Business context
Exploration, appraisal and development plans hinge on an understanding of fluid flow in the subsurface and the control imposed by geological structures. Flow of oil and gas through porous reservoir rock is controlled by the permeability of the reservoir. In the simplest case this is a single permeability system that is completely controlled by the rock properties of the reservoir. The presence of faults and/or fractures complicates the flow by creating a dual porosity/ permeability system: open fractures act as fluid conduits and result in flow anisotropy, while sealing faults or fractures create barriers to flow or even reservoir compartmentalization.
Who should attend
Geologists, geophysicists and reservoir engineers who have to work with faulted and fractured reservoirs will benefit from this short course. The topic is relevant for exploration as well for production.
Course content
In this course the origin of faults and fractures and their mechanical properties will be discussed in a framework of geo-mechanics.
Learning, methods and tools
A combination of theory, case histories and exercises will be used to familiarize the participants with the various subjects. The course incorporates case histories to demonstrate the application of the geomechanical and geometrical theory to the analysis of fields and prospects.
Day by day programme
Day 1 Introduction to geomechanics and structural geometries
General fault, fracture and structure characteristics. To create a 'common ground' in the group, the first day will be spent on general aspects of the application of structural geology and geomechanics in the E&P business. Introduction to stress and strain, some rock mechanics, geometrical analysis and the application of these subjects to geological phenomena as encountered in the oil and gas business. Workflows for successful fault, fracture and seal analysis will be introduced.
Day 2 Extensional tectonics: normal faults and rifts
Theory, examples, seismic interpretation. Structural geometries and fault properties that are characteristic for extensional tectonic regimes will be treated during Day 2. Topics will include fault geometry, growth, linkage and QC of interpretations. Analysis of fault and fracture systems, including fractal properties of fault and fractures and prediction of sub-seismic faults will also be addressed. Structural interpretations of normal faults will be placed in their context for fault and fracture analysis.
Day 3 Compressional and strike-slip tectonics: fold-and-thrust belts, inversion & strike-slip
Compressional tectonics: fault reactivation - multi-phase tectonics. Theory, case histories, analogue models, seismic interpretation exercise. Structural geometries and fault properties that are characteristic for compressional tectonic regimes will be treated during Day 3. The mechanics of fault reactivation (inversion tectonics) will also be discussed. Strike-slip tectonics will also be covered in terms of theory, case histories, analogue models and seismic interpretation. The 3D nature of this tectonic setting including pitfalls and traps in structural interpretation will receive special attention. Structural interpretations of contractional and strike-slip systems will be placed in their context for fault seal and fracture analysis.
Day 4 Salt tectonics, subsurface Pressures, fluid properties and fault rocks
The day will commence with a review of salt structures in different tectonic settings and their influence on faults, fractures and fault sealing. The origin and effects of normal and abnormal subsurface pressure will be explained. Understanding will be supported through exercises. The properties of fluids and their influence on fault seal and multiphase flow will also be covered. Subsequently, understanding of the influence of tectonics on hydrocarbon development will be improved through an exercise. The different types of fault rocks, their microstructural and petrophysical characteristics will be described. Identification of faults and fractures (natural and coring induced) in cores and borehole images will also be covered.
Day 5 Faults and Fractures - impact on hydrocarbon entrapment and fluid flow
Fault sealing mechanisms and approaches to evaluate seal integrity in exploration and in production scenarios will be dealt with including the use of seal algorithms. Fracture systems: fracture mechanics, reservoir examples and outcrop examples. The sessions will include fracture mechanics, fracture types, natural fracture systems and their influence on reservoir characteristics and production strategies. The influence of in situ stress on fault sealing and flow through fractures will be part of the material. The incorporation of fault seal and fracture systems into reservoir models will also be addressed.