OPPtimal Fault Extraction (OFE)
Increasing resource recoveries & cheaper, safer and more successful operations
Page last modified
April 11 2024
AAPG-awarded, world-first method to generate reliable high-resolution fault volumes from seismic data and link these to various Drilling, Mining, Exploration and Production observations.
The method allows to:
- identify and predict fluid barriers, fluid conduits, fault-related mineralisations or drilling & mining hazards,
- identify and predict fault penetrations in wells or mines,
- better understand, predict and mitigate drilling, mining and production issues,
- optimally place wells and mines,
- reduce risks and costs,
- increase resource recoveries, and
- optimise resource developments.
Pros & Limitations
1
“Innovator in Geosciences Technology” Award from AAPG in 2013
1
The new technology method challenges many perceptions of what can be resolved from seismic data, how many smaller-scale faults are present in the subsurface and how these affect drilling & mining operations and the production of resources
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Faster, cheaper and more accurate fault identification compared to subjective and time-intensive manual fault mapping
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Improved structural definition and understanding of structural geometries and fault/fracture populations
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Proper quantification of fault certainty/confidence and fault properties (size, orientation, throw, frequency, density)
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Identification or verification of fault intersections in wells or mines
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Improved understanding and prediction of fault-related drilling or mining issues: fluid losses/gains, shallow gas, wellbore stability/integrity, well losses, gas kicks, roof collapse, mine losses, water inflow, outbursts, microseismic events, etc.
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Improved understanding and prediction of fault-related production issues: fracture productivity, flow enhancement, water or gas channeling, cross-flow between zones or wells, boundaries/baffles to flow, compartmentalization, juxtaposition, etc.
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Optimal placing of future wells or mines: drilling and production risk mitigation, direct targeting of productive fault & fracture networks (sweet spots) and undrained fault compartments etc.
0
Seismic data required as input
Specification
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Theme/Discipline | Reservoir EngineeringWell OperationsProduction Technology |
| Core Tech | Simulation Software |
|
Accuracy
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Higher objectivity, quality, reliability, repeatability and resolution compared to traditional fault mapping
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Areas of Application
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Any Resources covered by Seismic - Oil & Gas, Mining, Geothermal, Groundwater, Geosequestration, Underground Storage
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Capabilities
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The technology is fully mature and has already been successfully applied in over 50 studies worldwide
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Data Analysis
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Evaluation of new deterministic fault volumes and comparison with independently derived well or mine data (if available). Detailed well and asset reviews. Recovery optimization. Detailed well/mine and completion planning
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Impact
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Reduction of Drilling & Mining risks, UTC and CAPEX/OPEX, and increase in Reserves and Production
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Input
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Seismic data. Additional well or mine data, if available
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Output
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Various Fault volumes (SEGY volumes) loadable to any industry software package. Reviews of existing and planning of future wells & mines
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Runtime
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Typically two weeks for fault processing plus additional time for well or mine data integration.
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Validation
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Ground truthing and blind testing against other data. No calibration required.
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Reviews
Technology Readiness Level
The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) indicates the maturity level of novel technologies. Learn more about the TRL scale used by us.
[9/9]
Development
Technology demonstration
Mature / Proven
Relative Business Impact
Solution Deployed By
Company Name
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