Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for updating simulation models of a subterranean reservoir. An ensemble of reservoir models representing a subterranean reservoir having non-Gaussian characteristics is provided and the ensemble of reservoir models is updated using a subspace ensemble Kalman filter. Kemal principle component analysis parameterization or K-L expansion parameterization can be used to update the ensemble of reservoir models.

Abstract: A production simulator (2), for simulating a mature hydrocarbon field, providing quantity produced (Q?ktb) per phase, per well, per layer (or group of layers) and per time as a function of production parameters (PP), wherein the production simulator (2) matches history data (HD) of the mature hydrocarbon field and verifies a Vapnik condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining operating settings of a fluid production system with a gathering network and a plurality of reservoirs, at least some of which include a method that includes lumping common pseudo-components into reservoir pseudo-components associated with each of the reservoirs. Each common pseudo-component is associated with the gathering network and maps to one reservoir pseudo-component of each of the reservoirs. The method further includes performing at least part of a fully-coupled simulation of the gathering network and the reservoirs using the common pseudo-components to obtain one or more operating settings that meet one or more constraints of the production system, and presenting to a user the operating settings.

Abstract: A test apparatus for qualifying compositions used to reduce scale deposition in fluid, e.g., wax deposition in crude oil, is disclosed. The test apparatus includes a first reservoir capable of holding a first fluid, and a second rotatable reservoir disposed within the first reservoir, the second reservoir capable of holding a second fluid. The apparatus includes a fluid inlet through which the second fluid enters the second reservoir, and a fluid outlet through which the second fluid exits the second reservoir, wherein a bottom surface of the second rotatable reservoir is configured to be at least partially submerged in the first fluid so that precipitate from the first fluid can be deposited thereon.

Abstract: A method of determining a presence and location of a subsurface hydrocarbon accumulation from a sample of naturally occurring substance. An expected concentration of isotopologues of a hydrocarbon species is determined. An expected temperature dependence of isotopologues present in the sample is modeled using high-level ab initio calculations. A clumped isotopic signature of the isotopologues present in the sample is measured. The clumped isotopic signature is compared with the expected concentration of isotopologues. Using the comparison, it is determined whether hydrocarbons present in the sample originate directly from a source rock or whether the hydrocarbons present in the sample have escaped from a subsurface accumulation. The current equilibrium storage temperature of the hydrocarbon species in the subsurface accumulation prior to escape to the surface is determined. A location of the subsurface accumulation is determined.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for use in predicting sand production in a geomechanical reservoir system. Computation of the sand production predictions can include solving a system of partial differential equations that model the geomechanical reservoir system. Systems and methods also are provided for use in operating a geomechanical reservoir system based on the sand production prediction for controlling sand production in the geomechanical reservoir system.

Abstract: Updating a geocellular model. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: modifying a geocellular model of an earth formation based on an actual datum from an actual borehole, the modifying by: selecting a plurality of cells to be removed from the geocellular model; interpolating to determine a new surface using data associated with cells to be removed, data associated with cells not selected for removal, and the actual datum from the actual borehole; and calculating data associated with new cells that replace the cells to be removed, the new cells with locations relative to the new surface.

Abstract: A method of modeling phase characteristics of thermodynamic systems utilizing pseudo-properties strategy and a reduced number of variables is disclosed herein. The method describes a means of determining the probability of phase splitting of mixtures of materials at a given temperature, pressure, and composition by characterizing the functions that describe the system via pseudo-properties, and also by describing the system in n?1 or fewer variables, where n represents the number of components in the system of interest. In an embodiment, a multi-component system is characterized in one variable, thereby providing simplified thermodynamic models in a time-efficient manner. In addition, the information generated by this reduced-variable calculation can further be used as a starting point for calculations of equations of state.

