Abstract: A Multiscale Finite Volume (MSFV) method is provided to efficiently solve large heterogeneous problems; it is usually employed for pressure equations and delivers conservative flux fields to be used in transport problems. It relies on the hypothesis that the fine-scale problem can be described by a set of local solutions coupled by a conservative coarse-scale problem. In numerically challenging cases, a more accurate localization approximation is used to obtain a good approximation of the fine-scale solution. According to an embodiment, a method is provided to iteratively improve the boundary conditions of the local problems, and is responsive to the data structure of the underlying MSFV method and employs a Krylov-subspace projection method to obtain an unconditionally stable scheme and accelerate convergence. In one embodiment the MSFV operator is used. Alternately, the MSFV operator is combined with an operator derived from the problem solved to construct the conservative flux field.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring and diagnosing reservoirs. At least some illustrative embodiments include a method that includes collecting measured near-wellbore data representative of conditions at or near wells within the reservoir (e.g., oil and gas wells), storing the measured near-wellbore data in one or more databases and graphically presenting to a user simulated interwell data generated by a reservoir simulation based at least in part on the measured near-wellbore data. The method further includes graphically overlaying at least some of the measured near-wellbore data over the simulated interwell data and graphically presenting to the user one or more production indicators calculated based at least in part on the simulated interwell data.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for performing multi-level reservoir history matching. At least some illustrative embodiments include a method that includes generating a first history-matched model using at least one updated model parameter derived from one or more existing model parameters, generating a set of second history-matched models by applying a probabilistic inversion to the first history-matched model, and deriving a set of third history-matched models from the set of second history-matched models. The method further includes generating dynamic simulation realization sets using each of the set of third history-matched models, ranking each of the set of third history-matched models based at least in part on the dynamic simulation realization sets, and presenting a production forecast to a user based on the highest ranked third history-matched models.

Abstract: A method for simulating downhole conditions is described. The method includes receiving configuration information about a well system in a production configuration, the well system including annular fluids disposed therein and receiving heat source information associated with a heat source disposed within the well system. The method also includes simulating temperature transfer in the well system during a production scenario based at least on the configuration information and the heat source information and predicting pressure buildup in the annular fluids based on the simulated temperature transfer in the well system.

Abstract: A fine computer model covering an area includes a fine grid. A fault follows a fine-grid-path. The fault divides the area into a first fine side and a second fine. A model of a source of fluid flow is on the first fine side of the area. A model of a sink of fluid flow is on the second fine side of the area. The computer coarsens the model. The fault follows a coarse-grid-path in the coarsened model. The coarse-grid-path divides the area into a first coarse side and a second coarse side. The model of the source and the model of the sink are on the first coarse side of the area. One of the source or the sink is moved to the second coarse side of the area.

Abstract: A process for reducing wellbore instability includes inputting pre-drilling assessment information into an hydraulics analysis and wellbore stability application, inputting a well plan into the hydraulics and wellbore analysis application, inputting a parameter measured at the wellsite into the hydraulics and wellbore stability analysis application, inputting an observation made at the wellsite into the hydraulics and wellbore stability analysis application, integrating the pre-drilling assessment information, the measured parameter, and the observation into the wellbore strengthening analysis application, and adjusting a drilling fluid parameter in response to the integrated pre-drilling assessment information, the measured parameter, and the observation.

Abstract: Models of fluid flow in wells in formation of a subsurface earth reservoir are formed by computers based on measurements obtained by well logging tools run in the wells and measurements of formation rock characteristics obtained from laboratory data. The models so formed are used to form measures of injection/production profiles and assist reservoir engineers in allocation of production and injection wells for the reservoir, and in other reservoir production planning and analysis.

Abstract: A method of transforming an input stratigraphic grid SGrid which represents a region including one or more geological discontinuities is now disclosed. At least one target cell that is local to one or more geological discontinuities is transformed by displacing at least one target vertex of the target cell of the input SGrid in a selected direction that: i) is selected to approximate a local tangent of the reference horizon; and ii) is oriented from the target vertex to a representative manifold representing one of the geological discontinuities and/or an intersection between two or more of the geological discontinuities. A magnitude of a displacement by which the target vertex is moved is determined according to a non-Euclidian distance between the target vertex of the target cell of the input SGrid and the representative manifold.

