Application of 3-D Geological Mapping to Site Horizontal Wells

MROZ, THOMAS H., USDOE/METC, Morgantown, WV, and WILLIAM A. SCHULLER, EG&G/WASC, Morgantown, WV

Three-dimensional (3-D) geologic mapping using advanced graphics software was used on five horizontal well sites in the Appalachian basin to determine the optimum horizontal well locations and trajectories. This effort was applied in support of an active USDOE/METC program in drilling horizontal wells in the Devonian shales of the Appalachian basin. During preliminary assessments of the sites, a large quantity of geological, well log, and production data were acquired for the interpretation and graphical representation of the subsurface strata. The graphics provided a means of correlating the various reservoir parameters to determine the geologic conditions controlling the openness of the fractures and the best production fairways in a given area. The resulting models were used to det rmine the optimum location of the horizontal well with respect to the fractured reservoir orientation.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91005 © 1991 Eastern Section Meeting, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 8-10, 1991 (2009)