Analysis of Fault Permeability Using Mapping and Flow Modeling, Hickory Sandstone Aquifer, Central Texas

Reservoir compartments, typical targets for infill well locations, are commonly created by faults that may reduce permeability. A narrow fault may consist of a complex assemblage of deformation elements that result in spatially variable and anisotropic permeabilities. We report on the permeability s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Natural resources research (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2012-09, Vol.21 (3), p.395-409
Main Authors: Nieto Camargo, Jorge E., Jensen, Jerry L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ANISOTROPY
AQUIFERS
CAT SCANNING
Chemistry and Earth Sciences
Computer Science
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
Core analysis
DEFORMATION
Deformation effects
Drilling
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Faults
Flow mapping
Flow simulation
FLUID FLOW
Fossil Fuels (incl. Carbon Capture)
Geography
GEOLOGIC FAULTS
GEOLOGY
GEOSCIENCES
MAPPING
Mathematical analysis
Mathematical Modeling and Industrial Mathematics
Mathematical models
Metallic and non-metallic deposits
Mineral Resources
Natural resources
PERMEABILITY
Physics
Prediction models
PROBES
Redevelopment
Reservoirs
Sandstone
SANDSTONES
Shale
SHALES
Statistics for Engineering
Sustainable Development
TENSORS
TEXAS
ZONES
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Summary:Reservoir compartments, typical targets for infill well locations, are commonly created by faults that may reduce permeability. A narrow fault may consist of a complex assemblage of deformation elements that result in spatially variable and anisotropic permeabilities. We report on the permeability structure of a km-scale fault sampled through drilling a faulted siliciclastic aquifer in central Texas. Probe and whole-core permeabilities, serial CAT scans, and textural and structural data from the selected core samples are used to understand permeability structure of fault zones and develop predictive models of fault zone permeability. Using numerical flow simulation, it is possible to predict permeability anisotropy associated with faults and evaluate the effect of individual deformation elements in the overall permeability tensor. We found relationships between the permeability of the host rock and those of the highly deformed (HD) fault-elements according to the fault throw. The lateral continuity and predictable permeability of the HD fault elements enhance capability for estimating the effects of subseismic faulting on fluid flow in low-shale reservoirs.
ISSN:1520-7439
1573-8981
DOI:10.1007/s11053-012-9181-5