Changes

A study on the Big Hole Fault in Utah based on core data showed a significant permeability reduction within the damage zone.<ref name=Shiptonetal_2002>Shipton, Z. K., J. P. Evans, K. R. Robeson, C. B. Forster, and S. Snelgrove, 2002, [http://archives.datapages.com/data/bulletns/2002/05may/0863/0863.htm Structural heterogeneity and permeability in faulted eolian sandstone: Implications for subsurface modeling of fault]s: AAPG Bulletin, v. 86, no. 5, p. 863–883.</ref> Probe permeameter measurements of permeability range from more than 2000 md in the undeformed host sandstone to less than 0.1 md in fault-damaged rocks near the fault. Whole-core tests showed that the permeability of individual deformation bands vary between 0.9 and 1.3 md. The transverse permeability modeled over 5–10-m (16–32-ft)-length scales across the fault zone was estimated as 30–40 md. This is approximately 1–4% of the permeability for the undeformed host rock.

A study on the Big Hole Fault in Utah based on core data showed a significant permeability reduction within the damage zone.<ref name=Shiptonetal_2002>Shipton, Z. K., J. P. Evans, K. R. Robeson, C. B. Forster, and S. Snelgrove, 2002, [http://archives.datapages.com/data/bulletns/2002/05may/0863/0863.htm Structural heterogeneity and permeability in faulted eolian sandstone: Implications for subsurface modeling of fault]s: AAPG Bulletin, v. 86, no. 5, p. 863–883.</ref> Probe permeameter measurements of permeability range from more than 2000 md in the undeformed host sandstone to less than 0.1 md in fault-damaged rocks near the fault. Whole-core tests showed that the permeability of individual deformation bands vary between 0.9 and 1.3 md. The transverse permeability modeled over 5–10-m (16–32-ft)-length scales across the fault zone was estimated as 30–40 md. This is approximately 1–4% of the permeability for the undeformed host rock.

The general consensus in the industry is that damage zones around faults probably baffle flow across them rather than acting as barriers to fluid movement.<ref name=Sternlofetal_2004 /> <ref name=Fossenandbale_2007 />  The exception may be in deep reservoirs with high reservoir temperatures (more than 120&deg;C). Here, accelerated quartz cementation at high temperature can decrease the pore throat diameters in the deformation bands to the extent that they become 100% water wet through capillary action. They thus become effective barriers to oil flow.<ref name=Hesthammeretal_2002>Hesthammer, J., P. A. Bjorkum, and L. Watts, 2002, [http://archives.datapages.com/data/bulletns/2002/10oct/1733/1733.htm The effect of temperature on sealing capacity of faults in sandstone reservoirs: Examples from the Gullfaks and Gullfaks Sor fields, North Sea]: AAPG Bulletin, v. 86, no. 10, p. 1733–1751.</ref>  

The general consensus in the industry is that damage zones around faults probably baffle flow across them rather than acting as barriers to fluid movement.<ref name=Sternlofetal_2004 /> <ref name=Fossenandbale_2007 />  The exception may be in deep reservoirs with high reservoir temperatures (more than 120&deg;C). Here, accelerated [[quartz]] cementation at high temperature can decrease the pore throat diameters in the deformation bands to the extent that they become 100% water wet through capillary action. They thus become effective barriers to oil flow.<ref name=Hesthammeretal_2002>Hesthammer, J., P. A. Bjorkum, and L. Watts, 2002, [http://archives.datapages.com/data/bulletns/2002/10oct/1733/1733.htm The effect of temperature on sealing capacity of faults in sandstone reservoirs: Examples from the Gullfaks and Gullfaks Sor fields, North Sea]: AAPG Bulletin, v. 86, no. 10, p. 1733–1751.</ref>  

Because of the abundance of low-permeability baffles and poorly connected volumes, production wells drilled in fault damage zones can significantly underperform. For example, wells drilled in fault-damaged zones in the North La Barge Shallow Unit of Wyoming are the poorest producers in the field.<ref name=Miskimins_2003>Miskimins, J. L., 2003, Analysis of hydrocarbons production in a critically-stressed reservoir: Presented at the Society of Petroleum Engineers Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, October 5–8, Denver, Colorado, SPE Paper 84457, 8 p.</ref> It is generally not a good idea to plan a new well trajectory too close to a large fault because of this.

Because of the abundance of low-permeability baffles and poorly connected volumes, production wells drilled in fault damage zones can significantly underperform. For example, wells drilled in fault-damaged zones in the North La Barge Shallow Unit of Wyoming are the poorest producers in the field.<ref name=Miskimins_2003>Miskimins, J. L., 2003, Analysis of hydrocarbons production in a critically-stressed reservoir: Presented at the Society of Petroleum Engineers Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, October 5–8, Denver, Colorado, SPE Paper 84457, 8 p.</ref> It is generally not a good idea to plan a new well trajectory too close to a large fault because of this.