02-05c Fault and seals: theory and application

Introduction to fault seal and trap analysis.

Trap and fault geometry concepts and estimating closures and initial seal risk. Methods and concepts on correctly characterizing faults and throw distributions. Theory and methods for evaluating correct fault linkages. Fault zone architecture, mechanical stratigraphy and the influence on fault flow resistance. Fault population statistics.

Review of fault rock types based on the undeformed host rock lithology

Basic principles of flow through porous media including permeability and threshold pressure. Introduction to fault mapping.

Sealing capacity

Estimating sealing capacity from the threshold pressure for a range of fault rock types. Relative permeability impact on flow resistance across faults. Estimating clay distribution across a fault surface:

• clay smear factor,
• shale gouge ratio,
• effective shale gouge ratio.

Techniques for calibrating relationships between fault rocks.

Triangle diagram

Triangle diagrams for estimating fault seal. Geomechanics for fault development and controls on slip. Critical stress Mohr-Coulomb exercise.

Reservoir flow simulation

Introduction to reservoir flow simulation and modeling fault flow resistance in development. Estimating flow resistance and transmissibility multipliers. Risking and uncertainty. Validation of methods and summary of course concepts