Abstract: The invention is a method for exploiting a geological reservoir to exploit hydrocarbons or provide gas storage. The exploitation is defined on the basis of a reservoir model calibrated relative to dynamic data. The calibration is carried out by computing an objective function for a set of reservoir models. The objective function makes it possible to determine an analytical law of conditional distribution of the uncertain parameters of the model to generate new reservoir models added to the set of reservoir models.

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: Systems and related methods to simulate trapped annular pressure and wellhead movement during downhole drilling scenarios.

Abstract: A method of estimating lithologic properties of a geological zone represented by a grid, in which method facies are allocated to the nodes of the grid by sequential stochastic simulation. For a target node (x0) from a set of target nodes for scanning iteratively, and for each possible facies (ck0), a conditional probability (pk0/k1, . . . , kn) of observing said facies is estimated knowing that respective facies have already been allocated to other nodes in the neighborhood. A random draw weighted by these conditional probabilities is then performed. The estimation of the conditional probabilities makes use of univariate probabilities (pk0) and of bivariate probabilities (pk0,ki) of observing two facies at two respective nodes of the grid. Each bivariate probability used in estimating the conditional probability relates to the target node (x0) and to a node (xi) neighboring the target node.

Abstract: To simulate a subterranean structure having fracture corridors, a model is used to represent the subterranean structure, where the model also provides a representation of the fracture corridors. A streamline simulation is performed using the model.

Abstract: Systems and methods for 2D domain decomposition during parallel reservoir simulation to balance the active cells in a reservoir model.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for testing a cement by measuring both axial shrinkage/expansion and radial shrinkage/expansion of a sample.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for well planning are provided. The method includes displaying a three-dimensional representation of a subterranean domain, and receiving a selection of a location in the representation of the subterranean domain. The method also includes identifying an object of a well plan associated with the location, and receiving an instruction to modify the object. The method further includes editing data associated with the object based on the instruction, and visibly modifying the object in the representation of the subterranean domain, substantially in real-time with respect to receiving the instruction. The method also includes determining, using a processor, that the editing of the data results in at least a portion of the well plan being outside of a constraint, and changing a display of the object to indicate that the editing results in the at least a portion of the well plan being outside of the constraint.

Abstract: Based on measurements that are obtained from a well test, a pressure in the well is modeled as a function of at least a skin effect factor that varies with time. The results of the modeling may be used to estimate at least one well parameter, such as a formation parameter and/or a well pressure, as examples.

Abstract: Method and system is described for modeling one or more geophysical properties of a subsurface volume. In one example, a method for predicting strength anisotropy in subsurface formations along a wellpath comprises receiving a stress model of the subsurface formation in the area of the wellpath. Bulk strength properties of target rock are obtained and used to develop anisotropic failure criteria. The stress model may then be combined with the anisotropic failure criteria to develop an anisotropic wellbore stability model which is used to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: A method can include providing data for at least one shale gas formation; performing a statistical analysis on the data for each of the at least one shale gas formation; providing a simulation model; history matching the simulation model for each of the at least one shale gas formation based at least in part on the performed statistical analysis to generate a history matched model for each of the at least one shale gas formation; and forecasting production for another shale gas formation by plugging in data for the other shale gas formation into each generated history matched model. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for exploiting a geological reservoir which may be a reservoir storing gas (for example CO2). The exploitation (EX) of the geological reservoir is carried out according to an exploitation scheme (SE) defined on the basis of a reservoir model (MR) with the reservoir model being matched (CAL) in relation to dynamic data (DD). According to the invention, the reservoir model (MR) is made representative by a multiple-scale parameterization, with at least two reservoir models (MR1, MR2) that have a different number of mesh cells.

Abstract: A cloud computing system for real-time streaming of drilling data from a drilling rig using satellites, wherein the system includes client devices for transmitting the drilling data. Radio boxes disposed around the drilling rig to form a local area network for connecting with the client devices. A router and switch connected to the local area network for receiving and transmitting the drilling data. A processor and data storage configured to receive the drilling data and form well logging data for transmission to the router and switch. A modem in communication with the router and switch used to send the drilling data to satellite dishes. A server positioned apart from the drilling rig used to receive drilling data and from well logs and executive dashboards. The server can stream the drilling data, well logs, and executive dashboard in real-time to remote client devices.

Abstract: A system for real-time streaming of drilling data from a drilling rig using satellites, wherein the system includes client devices for transmitting the drilling data. Radio boxes can be disposed around the drilling rig and can form a local area network for connecting with the client devices. A router and switch can be connected to the local area network for receiving and transmitting the drilling data. A processor and data storage can be configured to receive the drilling data and form well logging data for transmission to the router and switch. A modem in communication with the router and switch can send the drilling data to satellite dishes. A server positioned apart from the drilling rig can receive drilling data and from well logs and executive dashboards. The server can stream the drilling data, well logs, and executive dashboard in real-time to remote client devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing run time for a reservoir simulator model using a proxy model based on a neural network.