Abstract: Method for reservoir surveillance using a three-dimensional Earth Model (101) to improve and expedite the surveillance at all scales of investigation (field, reservoir, fault compartment, and individual well) and at all time steps (minutes, hours, days, months, years). The new method allows users to rapidly identify anomalous field and well performance (109) and provides capability to investigate root causes of the performance deviation from predicted (110). Animated co-rendered displays (107) of the earth model and actual (104) and simulated (105) production data enable the user to interactively determine model adjustments back at the basic level of the Earth Model, which are then propagated to a geologic model (102) and then to the reservoir simulator (103) to update it (111) in a physically constrained way.

Abstract: Distinct paths (40), e.g., locally optimal, are determined in a heterogeneous velocity field (32) between a source object and a target object (33) using gradients (35) of a two-way total arrival time field (34). The foregoing technique may be used to assess hydrocarbon reservoir connectivity.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for generating accurate grids that can be used for simulation of highly complex subsurface reservoirs, such as fractured subsurface reservoirs. A representation of a fractured subsurface reservoir and an explicit discrete fracture represented within the fractured subsurface reservoir are provided. The representation of the fractured subsurface reservoir is decomposed into polyhedral cells. Interfaces between the polyhedral cells are selected to approximate the discrete fracture explicitly represented within the fractured subsurface reservoir. The selected interfaces are used to produce a grid that can be used for constructing a simulation model of the fractured subsurface reservoir.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and non-transitory, computer-readable media for tuning a model of a subterranean domain. The method may include determining a relationship between a first parameter of the model and a second parameter of the model. A modification to the first parameter causes the second parameter to be modified according to the relationship. The method may also include receiving data representing a physical characteristic of a reservoir represented in the model of the subterranean domain, and modifying the first parameter based at least partially on the data. The method may also include modifying the second parameter based on the relationship, by operation of a processor. The method may further include updating the model using the first parameter and the second parameter after modifying the first parameter and after modifying the second parameter.

Abstract: A method, a system and a program storage device for predicting a property of a fluid, such as fluid production from a subterranean reservoir containing heavy oil entrained with gas is described. The method includes developing a baseline correlation of gas relative permeability krg versus gas saturation Sg. A capillary number dependent correlation is determined capturing the relationship between at least one of critical gas saturation Sgc and capillary number Nca and gas relative permeability krgro and capillary number Nca phased upon a plurality of depletion rates. Capillary numbers Nc are calculated for a plurality of cells in a reservoir model representative of the subterranean reservoir. The baseline correlation is then adjusted to comport with at least one of Sgc and krgro selected from the capillary number dependent correlation to produce a plurality of corresponding adjusted baseline, correlations.

Abstract: Systems and related methods to simulate, predict, and report progressive failures of rupture disks in response to thermal expansion of trapped annular fluids.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium is presented for use in enhancing oil recovery in a subsurface reservoir comprising. The method, system and computer readable medium defines a plurality of grid levels on a geological model of a subsurface reservoir. Connectivities and transmissibilities are calculated between neighboring cells in the same grid and between connecting cells between different grid levels. Gas and/or fluid dynamics are simulated using dynamic grid refinement where the connectivities and transmissibilities are updated at each time step based on the previously calculated connectivities and transmissibilities.

Abstract: An improved method that performs downhole fluid analysis of the fluid properties of a reservoir of interest and that characterizes the reservoir of interest based upon such downhole fluid analysis.

Abstract: A method may include modeling a bulk electromagnetic (EM) characteristic of a composite material including a fracturing fluid, a proppant, and a sensing additive. The method may further include generating a modeled propped fracture pattern for a subterranean formation having the composite material injected therein, and generating a three dimensional (3D) arrangement of cells based upon the bulk EM characteristic and the modeled propped fracture pattern using an effective medium theory (EMT) model, with each cell having a modeled localized EM characteristic associated therewith. The method may also include injecting the composite material into the subterranean formation to cause an actual propped fracture pattern, collecting EM data based upon the sensing additive within the actual propped fracture pattern, and determining a respective actual EM characteristic for each cell based upon the modeled localized EM characteristics and the collected EM data.

