The production strategy of a field is strongly influenced by the flow behaviour of the reservoir. Since most rocks are fractured, building an appropriate analytical model of the sub-seismic fracture network is essential to correctly predict the fluid flow characteristics of a reservoir.

The Fracture Modelling module enables geologists to define a fracture behaviour model and to interact with, and alter, its parameters. This facilitates rapid and precise sensitivity testing, and allows users to evolve fracture growth backwards and forwards through time.

The Modelling module allows the user to define where fractures will grow, how they grow and what is likely to stop them. In addition, the user can define how the fracture interact. These parameters are quantified using stress, strain and material property attributes from 3DMove and other sources.

Features of Fracture Modelling

Developed as part of Midland Valley's accelerated development program, the Fracture Modelling uses a rule-based, attribute-constrained approach to simplify the parameters required to control fracture growth. These parameters can be simplified to:

These parameters can be quantified by using strain maps generated by 3D kinematic restoration, using structure maps from a larger scale, or by using geometric attributes of the deformed model. The fracture model can either be generated from or calibrated by well data. The interactive behaviour of each fracture set can be defined to imitate open or closed, active or inactive fractures.

Summary

• Easy, flexible data input 
• Interactive growth parameter adjustment 
• Permits fast, easy construction and testing of fracture models 
• Rapid overview of fault population geometry 
• Detailed assessment of fracture system evolution 
• Rapid overview of potential migration routes / system connectivity 
• Detailed assessment of structural trap potential 
• Allows input of pre-existing structure for deformation or reactivation

Downloads

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Download the Fracture Modelling brochure here (222 Kb)