1887
Volume 27, Issue 2
  • ISSN: 1354-0793
  • E-ISSN:

Abstract

Faults are often assumed to play a significant role in the migration and entrapment of hydrocarbons, either offering conduits for, or barriers to, fluid flow. They may also affect fluid-phase trapping and influence phase fractionation in the subsurface. A Monte Carlo modelling approach is used to model these effects for trap analysis. The aim is to show how varying fault seal capacity, the fault orientation, the regional stress tensor and the trap geometry can all affect how both oil and gas are retained within a trap. The model reduces the problem to a 1D analysis with a structural description depth-referenced to the crest of a prospect. Both juxtaposition and membrane fault seal are modelled, together with hydrodynamic effects and fault reactivation risk. The potential of a prospect to trap hydrocarbons is evaluated in a roll-up of results with the outputs including a predicted hydrocarbon column height distribution and column height control statistics. The technique also offers an insight into the potential fluid-phase partitioning that may occur dependent on the interplay between the active leakage mechanisms and spill control, enabling gas v. oil columns to be predicted.

This article is part of the Fault and top seals collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/fault-and-top-seals-2019

Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1144/petgeo2019-156
2020-04-14
2024-03-29
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. Alexander, L.L.
    and Flemings, P.B. 1995. Geologic evolution of a Pliocene–Pleistocene salt-withdrawal minibasin: Eugene Island Block 330, offshore Louisiana. AAPG Bulletin, 79, 1737–1756.
    [Google Scholar]
  2. and Handschy, J.W. 1998. Fluid flow in a faulted reservoir system: Fault trap analysis for the Block 330 in Eugene island, South Addition, offshore Louisiana. AAPG Bulletin, 82, 387–411.
    [Google Scholar]
  3. Allan, U.S.
    1989. Model for hydrocarbon migration and entrapment within faulted structures. AAPG Bulletin, 73, 803–811.
    [Google Scholar]
  4. Barton, C.A.
    and Zoback, M.D. 1995. Fluid flow along potentially active faults in crystalline rock. Geology, 23, 683–686, https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1995)023<0683:FFAPAF>2.3.CO;2
    [Google Scholar]
  5. Berg, R.R.
    1975. Capillary pressures in stratigraphic traps. AAPG Bulletin, 59, 939–956.
    [Google Scholar]
  6. Bjorlykke, K.
    and Hoeg, K. 1997. Effects of burial diagenesis on stresses, compaction and fluid flow in sedimentary basins. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 14, 267–276, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0264-8172(96)00051-7
    [Google Scholar]
  7. Bott, M.H.P.
    1959. The mechanics of oblique slip faulting. Geological Magazine, 96, 109–117, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756800059987
    [Google Scholar]
  8. Bouvier, J.D., Kaars-Sijpesteijn, C.H., Kluesner, D.F., Onyejekwe, C.C.
    and van der Pal, R.C. 1989. Three-dimensional seismic interpretation and fault sealing investigations, Nun River field, Nigeria. AAPG Bulletin, 73, 1397–1414.
    [Google Scholar]
  9. Bretan, P.
    2016. Trap Analysis: an automated approach for deriving column height predictions in fault-bounded traps. Petroleum Geoscience, 23, 56–69, https://doi.org/10.1144/10.44petgeo2016-022
    [Google Scholar]
  10. Brown, A.
    2003. Capillary effects on fault-fill sealing. AAPG Bulletin, 87, 381–395, https://doi.org/10.1306/08010201127
    [Google Scholar]
  11. Casabianca, D.
    and Cosgrove, J. 2012. A new method for top seals predictions in high-pressure hydrocarbon plays. Petroleum Geoscience, 18, 43–57, https://doi.org/10.1144/1354-079311-040
    [Google Scholar]
  12. Childs, C., Manzocchi, T., Walsh, J.J., Bonson, C.G., Nicol, A.
    and Schopfer, M.P.J. 2009. A geometric model of fault zone and fault rock thickness variations. Journal of Structural Geology, 31, 117–127, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2008.08.009
    [Google Scholar]
  13. Drews, M.C., Bauer, W., Caracciolo, L.
    and Sollhofen, H. 2018. Disequilibrium compaction overpressure in shales of the Bavarian Foreland Molasse basin: results and geographical distribution from velocity-based analyses. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 92, 37–50, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2018.02.017