Abstract: There is provided a method of assessing the quality of subsurface position data and wellbore position data, comprising: providing a subsurface position model of a region of the earth including the subsurface position data, wherein each point in the subsurface position model has a quantified positional uncertainty represented through a probability distribution; providing a wellbore position model including the wellbore position data obtained from well-picks from wells in the region, each well-pick corresponding with a geological feature determined by a measurement taken in a well, wherein each point in the wellbore position model has a quantified positional uncertainty represented through a probability distribution; identifying common points, each of which comprises a point in the subsurface position model which corresponds to a well-pick of the wellbore position data; deriving for each common point a local test value representing positional uncertainty: selecting some but not all of the common points and deri

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: There is provided a system and method for automatically identifying potential compartments of a reservoir based on the reservoirs geological structure. A method of identifying compartments of a reservoir structure includes obtaining structural data corresponding to a geological structure of a reservoir. The method also includes generating a topological net based on the structural data, the topological net comprising critical points and poly segments connecting the critical points. The method also includes identifying potential compartments of the reservoir structure based on the topological net. The method also includes identifying spill or break-over relationships among the potential compartments based on the topological net.

Abstract: A method for generating one or more geological models for oil field exploration. The method includes receiving one or more well facies logs, a vertical facies proportion curve, a lateral proportion map, a variogram model and a global target histogram. The method then includes generating a facies probability cube using a modified Sequential Gaussian Simulation (SGSIM) algorithm, the well facies logs, the vertical facies proportion curve, the lateral proportion map and the variogram model. After generating the facies probability cube, the method includes matching the facies probability cube to the global histogram and generating the geological models based on the matched facies probability cube.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for reservoir connectivity analysis in a 3D earth model. A subsurface region is identified and a baseline reservoir connectivity model is obtained from the subsurface region. Compartments and connections are determined from the baseline reservoir connectivity model using reservoir connectivity analysis, and a set of 3D objects representing the compartments and/or connections is created from the 3D earth model. A mathematical graph structure is created from the 3D objects and reservoir connectivity scenarios are evaluated based on analysis of the mathematical graph structure and 3D objects.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of processing large volumes of data to allow for real-time reservoir management is disclosed, comprising: a) acquiring a first data series from a first reservoir sensor; b) establishing a set of criteria based on reservoir management objectives, sensor characteristics, sensor location, nature of the reservoir, and data storage optimization, etc.; c) identifying one or more subsets of the first data series meeting at least one of the criteria; and optionally d) generating one or more second data series based on at least one of the subsets. This methodology may be repeated for numerous reservoir sensors. This methodology allows for intelligent evaluation of sensor data by using carefully established criteria to intelligently select one or more subsets of data. In an alternative embodiment, sensor data from one or more sensors may be evaluated while processing data from a different sensor.

Abstract: A method for correlating predicted data describing a subsurface region with obtained data describing the subsurface region is provided. Data is obtained describing an initial state of the subsurface region. Data describing a subsequent state of the subsurface region is predicted. A likelihood measure that determines whether the predicted data is within an acceptable range of the obtained data is dynamically and/or interactively updated. The predicted data is compared with the obtained data using the likelihood measure and determining a sensitivity of the predicted data if the predicted data is not within an acceptable range of the obtained data as measured by the likelihood measure. Data describing the initial state of the subsurface region is adjusted based on the sensitivity before performing a subsequent iteration of predicting data describing the subsequent state of the subsurface region. The predicted data is outputted.

Abstract: To update a subterranean model, an initial subterranean model is provided, and based on the initial subterranean model, changes to subterranean parameters are predicted using a reservoir simulator. Electromagnetic data representing characteristics of a subterranean structure is computed according to the predicted changes to the subterranean parameters, and the initial subterranean model is modified based on comparing the computed electromagnetic data with observed electromagnetic data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of preparing aqueous fluids for use in a hydrocarbon well. The method includes analyzing a water sample to produce a profile including at least one analyte concentration of the water sample, inputting at least a portion of the profile into a formulation database, wherein the formulation database generates an fluid model including at least one recommendation for the fluid composition of the aqueous fluid for use in the hydrocarbon well.