Abstract: A method for predicting hydrocarbon recovery in a subterranean formation may include generating pre-heating data associated with fracturing in a sample from the subterranean formation, determining a first fractal pattern based upon the pre-heating data, and heating the sample with RF power to cause additional fracturing in the sample. The method may include generating post-heating data associated with additional fracturing in the sample after heating with RF power, determining a second fractal pattern based upon the post-heating data, detecting change between the first fractal pattern and the second fractal pattern, and predicting hydrocarbon recovery from the subterranean formation based upon the detected change.

Abstract: Wavelet estimation method, particularly advantageous for full wavefield inversion (“FWI”) of seismic data, that makes use of both the primary and multiple reflections in the data. The inventive method uses an FWI algorithm to generate a subsurface model from primary reflections (101) in a shallow layer before first arrival of multiple reflections (101). The model is then used to simulate multiples (102). The wavelet is subsequently modified (104) such that the simulated multiples closely match the true recorded multiples (103). The simulated multiples may then be subtracted from the measured data (105) thereby creating a deeper top layer of data substantially free of multiples, and the method may then be repeated to extend the subsurface model to a greater depth (106).

Abstract: A method for performing a field operation within a geologic basin having rock formations and a reservoir that includes fluids includes generating, by forward modeling using a petroleum system model (PSM), an estimate of a fluid property distribution of a fluid within the reservoir of the geologic basin. The method further includes detecting, from fluid samples, a fluid property gradient within the geologic basin. The fluid samples are extracted from within at least one wellbore drilled through the rock formations. The method further includes, comparing the estimate of the fluid property distribution with the detected fluid property gradient to generate a comparison result, iteratively adjusting, based on the comparison result, the PSM to generate an adjusted PSM, and performing, based on the adjusted PSM, the field operation within the geologic basin.

Abstract: A method of modeling a formation is described. In one aspect of the disclosure, the method includes initiating operation of a reservoir simulator, and, following initiation of operation of the simulator, retrieving formation data from an external data source via a communications network and utilizing the retrieved data as part of the on-going simulation. In certain embodiments, a data deck may be supplied to the simulator before operation of the simulator is initiated. The data deck may include information for establishing a network communications link between the reservoir simulator and an external data server.

Abstract: Systems and related methods to simulate the use of rupture disks and syntactic foam in the mitigation of trapped annular pressure and wellhead movement during downhole operations.

Abstract: The invention is a method for constructing a representation of a fluid reservoir traversed by a fracture network and by at least one well. The reservoir is discretized into a set of grid cells and the fractures are characterized by statistical parameters from observations of the reservoir. An equivalent permeability tensor and an average fracture opening is constructed from an image representative of the fracture network delimiting porous blocks and fractures is then deduced from the statistical parameters. A first elliptical boundary zone centered on the well and at least a second elliptical boundary zone centered on the well which form an elliptical ring with the elliptical boundary of the first zone are defined around the well. The image representative of the fracture network is simplified in a different manner for each of the zones which is used to construct the representation of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media geologic modeling are disclosed. For example, the method includes receiving an identification of a type of architectural element in association with a first well in a subterranean domain, based at least partially on data collected from the first well, and determining one or more characteristics of the type of architectural element. The method may also include defining, using a processor, an architectural element of the type of architectural element, in a representation of the subterranean domain and in association with the first well, based on the one or more characteristics, and displaying, using the processor and a display device in communication therewith, the architectural element intersecting the first well in a model.

Abstract: A method for simulating fluid flows in a petroleum reservoir, in which the fluid is split in physical phases comprising a gas phase, an oil phase, a water phase and a microemulsion phase. The fluid comprises water, hydrocarbon, and surfactant components. The method comprises a flash step for calculating compositions via two stages. A first stage comprises a first flash to determine first compositions of the water, oil and gas phases and is performed by omitting the surfactant component in the fluid. A second stage comprises a second flash to determine a microemulsion composition of the microemulsion phase.