    [Google Scholar]
  14. England, W.A., Mackenzie, A.S., Mann, D.M.
    and Quigley, T.M. 1987. The movement and entrapment of petroleum fluids in the subsurface. Journal of the Geological Society, London, 144, 327–347, https://doi.org/10.1144/gsjgs.144.2.0327
    [Google Scholar]
  15. Finkbeiner, T., Zoback, M., Flemings, P.
    and Stump, B. 2001. Stress, pore pressure and dynamically constrained hydrocarbon columns in the South Eugene Island 330 field, northern Gulf of Mexico. AAPG Bulletin, 85, 1007–1031.
    [Google Scholar]
  16. Flemings, P.B., Siahaan, V., Hicks, P.J.
    and Stump, B.B. 1998. Secondary migration via fracture permeability in shales. Illuminating the relationship between pressure, stress and column height. Bulletin des Centres de Recherches Exploration–Production Elf Aquitaine, Mémoire , 22, 111–116.
    [Google Scholar]
  17. Gaarenstroom, L., Tromp, R.A., de Jong, M.C.
    and Brandenburg, A.M. 1993. Overpressures in the Central North Sea: Implications for trap integrity and drilling safety. Geological Society, London, Petroleum Geology Conference Series , 4, 1305–1313, https://doi.org/10.1144/0041305
    [Google Scholar]
  18. Gao, B.
    and Flemings, P.B. 2017. Pore pressure within dipping reservoirs in overpressured basins. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 80, 94–111, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2016.11.014
    [Google Scholar]
  19. Gartrell, A.P., Bailey, W.R.
    and Brincat, M. 2006. A new model for assessing trap integrity and oil preservation ricks associated with post-rift fault reactivation in the Timor Sea. AAPG Bulletin, 90, 1921–1944, https://doi.org/10.1306/06200605195
    [Google Scholar]
  20. Goulty, N.R.
    and Sargent, C. 2016. Compaction of diagenetically altered mudstones – Part 2: Implications for pore pressure estimation. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 77, 806–818, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2016.07.018
    [Google Scholar]
  21. Goulty, N.R., Sargent, C., Andras, P.
    and Aplin, A.C. 2016. Compcation of diagentically altered mudstones – Part 1: Mechanical and chemical contributions. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 77, 703–713, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2016.07.015
    [Google Scholar]
  22. Graham, C.B., Savrda, A.M., Davis, S., Walker, P.E., Sykes, M.A.
    and Corona, F.V. 2015. Improving hydrocarbon column height estimates: results from global synthesis. AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90216 presented at theAAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, 31 May–3 June 2015, Denver, Colorado, USA.
    [Google Scholar]
  23. Grant, N.T.
    2019. Stochastic modelling of fault gouge zones: implications for fault seal analysis. Geological Society, London, Special Publications , 496, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP496-2018-135
    [Google Scholar]
  24. Heum, O.R.
    1996. A fluid dynamic classification of hydrocarbon entrapment. Petroleum Geoscience, 2, 145–158, https://doi.org/10.1144/petgeo.2.2.145
    [Google Scholar]
  25. Hildenbrand, A.
    and Urai, J.L. 2003. Investigation of the morphology of pore space in mudstones – first results. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 20, 1185–1200, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2003.07.001
    [Google Scholar]
  26. Hubbert, M.K.
    and Willis, D.G. 1972. Mechanics of hydraulic fracturing. AAPG Memoirs , 18, 239–257.
    [Google Scholar]
  27. Hudec, M.R., Jackson, M.P.A.
    and Schultz-Ela, D.D. 2009. The paradox of minibasin subsidence into salt: Clues to the evolution of crustal basins. GSA Bulletin, 121, 201–221, https://doi.org/10.1130/B26275.1
    [Google Scholar]
  28. Imrie, C.E.
    and MacCrae, E.J. 2015. Application of experimental design to estimate hydrocarbons initially in place. Petroleum Geoscience, 22, 11–19, https://doi.org/10.1144/petgeo2014-071
    [Google Scholar]
  29. Ingram, G.M.
    and Urai, J.L. 1999. Top-seal leakage through faults and fractures: the role of mudrock properties. Geological Society, London, Special Publications , 158, 125–135, https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.1999.158.01.10
    [Google Scholar]
  30. Ingram, G.M., Urai, J.L.