Abstract: A method for the estimation of a value for an investigated parameter of a hydrocarbon-producing region, comprising: a) using a design of experiments tool to determine a ruling law for a match parameter as a function of descriptive parameters, b) conducting a set of experiments using a simulation tool wherein, for each experiment, the region is geometrically and physically modelled, c) determining suitable sets of values for descriptive parameters from the ruling law, and d) determining a value for the investigated parameter from most likely sets of values.

Abstract: A computerized system creates and communicates to a user a wellbore property-height profile of a selected property, such as permeability, at each cell location defining the wellbore. The property-height value is determined based on a “summation from base” algorithm. The system may also be used to create a property-height profile in horizontal and slant wells, by creating a plurality of vertical pseudo-wells which intersect the trajectory of the horizontal or slant well.

Abstract: A downhole heated fluid generation system includes: a plurality of subsystems, including an air subsystem having an air compressor or an air flow control valve, a fuel subsystem having a fuel compressor or a fuel flow control valve, a treatment fluid subsystem having a fluid pump; a combustor coupled to at least one of the plurality of subsystems to provide a heated fluid into at least one of a wellbore or a subterranean zone; and a controller operable to: receiving an input indicative of a desired flow rate of the heated fluid; receiving an input indicative of a desired quality of the heated fluid; determining a virtual flow rate of the heated fluid based, at least in part, on the input indicative of the desired flow rate; and controlling the plurality of subsystems with the virtual flow rate of the heated fluid.

Abstract: A model of a geologic volume of interest that represents the geological architecture of the geologic volume of interest is generated. The model is generated as a series of geologic events at a string of points in geologic time such that each event is deposited or eroded sequentially. A given geologic event is determined based on the topological and/or geological properties of the geologic volume of interest at the time of the geologic event, environmental conditions present at the time of the geologic event that impact geologic formation, deposition, and/or erosion, and/or other considerations. The given geologic event is further determined to honor, at least somewhat, local conditioning data that has been obtained during direct measurements of the geological parameters (and/or trends therein) within the geologic volume of interest.

Abstract: Methods and systems may be provided simulating forming a wide variety of directional wellbores including wellbores with variable tilt rates and/or relatively constant tilt rates. The methods and systems may also be used to simulate forming a wellbore in subterranean formations having a combination of soft, medium and hard formation materials, multiple layers of formation materials and relatively hard stringers disposed throughout one or more layers of formation material. Values of bit walk rate from such simulations may be used to design and/or select drilling equipment for use in forming a directional wellbore.

Abstract: Larger, expandable high performance computing (HPC) clusters which are of different generations and performance speeds are provided for reservoir simulation. This provides scalability and flexibility for running computation-intensive reservoir simulation jobs on HPC machines. Availability of larger numbers of processors in a processor pool makes simulation of giant models possible and also reduces fragmentation when multiple jobs are run. A hardware performance based domain decomposition is performed which results in computation load balancing. The reservoir domain is decomposed efficiently to reduce communication overhead. Adaptive detection of the available mix of computation resources is performed, and reservoir simulation decomposition methodology adjusts the distribution of load based on the available hardware and different processor generation resources to minimize the reservoir simulation runtime.

Abstract: A method for updating an earth model with fractures or faults using a microseismic data using mechanical attributes of an identified faults or fracture by matching a failure criterion to observed microseismic events for an identified fault or fracture.

Abstract: A system performs production optimization for oilfields using a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model. The system uses an offline-online approach to model a network of interdependent wells in an online network simulator while modeling multiple interdependent variables that control performance as an offline MINLP problem. The offline model is based on production profiles established by assuming decoupled wells in the actual network of wells. In one example, an amount of lift-gas to inject and settings for subsurface chokes are optimized. An offline solver optimizes variables through the MINLP model. Offline results are used to prime the online network simulator. Iteration between the offline and online models results in a convergence, at which point values for the interdependent variables are communicated to the real-world oilfield to optimize hydrocarbon production.

Abstract: A very simple model has been presented which is able to reproduce slug flow from the instability of a flow with average hold-up and slip. The disclosure demonstrates that slug flow may be modeled as two different, stable solutions to the multiphase flow which coexist at different points in the line, moving with a celerity of UG. By using a white-noise inlet condition which preserves the average hold-up in the pipeline, a series of stable slug and stratified regions can be created without any need to resort to a Lagrangian slug tracking scheme. A quite good fit to field data was obtained with minimal effort by adjusting the slip relation. At present, the model merely demonstrates a potential, very attractive, flexible, and easy-to-implement alternative to Lagrangian slug tracking.

