--> Abstract: Estimating Fault Permeability Across Compartments from Production Data, by P. J. Evans and W. C. Belfield; #90937 (1998)
[First Hit]

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

Abstract: Estimating Previous HitFaultNext Hit Permeability Across Compartments from Production Data

EVANS, PETER J. and WILLIAM C. BELFIELD, ARCO Exploration and Production Technology

Summary

The flux of hydrocarbons across compartmentalizing faults is controlled by several parameters including the pressure gradient created by a producing well, Previous HitfaultNext Hit thickness, and the permeability distribution along the Previous HitfaultNext Hit. Two phase numerical flow simulations are used to study these characteristics based on different input datasets and parameters. From results of the simulations, we conclude that: 1) for a constant Previous HitfaultNext Hit area and thickness, pressure support across the Previous HitfaultNext Hit plane is controlled by the mean permeability of the Previous HitfaultNext Hit plane. Variance of the permeability population is a second-order effect; 2) Previous HitfaultNext Hit rapture resulting from large pressure differences across compartments leads to increased pressure support because of the increase in mean permeability across the Previous HitfaultNext Hit plane; 3) with a well producing at a constant rate, the area of the Previous HitfaultNext Hit rupture has little effect on the amount of pressure support observed and; 4) in gas reservoirs without significant aquifer influx, mean Previous HitfaultTop permeability values can be derived from production data by measuring the change from initial reservoir pressure to that at the time of steady-state gas influx.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90937©1998 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Salt Lake City, Utah