--> Abstract: Fault Characterization and Reservoir Development at Kuparuk River Field, Part 2: Understanding Fault Zones and Predicting Fault Seal, by R. W. Krantz and M. R. Longden; #90008 (2002).
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Previous HitFaultNext Hit Characterization and Reservoir Development at Kuparuk River Field, Part 2: Understanding Previous HitFaultNext Hit Zones and Predicting Previous HitFaultNext Hit Seal

By

R.W. Krantz and M.R Longden (Phillips Alaska, Inc.)

 

The production history at Kuparuk provides evidence of sealing or baffling faults. Some faults separate pressure cells, offset Previous HitfaultNext Hit blocks with distinct oil-water contacts, and create barriers to effective EOR processes. Other faults with similar throw show little impact on fluids. At many drill-sites producing wells receive no support from adjacent injectors. Optimizing further development requires confident prediction of sealing faults.

 

Past efforts that focused on sand juxtaposition achieved only partial success. Evidence from core helps explain why. Core through Previous HitfaultNext Hit zones shows both small faults with clay smear and larger Previous HitfaultNext Hit zones with clay-rich gouge. These and other Previous HitfaultNext Hit zone lithologies result in greatly reduced permeability. Thus even where sands may be present on either side of a Previous HitfaultNext Hit, the intervening Previous HitfaultNext Hit zone may itself create a barrier to fluid flow. Previous HitFaultNext Hit zone width increases with greater Previous HitfaultNext Hit throw, and also contributes to Previous HitfaultNext Hit seal probability. Our new characterization of faults begins with detailed Previous HitfaultNext Hit mapping, especially Previous HitfaultNext Hit continuity in three dimensions. Previous HitFaultNext Hit style models help guide the interpretation. We then integrate local stratigraphy and rock properties adjacent to the faults. Multiple techniques (shale gouge ratio, clay smear potential) determine the distribution of low permeability zones within the Previous HitfaultNext Hit zones. Some of these are keyed to the deformation style differences between the early and later Previous HitfaultTop sets. Several case studies demonstrate this approach, and show more effective results in matching observed reservoir performance. These results can be applied at the scale of individual patterns or regional simulations.

 


 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90008©2002 AAPG Pacific Section/SPE Western Region Joint Conference of Geoscientists and Petroleum Engineers, Anchorage, Alaska, May 18–23, 2002.