Abstract: A method is presented for field planning. The method includes obtaining a shared earth model comprising the hydrocarbon field. The hydrocarbon field comprises an area of ground surface and a reservoir disposed beneath the area of ground surface. The method also includes obtaining a plurality of targets for the reservoir. Additionally, the method includes specifying one or more field planning parameters for accessing the plurality of targets from the surface. The method further includes determining a plurality of well site locations for an entirety of the hydrocarbon field using constraint optimization. The number of well site locations is minimized. The number of the plurality of targets accessible from the plurality of well site locations is maximized.

Abstract: Method of modelling the evolution of the pH value of a porous medium after injection of an alkaline agent solution into this medium. The alkaline agent is considered as a soda pseudo-constituent of concentration equal to an OH— concentration corresponding to the pH value of the alkaline agent solution injected. An adsorption equation calibrated to experimental data is then used to determine an amount of soda pseudo-constituent adsorbed, from the concentration of the soda pseudo-constituent. Finally, the evolution of the pH value is modelled by modelling the transport of the alkaline agent solution by means of a soda transport simulator, by replacing the soda by the soda pseudo-constituent.

Abstract: A multi-scale finite volume method for simulating a fine-scale geological model of subsurface reservoir is disclosed. The method includes providing a fine-scale geological model of a subsurface reservoir associated with a fine-scale grid, a coarse-scale grid, and a dual coarse-scale grid. A coarse-scale operator is constructed based on internal cells, edge cells, and node cells on the fine-scale grid that are defined by the dual coarse-scale grid. Pressure in the dual coarse-scale cells is computed using the coarse-scale operator. Pressure in the primary coarse-scale cells is computed using the computed pressure in the dual coarse-scale cells. A display is produced using the computed pressure in the primary coarse-scale cells. An iterative scheme can be applied such that the computed pressure in the primary coarse-scale cells converges to the fine-scale pressure solution and mass balance is maintained on the coarse-scale.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modeling wellbore trajectories, which can be used to model corresponding drillstring trajectories and transform the torque-drag drill string model into a full stiff-string formulation.

Abstract: There is provided a method for modelling a hydrocarbon reservoir that includes generating a reservoir model that has a plurality of sub regions. A solution surrogate is obtained for a sub region by searching a database of existing solution surrogates to obtain an approximate solution surrogate based on a comparison of physical, geometrical, or numerical parameters of the sub region with physical, geometrical, or numerical parameters associated with the existing surrogate solutions in the database. If an approximate solution surrogate does not exist in the database, the sub region is simulated using a training simulation to obtain a set of training parameters comprising state variables and boundary conditions of the sub region. A machine learning algorithm is used to obtain a new solution surrogate based on the set of training parameters. The hydrocarbon reservoir can be simulated using the solution surrogate obtained for the at least one sub region.

Abstract: Systems, computer implemented methods, and program products to determine approximate static well pressures for one or more arbitrary shaped wells by estimating the drainage volume of the one or more wells, are provided. The drainage volume of the one or more wells, for example, can be estimated from the one or more computed fluid flow flux vectors, and the approximate static well pressures for the one or more wells can be subsequently calculated by taking the pore volume average of the dynamic grid block pressures within the drainage volume of the one or more wells. The one or more fluid flow flux vectors can be calculated at each iteration in a numerical reservoir simulator as a part of standard simulator computations, negating a need for additional, extraneous computations to calculate effective drainage volume of the one or more wells.

Abstract: A Bayesian methodology is described for designing experiments or surveys that are improved by utilizing available prior information to guide the design toward maximally reducing posterior uncertainties in the interpretation of the future experiment. Synthetic geophysical tomography examples are used to illustrate benefits of this approach.

Abstract: Methods and systems of reducing drilling vibrations include generation a vibration performance index using at least one frequency-domain model having a velocity-dependent friction relationship. The vibration performance index may be used to aid in the design or manufacture of a drill tool assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the vibration performance index may inform drilling operations to reduce vibrations.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for modeling the wear of a fixed cutter bit drilling earth formations. A method for determining wear of a fixed cutter drill bit includes simulating the fixed cutter drill bit drilling an earth formation; determining a cutter-formation interaction force and a relative sliding velocity of a selected area on a cutting surface on a cutter of the fixed cutter drill bit during the drilling; and calculating a wear rate of the selected area based on the cutter-formation interaction force and the relative sliding velocity.