grid model. A structured grid reservoir simulation is performed using the structured grid reservoir simulator input data to produce a reservoir simulation.