    and Naylor, M.A. 1997. Sealing processes and top seal assessment. NPF Special Publications , 7, 165–174, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0928-8937(97)80014-8
    [Google Scholar]
  31. James, W.R., Fairchild, L.H., Nakayama, G.P., Hippler, S.
    and Vrolijk, P.J. 2004. Fault-seal analysis using a stochastic multifault approach. AAPG Bulletin, 88, 885–904, https://doi.org/10.1306/02180403059
    [Google Scholar]
  32. Kooi, H.
    1997. Insufficiency of compaction disequilibrium as the sole cause of high fluid pore pressures in pre-Cenozoic sediments. Basin Research, 9, 227–241, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2117.1997.00042.x
    [Google Scholar]
  33. Manzocchi, T., Childs, C.
    and Walsh, J.J. 2010. Faults and fault properties in hydrocarbon flow models. Geofluids, 10, 94–113, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-8123.2010.00283.x
    [Google Scholar]
  34. Meda, M.
    and Clemenzi, L. 2019. How to consider uncertainties in FSA: A-Posteriori correction and Monte Carlo workflows for hydrocarbon column evaluation. In: 5th International Conference on Fault and Top Seals 2019 Palermo, Italy, 8–9 September 2019. EAGE, Houten, The Netherlands, 51–55, https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.201902286
    [Google Scholar]
  35. Morris, A., Ferrill, D.A.
    and Henderson, D.B. 1996. Slip tendency and fault reactivation. Geology, 24, 275–278, https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<0275:STAAFR>2.3.CO;2
    [Google Scholar]
  36. Niemann, J.C.
    1998. Statistical distributions of hydrocarbon column heights for Gulf of Mexico trap types and seals. Paper presented at theAAPG Hedberg Research Conference on Integration of Geologic Models for Understanding Risk in the Gulf of Mexico, 20–24 September 1998, Galveston, Texas, USA.
    [Google Scholar]
  37. Nordgard Bolas, H.M., Hermanrud, C.
    and Teige, G.M.G. 2005. Seal capacity estimation from subsurface pore pressures. Basin Research, 17, 583–599, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2117.2005.00281.x
    [Google Scholar]
  38. O'Connor, S.T.
    2000. Hydrocarbon-water interfacial tension values at reservoir conditions: Inconsistencies in the technical literature and the impact on maximum oil and gas column height calculations. AAPG Bulletin, 84, 1537–1541.
    [Google Scholar]
  39. Osborne, M.J.
    and Swarbrick, R.E. 1997. Mechanisms for generating overpressure in sedimentary basins: A re-evaluation. AAPG Bulletin, 81, 1023–1041.
    [Google Scholar]
  40. Pickens, J.C., Smith, N., de Vries, H., Mehemet, H., Nieuwkamp, J., Bennett, R.
    and Houtzager, O. 2009. Stochastic trap analysis and risking – A multi-seed stochastic approach to fully 3D (geocellular) trap analysis. In: Proceedings of the 2nd EAGE International Conference on Fault and Top Seals – From Pore to Basin Scale 2009, Montpellier, France, September 21–24, 2009. EAGE, Houten, The Netherlands, https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.20147154
    [Google Scholar]
  41. Rutter, E.
    and Mecklenburgh, J. 2017. Hydraulic conductivity of bedding-parallel cracks in shale as a function of shear and normal stress. Geological Society, London, Special Publications , 454, 67–84, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP454.9
    [Google Scholar]
  42. Sales, J.K.
    1997. Seal strength vs trap closure – a fundamental control on the distribution of oil and gas. AAPG Memoirs , 67, 57–83.
    [Google Scholar]
  43. Snedden, J.W., Vrolijk, P.J., Sumpter, L.T., Sweet, M.L., Barnes, K.R., White, E.
    and Farrell, M.E. 2007. Reservoir connectivity: Definitions, examples and strategies. Paper IPTC 11375 presented at theInternational Petroleum Technology Conference, 4–6 December 2007, Dubai, U.A.E.
    [Google Scholar]
  44. Sperrevik, S., Gillespie, P.A., Fisher, Q.J., Knipe, R.J.
    and Halvorsen, T. 2002. Empirical estimation of fault rock properties. NPF Special Publications , 11, 109–125.
    [Google Scholar]
  45. Stump, B.B., Flemings, P.B., Finkbeiner, T.
    and Zoback, M.D. 1998. Pressure differences between overpressured sands and bounding shales of the Eugene Island 330 field (offshore Louisiana, USA) with implications for fluid flow induced by sediment loading. Bulletin des Centres de Recherches Exploration–Production Elf Aquitaine, Mémoire , 22, 83–92.
    [Google Scholar]
  46. Swarbrick, R.E.
