Toward an interface between triangulated surfaces and parametric representations

Charles, Sylvestre; Deny, Laurent; Bombarde, Sebastin; Mallet, Jean-Laurent

doi:10.1190/1.1887583

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 7 publications

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“…The choice of methodology sometimes becomes a trade-off between the initial steps and the later use. The triangulated surfaces are difficult to modify and lack the type of continuity needed for calculation of derivatives (Charles et al 1995). They often need to go through a parameterization step in order to build a reservoir grid.…”

Section: Visualizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

The fused fault block approach to fault network modelling

Hoffman¹,

Neave²

2007

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Fault network modelling of complex faulted structures, those containing hundreds or even thousands of faults, can be an extremely difficult and time-consuming process. Although techniques for mapping and modelling faulted structures have been in existence for nearly forty years, asset teams still struggle to create correct portrayals of such complex faulted reservoirs due to the limitations of the commonly used techniques. We have developed a new approach to fault network modelling, using a new concept of 'fused' fault blocks. The identification of fault-fault intersections is based not on a manually drawn fault network or table of relationships, but rather is derived from the fault surfaces themselves. The calculated intersection lines are then used to truncate faults against each other. Because the truncation information can be stored with the fault model, this process yields a repeatable and easily updatable fault model. The name of our technique 'fused fault blocks' refers to the fact that when a section of a fault is removed, the two fault blocks that had been created by the fault are then fused together, forming a single fault block. The resultant fault model can then be used to create a 3D reservoir grid, one in which the fault geometry has not been compromised, and therefore better reflects the actual structure. The speed of the fault-building process 'seconds or minutes, even for models with hundreds of faults' also allows multiple interpretations, placing the emphasis of the fault network building on the evaluation of the interpretation and the effects of compartmentalization, and not on the manipulation of software.One of the primary goals of computer mapping and modelling techniques is to produce a model that is structurally possible, internally consistent, and a viable representation of the interpretation. Twodimensional mapping techniques first became available in the late 1960s and early 1970s; commonly these mapping algorithms did not use standard contouring rules to create the 2D grids and therefore could produce impossible or unreasonable structures. With the advent of 3D computer graphics in the 1980s, mapping and modelling expanded into the 3D world as well. Sophisticated algorithms for distributing petrophysical properties or facies in 3D quickly became indispensable, as these techniques provide better information for reserve calculation and well planning than simple 2D maps. However, the modelling of complex structures continues to be a problem. Several methods have been developed for fault surface and fault network modelling, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Most methods have practical, if not absolute, limitations to the number of faults that can be incorporated into a model simply due to the size of the resultant model or the complexity of building the network. Many also have limitations as to the types of fault intersections that can be modelled.Exploration and development continues to expand into increasingly complex and risky areas, where the accuracy of the models becom...

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Section: Visualizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

The fused fault block approach to fault network modelling

Hoffman¹,

Neave²

2007

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Toward an interface between triangulated surfaces and parametric representations

Cited by 1 publication

References 7 publications

The fused fault block approach to fault network modelling

The fused fault block approach to fault network modelling

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