Abstract: Oil or gas fields and associated facilities are computer simulated by solving linear algebraic equations using a Schwarz method with at least one well node included in the overlap. According to another aspect, equations for the wellbore nodes are processed to eliminate some non-pressure variables, e.g. component compositions. Other features are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer readable media useful in determining pore pressure in a reservoir. Specifically disclosed are methods, systems, and computer readable media for determining mudstone permeability in mudstone bounding a reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for exploiting (EXP) a subsurface deposit comprising at least one outcrop, the exploitation (EXP) of the deposit is based on a geological model (MOD) formed from a photogrammetry. The method reconstructs the geological outcrops in three dimensions (R3D) from photographs (PHO), and interprets the geological elements thereof, such as the sedimentary surfaces, the geological facies, the fault lines and the fractures, the inclination of the beds, etc. to construct a geological model of the deposit (MOD).

Abstract: In some aspects, flow path connection conditions are generated for a flow path intersection in a one-dimensional fluid flow model. The one-dimensional fluid flow model represents a flow of well system fluid in a well system environment. The flow path connection conditions conserve fluid momentum among three or more flow path branches that meet at the flow path intersection. Fluid flow is simulated in the fracture network by operating the one-dimensional fluid flow model based on the connection condition.

Abstract: In some aspects, techniques and systems for operating a subterranean region model are described. A block matrix is identified. The block matrix includes a banded portion and an augmented portion. The banded portion includes flow variable coefficients based on governing flow equations of a model representing well system fluid flow in a subterranean region. In a row of the block matrix, decomposition of a pivot element in the row is performed. Elements along the row are modified based on an inverse of the decomposition of the pivot element. A flow variable of the model is solved based on the block matrix that contains the modified elements.

Abstract: In some aspects, a one-dimensional proppant transport flow model represents flow of a proppant-fluid mixture in a subterranean region. The one-dimensional proppant transport flow model includes a proppant momentum conservation model that balances axial proppant momentum in an axial flow direction of the proppant-fluid mixture against dynamic changes in transverse proppant momentum. In some instances, the proppant momentum conservation model can vary the axial proppant momentum, for example, to account for interphase momentum transfer between the proppant and the fluid.

Abstract: Various implementations directed to determining a phase behavior of a reservoir fluid are provided. In one implementation, a method may include receiving a plurality of predetermined pore size data, a plurality of predetermined bulk fluid data, and a plurality of predetermined kerogen data that are based on historical data for a plurality of hydrocarbon reservoirs. The method may also include creating a library of a plurality of simulated phase behavior data for the predetermined pore size data, the predetermined bulk fluid data, and the predetermined kerogen data. The method may further include determining a phase behavior of a reservoir fluid disposed in an actual hydrocarbon reservoir using the library.

Abstract: In some aspects, techniques and systems for simulating well system fluid flow are described. Multiple subsystem models each include fluid flow variables and represent well system fluid dynamics associated with a sub-region in a subterranean region. The subsystem models are connected by one or more junction models. The junction models represent interactions among the subsystem models. For each of the subsystem models, an elimination of internal variables of the subsystem model is performed to express the internal variables in terms of junction variables of the junction models. The junction variables are solved based on the junction models. The internal variables of the subsystem model are solved based on the solved junction variables.

Abstract: Methods and systems for historical, geological modeling for producing an estimated distribution of hydrocarbons trapped in subsurface clathrates are disclosed. One method includes instantiating a basin model of a geological area of interest, and, for each of a plurality of predetermined geological times up to a geologic present day: determining one or more changes to the basin model, calculating, at each of a plurality of locations within the basin model, a temperature and a pressure, determining an existence and a location of a clathrate stability zone based on the calculated temperatures and pressures, and estimating one or more clathrate concentrations and hydrocarbon volumes in the clathrate stability zone.

Abstract: In some aspects, a one-dimensional flow model is generated. The one-dimensional flow model can represent flow of a first fluid and a second fluid in a flow path in a well system environment. The one-dimensional flow model comprises an effective diffusion coefficient model for a composite fluid volume comprising the first and second fluids. The effective diffusion coefficient model calculates an effective diffusion coefficient for the composite fluid volume based on a difference between the respective densities and viscosities of the first fluid and the second fluid.