    2012. Review of pore-pressure prediction challenges in high temperature areas. The Leading Edge, 31, 1288–1294, https://doi.org/10.1190/tle31111288.1
    [Google Scholar]
  47. and Lahann, R.W. 2016. Estimating pore fluid pressure-stress coupling. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 78, 562–574, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2016.10.010
    [Google Scholar]
  48. Swarbrick, R.E., Osborne, M.J. and Yardley, G.S.
    2002. Comparison of overpressure magnitude resulting from the main generating mechanisms. In:Huffman, A.R. and Bowers, G.L. (eds), Pressure regimes in sedimentary basins and their prediction. AAPG Memoir76, 1–12.
    [Google Scholar]
  49. Sylta, O.
    2005. On the dynamics of capillary gas trapping: implications for charging and leakage of gas reservoirs. Geological Society, London, Petroleum Geology Conference Series , 6, 625–631, https://doi.org/10.1144/0060625
    [Google Scholar]
  50. and Krokstad, W. 2003. Estimating oil and gas column heights in prospects using probabilistic basin modelling methods. Petroleum Geoscience, 9, 243–254, https://doi.org/10.1144/1354-079302-563
    [Google Scholar]
  51. Tanjung, A.
    and Ardiyana, B. 2014. Statistical distributions of hydrocarbon column heights for determining acreage of prospect to estimate hydrocarbon resources in Kakap Block. In: 38th Annual Convention of the Indonesian Petroleum Association 2014: Strengthening Partnerships to Enhance Indonesia's Energy Resilience and Global Competitiveness: Proceedings of a meeting held 21–23 May 2014, Jakarta, Indonesia.Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA), Jakarta, 2376–2390.
    [Google Scholar]
  52. Undershultz, J.R.
    2007. Hydrodynamics and membrane seal capacity. Geofluids, 7, 148–158, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-8123.2007.00170.x
    [Google Scholar]
  53. Vrolijk, P.B., Myers, J.R., Maynard, J., Sumpter, L.
    and Sweet, M. 2005. Reservoir connectivity analysis – Defining reservoir connections and plumbing. Paper SPE-93577 presented at theSPE Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference, 12–15 March 2005, Kingdom of Bahrain.
    [Google Scholar]
  54. Watts, N.L.
    1987. Theoretical aspects of cap-rock and fault seals for single- and two-phase hydrocarbon columns. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 4, 274–307, https://doi.org/10.1016/0264-8172(87)90008-0
    [Google Scholar]
  55. Winefield, P., Gilham, R.
    and Elsinger, R. 2005. Plumbing the depths of the Central Graben: towards an integrated pressure, fluid and charge model for the Central North Sea HPHT play. Geological Society, London, Petroleum Geology Conference Series , 6, 1301–1315, https://doi.org/10.1144/0061301
    [Google Scholar]
  56. Yang, Y.I.
    and Aplin, A.C. 2004. Definition and practical application of mudstone porosity-effective stress relationships. Petroleum Geoscience, 10, 153–162, https://doi.org/10.1144/1354-079302-567
    [Google Scholar]
  57. Yang, Y.
    and Aplin, A.C. 2010. A permeability–porosity relationship for mudstones. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 27, 1692–1697, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2009.07.001
    [Google Scholar]
  58. Yardley, G.S. and Swarbrick, R.E.
    2000. Lateral transfer: a source of additional overpressure?Marine and Petroleum Geology, 17, 523–537, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0264-8172(00)00007-6
    [Google Scholar]
  59. Yielding, G.
    2002. Shale Gouge ratio – calibration by geohistory. NPF Special Publications , 11, 1–15.
    [Google Scholar]
  60. 2015. Trapping of buoyant fluids in fault-bound structures. Geological Society, London, Special Publications , 421, 29–39, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP421.3
    [Google Scholar]
  61. Yielding, G., Freeman, B.
    and Needham, D.T. 1997. Quantitative fault seal prediction. AAPG Bulletin, 81, 897–917.
    [Google Scholar]
  62. Zoback, M.D.
    2007. Reservoir Geomechanics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
    [Google Scholar]
http://instance.metastore.ingenta.com/content/journals/10.1144/petgeo2019-156
Loading
/content/journals/10.1144/petgeo2019-156
Loading

Data & Media loading...

  • Article Type: Review Article

Most Cited This Month Most Cited RSS feed

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error