A new method for high-resolution fault imaging delivers groundbreaking insights into drilling and production of resources

Ralf Oppermann

doi:10.1081/22020586.2010.12042031

ISSN: 2202-0586
E-ISSN:

oa A new method for high-resolution fault imaging delivers groundbreaking insights into drilling and production of resources
Authors Ralf Oppermann^a
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^a OPPtimal Exploration & Development Pty Ltd, PO Box 225, Wembley, , WA6913, , Australia, [email protected]
Publisher: Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists
Source: ASEG Extended Abstracts, Volume 2010, Issue ASEG2010 - 21st Geophysical Conference, Dec 2010, p. 1 - 4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1081/22020586.2010.12042031
- Published online: 01 Dec 2010

Abstract

Summary

Novel techniques and workflows in automated fault extraction have been developed to visualise faults at extremely high resolution from 3-D seismic data, and to subsequently evaluate how these faults can impact resource activities (drilling, mining), resource recoveries (e.g. oil & gas, coal) and the safety of operations (e.g. gas kicks, outbursts).

Examples from resource projects around the world demonstrate that new methods in fault imaging can deliver groundbreaking insights into the drilling and production of resources.

These insights often challenge current perceptions:

- Presently, most 3D surveys in the resource industries are underutilized with respect to the detailed delineation of faults in the subsurface.

- The increased fault resolution results in a dramatic increase in the number of faults that are identified from seismic.

- There are a lot more faults penetrated in wells than realised industry-wide, and these faults can cause a number of drilling and production problems, or production opportunities.

A focused application of the new technology workflows can deliver increased recoveries from resources. And it can result in safer, cheaper and more successful drilling and mining operations. As such, the techniques are viewed as Best Practise tools for resource development planning and execution.

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References

Admasu, F., Back, S. and Toennies, K., 2006, Autotracking of faults on 3D seismic data: Geophysics, Vol. 71, No. 6, A49-A53.
Childs, C., Walsh, J.J. and Watterson, J., 1990, A method for estimation of the density of fault displacements below the limits of seismic resolution in reservoir formations - In: Trotman, G., ed.: North Sea oil and gas reservoirs: Liverpool. The Norwegian Institute of Technology, v.2, 309-318.
Chopra, S. and Marfurt, K.J., 2007, Volumetric curvature attributes add value to 3D seismic data interpretation: The Leading Edge, July 2007, 856-867.
Cocker, J., Urosevic, M. and Evans, B., 1997, A high resolution seismic survey to assist in mine planning - In: Gubins, A.G., ed.: Proceedings of Exploration 97: Fourth Decennial International Conference on Mineral Exploration, 473-476.
Driml, K., Reveleigh, M. and Bartlett, K., 2001, Mini-SOSIE -Successful shallow 3D seismic data acquisition in an environmentally sensitive area: Extended Abstracts, ASEG 15th Geophysical Conference and Exhibition, August 2001, Brisbane.
Gauthier, B.D.M. and Lake, S.D., 1993, Probabilistic modelling of faults below the limit of seismic resolution in Pelican Field, North Sea, offshore United Kingdom: Bulletin American Association Petrol. Geol., 77, 761-777.
Gillespie, P.A., Howard, C., Walsh, J.J. and Watterson, J., 1993, Measurement and characterisation of spatial distributions of fractures: Tectonophysics, v.226, 113-141.
Hoecker, C. and Fehmers, G., 2002, Fast structural interpretation with structure-oriented filtering: The Leading Edge, March 2002, 238-243.
Jolley, S.J., Barr, D., Walsh, J.J. and Knipe, R.J., 2007, Structurally complex reservoirs: an introduction - Structurally Complex Reservoirs: pp. 1-24, Geological Society Special Publication 292.
Kecojevic, V., Willis, D., Wilkinson, W. and Schissler, A., 2005, Computer mapping of faults in coal mining: International Journal of Coal Geology, Vol. 64, Issues 1-2, 79-84.
Lohr, T., Krawczyk, C.M., Tanner, D.C., Samiee, R., Endres, H., Thierer, P.O., Oncken, O., Trappe, H., Bachmann, R. and Kukla, P., 2008, Prediction of subseismic faults and fractures: Integration of three-dimensional seismic data, threedimensional retrodeformation, and well data on an example of deformation around an inverted fault: AAPG Bulletin, V. 92, No. 4, 473-485.
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/content/journals/10.1081/22020586.2010.12042031

Article Type: Research Article

Keyword(s): detection; fault; fracture; resolution; seismic

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