Abstract: A reservoir prediction system is disclosed that uses a kernel-based ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) capable of representing non-Gaussian random fields characterized by multi-point geostatistics. The EnKF uses only the covariance and cross-covariance between the random fields (to be updated) and observations, thereby only preserving two-point statistics. The kernel-based EnKF allows the creation of nonlinear generalizations of linear algorithms that can be exclusively written in terms of dot products. By deriving the EnKF in a high-dimensional feature space implicitly defined using kernels, both the Kalman gain and update equations are nonlinearized, thus providing a completely general nonlinear set of EnKF equations, the nonlinearity being controlled by the kernel. By choosing high order polynomial kernels, multi-point statistics and therefore geological realism of the updated random fields can be preserved.

Abstract: A method for retrodicting source-rock quality and/or paleoenvironmental conditions are disclosed. A first set of system variables associated with source-rock quality is selected (705). A second set of system variables directly or indirectly causally related to the first set of variables is also selected (710). Data for variables selected to be known quantities are estimated or obtained (720). A network with nodes including both sets of variables is formed (715). The network has directional links connecting interdependent nodes (715). The directional links preferably honor known causality relations. A Bayesian network algorithm is used with the data to solve the network for the unknown variables and their associated uncertainties (725). The variables selected to be unknowns can be input nodes (paleoenvironmental conditions), intermediate nodes, output nodes (source rock quality), or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for simulation of bore hole fractures are disclosed. A device for simulating a fracture in a subterranean formation comprises a housing, an inlet for directing a sample fluid to the housing, and a first disk and a second disk positioned within the housing. The second disk is movable relative to the first disk to form an adjustable gap between the first disk and the second disk and the sample fluid flows through the adjustable gap. A common collector receives at least a portion of the sample fluid that flows through at least one of the first disk and the second disk.

Abstract: A method for seismic modeling on a GPU includes creating a discretized model containing a volume enclosed by boundaries with arbitrary boundary conditions, dividing the discretized model into subsets, transferring a data to the GPU, initializing the data stored in a selected number of the subsets on the GPU, performing computation related with a number of time steps for the selected number of the subsets on the GPU, and substantially simultaneously computing, off-loading a finished subsets data from the GPU, and up-loading a new subsets data to the GPU. The provided method and corresponding system can reduce the amount of data stored in GPU memory by an order of magnitude, minimize the GPU device-to-host transfer bandwidth requirements, and reduce the GPU setup time.

Abstract: A computer-implemented reservoir prediction system, method, and software are provided for updating simulation models of a subterranean reservoir. An ensemble of reservoir models representing a subterranean reservoir having non-Gaussian characteristics is provided, along with reservoir data from the subterranean reservoir used to condition the ensemble of reservoir models. For each of the reservoir models in the ensemble of reservoir models, a constrained optimization with equality constraints and inequality constraints are solved using a constrained Kernel Ensemble Kalman Filter to obtain a constrained optimal solution. The constrained optimal solutions are assembled to update the ensemble of reservoir models. The updated ensemble of reservoir models are consistent with the reservoir data provided from the subterranean reservoir and the non-Gaussian characteristics of the subterranean reservoir are preserved.

