A new method for high-resolution fault imaging delivers groundbreaking insights into drilling and production of resources

Abstract

Novel techniques and workflows in automated fault extraction have been developed to visualise faults at extremely high resolution from 3-D seismic data, and to subsequently evaluate how these faults can impact resource activities (drilling, mining), resource recoveries (e.g. oil & gas, coal) and the safety of operations (e.g. gas kicks, outbursts). Examples from resource projects around the world demonstrate that new methods in fault imaging can deliver groundbreaking insights into the drilling and production of resources. These insights often challenge current perceptions: - Presently, most 3D surveys in the resource industries are underutilized with respect to the detailed delineation of faults in the subsurface. - The increased fault resolution results in a dramatic increase in the number of faults that are identified from seismic. - There are a lot more faults penetrated in wells than realised industry-wide, and these faults can cause a number of drilling and production problems, or production opportunities. A focused application of the new technology workflows can deliver increased recoveries from resources. And it can result in safer, cheaper and more successful drilling and mining operations. As such, the techniques are viewed as Best Practise tools for resource development planning and execution.