Voxel-Based Reactive Transport Modeling at Fluid-Solid Interfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing models for fluid flow and chemical reactions in subterranean formations lack accuracy in predicting structural changes and fluid flow behavior due to insufficient 3D representation and integration of chemical reactions, which is crucial for hydrocarbon extraction and environmental mitigation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for modeling reactive transport in subterranean formations using digital images of rock samples, segmenting them into voxels, and simulating concentration changes over time, including geochemical calculations to account for chemical reactions at fluid-solid interfaces, with parallel processing to enhance computational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory testing methods are used to determine petrophysical properties, then sample analysis can be performed, but the accuracy of predicting structural changes and fluid flow behavior is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy (virtual model) of the rock sample based on CT scan images, allowing repeated analysis without physical sample destruction. This digital twin enables accurate prediction of structural changes and fluid flow while avoiding the limitations of single-use physical samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D CT scan images to 3D voxel-based models, adding the third dimension to capture the full spatial complexity of pore structures. This dimensional enhancement enables more accurate prediction of fluid flow paths and structural changes compared to traditional 2D analysis methods.
2Measurement precision
If 3D voxel-based modeling is implemented to improve structural representation, then prediction accuracy increases, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 3D rock volume into discrete voxels, each representing a small volume element with specific properties. This segmentation allows parallel processing of individual voxels during chemical reactions simulation, reducing overall computational energy requirements compared to continuous model approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms continuous physical properties into discrete parameter values assigned to each voxel. This parameterization enables efficient storage and computation, where chemical concentrations, porosity, and permeability are represented as discrete values that can be processed more energy-efficiently than continuous fields.
3Reliability
If chemical reactions are integrated into the transport model, then prediction accuracy for fluid flow behavior improves, but model complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transport model and chemical reactions model into a unified reactive transport framework. By combining these previously separate models, the system can predict fluid flow behavior and chemical changes simultaneously, improving reliability without requiring multiple separate simulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The voxel-based model serves multiple functions: it represents physical structure, tracks fluid transport, and monitors chemical reactions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate modeling approaches and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the increased predictive capability.
4Measurement precision
If detailed geochemical calculations are performed at each voxel, then chemical reaction accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the chemical reactions simulation into independent voxel-level calculations that can be executed in parallel. This segmentation allows detailed geochemical calculations to be performed accurately at each voxel while reducing total simulation time through parallel processing architecture.
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
Provides more accurate predictions of structural changes and fluid flow in subterranean formations, enhancing operations such as hydrocarbon extraction and environmental mitigation by integrating chemical reactions into 3D modeling.
Implementation Method 1
segmenting the digital image into a plurality of voxels including a plurality of solid voxels each associated with a solid phase mineral of the subterranean formation, a plurality of fluid voxels each associated with a fluid of the subterranean formation, and a plurality of interface voxels each associated with both the solid phase mineral and the fluid of the subterranean formation
Implementation Method 2
simulating a concentration change over time of the solid phase mineral of each of the plurality of interface voxels due to simulated chemical activity in the digital image
Implementation Method 3
converting at least one of the plurality of interface voxels into either a solid voxel or a fluid voxel based on the updated concentration of the solid phase mineral
Data Source
AI summary
A method for modeling reactive transport within a subterranean formation includes defining a chemical system for a digital image of rock from the subterranean formation, segmenting the digital image into a plurality of voxels including a plurality of solid voxels, a plurality of fluid voxels, and a plurality of interface voxels, simulating a concentration change over time for the plurality of interface voxels, and determining an updated concentration for each of the plurality of interface voxels.