Abstract: A method can include providing, in a geological domain, a conformal mesh, conformal to geological discontinuities of a geological model, that includes depositional domain coordinates associated with a depositional domain; providing, in the depositional domain, an initial, at least vertically structured, multidimensional grid that includes initial nodes that define grid cells; referencing the conformal mesh to identify a set of grid cells of the initial grid traversed by the geological discontinuities; splitting each of the grid cells in the set to form sub cells, each of the sub cells defined at least in part by one or more new nodes; and assigning geological domain coordinates associated with the geological domain to at least the new nodes to generate a final grid that includes the initial nodes, the new nodes and geological domain coordinates associated with the geological domain. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of developing a petroleum reservoir according to a given development scheme, from a facies map representative of the reservoir. New measurements are taken in the reservoir to better characterize it. A geostatistical simulator is selected. A set of random numbers is then identified which are provided to the geostatistical simulator to provide a facies representation identical to the initial map by inverting a random number generation algorithm of the simulator. The map is then modified to account for the new measurements, by carrying out a geostatistical simulation constrained by the measurements, with the geostatistical simulator and the set of random numbers. Finally, the reservoir development scheme is modified by accounting for the modified map, and the reservoir is developed using the modified development scheme.

Abstract: In some aspects, techniques and systems for modeling fluid flow are described. A flow model represents intersecting flow paths for well system fluid. The flow paths intersect at a flow path intersection. A band matrix and an intersection table are generated based on the flow model. The band matrix represents fluid flow within the respective flow paths, and the intersection table represents fluid flow between the flow paths at the flow path intersection. The flow model can be operated using the band matrix and the intersection table, for example, to calculate fluid flow variables at various locations along the flow paths.

Abstract: Predicting future hydrocarbon production. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: reading data regarding hydrocarbon production from a hydrocarbon producing field; producing at least one value indicative of future hydrocarbon production based on a data model and the data regarding hydrocarbon production; displaying, on a display device of a computer system, an indication of historic data regarding hydrocarbon production; and displaying, on the display device, an indication of the at least one value indicative of future hydrocarbon production.

Abstract: A process-based model of a geological volume of interest is generated. The process-based model is conditioned with conditioning information associated with the geological volume of interest. Statistics are generated from the process-based model that represent parameters of the geological volume of interest locally. These statistics are used to constrain one or more geostatistical models of the geological volume of interest.

Abstract: A method of optimizing a drilling tool assembly including inputting well data into an optimization system, the optimization system having an experience data set and an artificial neural network. The method further including comparing the well data to the experience data set and developing an initial drilling tool assembly based on the comparing the well data to the experience data, wherein the drilling tool assembly is developed using the artificial neural network. Additionally, the method including simulating the initial drilling tool assembly in the optimization system and creating result data in the optimization system based on the simulating.

Abstract: A method for optimizing drilling operations. The method includes providing an earth model of a volume having a well, obtaining petrotechnical data about the volume while drilling the well, comparing the petrotechnical data with the earth model, updating the earth model with the petrotechnical data based on the comparison, and modifying a drilling plan of the well using the updated earth model.

Abstract: Implementations of pay zone prediction are described. More particularly, apparatus and techniques described herein allow a user to predict pay zones in wells. By accurately predicting pay zones, the user can perforate an existing well at predefined well depths to access hydrocarbon bearing strata while avoiding other undesirable strata (such as water bearing strata). For example, in one possible implementation, well data and syntactic data from a first set of one or more existing wells can be used to create one or more syntactic models. These syntactic models can then be used with water cut and well data from the one or more existing wells to create a pay zone prediction model which can be used with wells outside of the first set of existing wells.

Abstract: An iterative drilling simulation method and system for enhanced economic decision making includes obtaining characteristics of a rock column in a formation to be drilled, specifying characteristics of at least one drilling rig system; and iteratively simulating the drilling of a well bore in the formation. The method and system further produce an economic evaluation factor for each iteration of drilling simulation. Each iteration of drilling simulation is a function of the rock column and the characteristics of the at least one drilling rig system according to a prescribed drilling simulation model.

Abstract: Implementations are directed to monitoring and reporting on actual hazardous conditions at a facility receiving data associated with a site, the site being susceptible to potentially hazardous conditions, and include actions of determining that a hazardous condition is present at the site, processing the data based on one or more models to provide output data, processing the output data to provide indicator data for providing a graphical representation of the site, the graphical representation providing a graphical depiction of the hazardous condition, and providing the indicator data to one or more user devices, the indicator data being processed by each of the one or more user devices to display the graphical representation.