Water Current Modeling in Geological Sedimentary Grids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current forward stratigraphic modeling methods are inadequate for simulating the formation of oil or gas reservoirs, as they rely solely on diffusion-based algorithms, which are not suitable for modeling complex geological phenomena and require excessive computational resources, limiting their applicability to large scales and long timescales.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that models water currents in a geological gridded model by decomposing currents into plume, bottom, and subsurface currents, taking into account wind-induced, tidal, and surface ocean currents, allowing for more precise simulation of particle transport and deposition in sedimentary areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If diffusion-based algorithms are used for particle transport simulation, then large geographical and time scales can be modeled, but the geological phenomena simulated are necessarily continuous and homogeneous, making it impossible to model the formation of oil reservoirs
Solution Approach 1:
The water current is segmented into multiple sub-currents (plume current, subsurface current, bottom current) at different water depths, each with its own direction and energy characteristics. This segmentation allows the model to capture vertical variations in current behavior while maintaining computational efficiency for large-scale simulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different modeling approaches to different spatial locations: diffusion-based algorithms are used for large-scale background processes, while advection-based algorithms are applied locally where water currents are present. This hybrid approach enables both large geographical coverage and accurate modeling of oil reservoir formation processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If Navier-Stokes equations are used to simulate localized phenomena, then accurate fluid motion can be modeled, but the computational load is excessively high, requiring computational time proportional to the duration of the modelled phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex Navier-Stokes mechanical system with a simplified advection-based algorithm that captures the essential fluid transport behavior. This substitution maintains accuracy for particle transport while dramatically reducing computational requirements, enabling simulation of phenomena occurring over thousands to millions of years.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mathematical parameters and equations used for fluid modeling from the full Navier-Stokes system to an advection-based system with parameters for current direction and energy. This parameter simplification maintains the ability to model localized phenomena accurately while improving computational productivity.
3Productivity
If diffusion-only algorithms are used, then computational load is reduced for large scales, but the model cannot account for advection processes driven by water currents, limiting its ability to model realistic sediment transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate modeling approaches: diffusion-based algorithms for large-scale background processes and advection-based algorithms for water current-driven transport. This combination creates a hybrid model that maintains computational efficiency for large scales while incorporating realistic advection processes for accurate sediment transport modeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal modeling framework that can handle both diffusion-dominated processes and advection-dominated processes within a single system. The model automatically applies the appropriate transport mechanism based on local conditions, enabling it to model diverse geological phenomena from large-scale basin evolution to localized oil reservoir formation.
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 enables more accurate and efficient modeling of sedimentary area formation, including oil or gas reservoirs, by accounting for various water currents, reducing computational load and improving the realism of geological simulations.
Implementation Method 1
the invention aims at taking into account the influence of marine currents on the transport of particles
Implementation Method 2
parameterizing a wind strength, and inferring from the wind speed a wave base water depth and a wave breaking water depth
Data Source
AI summary
A method of modelling a water current in a geological gridded model of a sedimentary area is disclosed, the model comprising a plurality of cells wherein each cell is assigned a water depth, the method comprising determining a direction and an energy of a water current in each cell of the model, wherein each water current is decomposed into a plurality of sub-currents corresponding to respective water depths, comprising at least:—a plume current, located at water surface, and—a bottom current, located at water bottom, the determination of a direction of a water current comprising determining a single direction common to each sub-current into which the water current is decomposed, and the determination of an energy of a water current comprising: —computing the energy of the plume current, and inferring, from the energy of the plume current, the energy of any other sub-current.