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Defining Fault Trap Leakage Pathways via Fault Element Seal Differentiation in Calibration Modelling of Complex Fields
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, Fifth International Conference on Fault and Top Seals, Sep 2019, Volume 2019, p.1 - 5
Abstract
Differentiated seal calibration models of faulted multi-pay oil and gas fields, explaining reservoir fluid fill type in each faulted reservoir, provide a high-resolution quantitative calibration base to explain then predict the industry critical issue of the locations and column heights of fault trapped hydrocarbons. Field calibration models differentiate between working and failed fault seals (matrix and fracture properties) within a fields geologic and stress settings. The models allow testing of seal effectiveness in foot and hanging wall host rock, damage zone and fault core rocks. The calibration objective is to find a ‘best fit’ calibration model and sealing/leaking mechanism that best matches with the observed distribution of water sands, hydrocarbon sands and hydrocarbon column heights. Calibration modelling is conducted to be consistent with the characteristics of fault models as described by Caine et al., 1996 and others. In this method, no prior assumption is made as to the mechanisms of seal success or failure. Success and failure mechanisms vary with different settings and can only be inferred once a best fit model is defined. Calibrated field models are then used as the basis for forward modelling of, in field, exploration targets and for constraining fault zone fluid flow characteristics.