Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company

Other

John Van Wagoner

Max Deffenbaugh

Tao Sun

Dachang Li

Chun Huh

Chris J Donofrio

Neal L Adair

David Hoyal

Xiaohui Wu

Timothy A Chartrand

Xiao-Hui Wu

Paul A Dunn

David N Awwiller

A method of generating a model of a turbidity current in a fluid is disclosed. A first flow layer in the turbidity current is defined. The method successively defines at least one more flow layer in the turbidity current. Each successive flow layer includes the previously defined flow layer. A set of depth-averaged flow variables for each flow layer is defined. A model is developed that describes the turbidity current. The model uses fluid flow equations and the set of depth-averaged flow variables for each flow layer to predict fluid flow in each flow layer. The model is then output.

Overlapped multiple layer depth averaged flow model of a turbidity current

A method is disclosed for simulating the formation of sedimentary deposits. In one embodiment, this method involves, (a) solving a two-dimensional time-dependent map view system of equations for at least flow momentum, flow height, suspended sediment concentration, and entrainment of overlying water, (b) calculating net sediment deposition at each map view location using the flow properties, (c) recording the time-variability of the net sediment deposition.

Method for evaluating sedimentary basin properties by numerical modeling of sedimentation processes

A method is disclosed for using a three-dimensional seismic image of a subsurface earth volume to construct a geologic model specifying the spatially-varying grain size distribution, porosity, and permeability throughout the volume. The method applies to earth volumes composed of water-lain clastic sedimentary deposits and involves, in one embodiment, (a) identifying the outline forms of geologic bodies in geologic data; (b) using the outline forms of the geologic bodies to determine the spatially-varying grain size distribution within the bodies, guided by assumptions about the nature and behavior of the paleoflow that deposited the bodies; (c) determining rock properties such as, porosity and permeability within the geologic bodies based on grain-size distribution, mineralogy and burial history information.

Geologic models of subsurface sedimentary volumes

A method of hydrodynamics-based gridding (Hydro-Grids) for creating geologic models of subsurface volumes, such as reservoirs, is disclosed. Geologic data is obtained. Vertical grid surfaces are created. Lateral grid surfaces are created to correspond to surfaces of constant geologic time during the deposition of sediments in the subsurface volume. Geologic properties within each cell are represented as values within each cell created by the vertical and lateral surfaces. Reservoir performance is simulated using the represented geologic properties of the subsurface volume. A hydrocarbon reservoir is developed based on the simulated reservoir performance.

Method for geologic modeling through hydrodynamics-based gridding (hydro-grids)

The present invention is a method of hydrodynamics-based gridding (Hydro-Grids) for creating geologic models of subsurface volumes, such as reservoirs. Vertical grid surfaces may be chosen in an unstructured fashion to provide lateral resolution where needed. Lateral grid surfaces are created to represent surfaces of constant geologic time based on simulation of the depositional processes that created the subsurface volume. The values of geologic properties are then specified within each cell created by the intersections of the vertical and lateral surfaces. The geologic data may include, for example, seismic data, outcrop studies, well log data, core data, numerical modeling data, and interpreted stratigraphic surfaces based on seismic data. The modeled geologic properties of the subsurface volume may include, for example, grain size distribution, connectivity, net-to-gross, porosity, permeability and pore pressure.

Method for geologic modeling through hydrodynamics-based gridding (Hydro-Grids)

The internal properties of a water-lain sediment body can be determined from the shape of the deposit. One method comprises solving equations relating the shape of a sediment body to the flow field that produced the body and using the flow field to solve for the sediment body properties in at least one point within the body. The flow field properties include flow velocity, suspended sediment volume fractions, deposition time, and flow height. The properties of the water-lain sediments include, in addition to the flow properties associated with deposition of the sediments, the thickness of the sediment body, the size of the body, the shape of the body, and the grain size distribution at points within the body.

Method for predicting grain size distribution from the shape of a sedimentary body

The properties of a water-lain sedimentary deposit may be predicted at any location from a contour of constant deposit thickness. One embodiment of the method comprises (a) determining an outline of constant deposit thickness in a measured deposit, (b) determining the fluid flow properties at the inlet of the measured deposit, (c) determining a property of the deposit at any point inside the deposit from modeling the fluid flow. The properties of the deposit at any point may include the thickness of the sediment body, the size of the body, the shape of the body, and the grain size distribution at each point within the body, and any combination thereof.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

John Van Wagoner