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Geological Society, London, Memoirs; 2004; v. 29; p. 249-261;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.MEM.2004.029.01.24
© 2004 Geological Society of London

Application at Development and Production Scale

Use of 3D Visualization Techniques to Unravel Complex Fault Patterns for Production Planning: Njord Field, Halten Terrace, Norway

Chris Dart1,7, Ian Cloke2,3, Åge HerdlevÆr1,4, Dominique Gillard5, Jan C. RivenÆs1, Cecilie Otterlei1, Eivind Johnsen1 & Anders Ekern1,6

1 Norsk Hydro, , Sandsliveien 90, 5020 Bergen, Norway
2 ExxonMobil International Limited, , St. Catherines House, 2 Kingsway, London, UK
3 Present address: ExxonMobil Exploration Company, , 222 Benmar, Houston, TX 77067, USA
4 , Present address: Statoil, Postbooks 7200, 5020 Bergen, Norway
5 ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, , 3120 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77098, USA
6 Present address: Schlumberger Information Technology Services Norge AS, , Aslakveien 14A, 0753 Oslo, Norway
7 Present address: Ruhrgas Norge AS, , Kongsgårdbakken 1, 4003 Stavanger, Norway

In this paper we demonstrate the benefits of 3D seismic visualization techniques for fault interpretation where the structural geology is complex and the seismic data quality is often poor. Production from the Njord field is strongly influenced by a complex pattern of segmented and linked extensional faults. The current interpretation of the well test data and production history is that the faults form barriers to fluid flow, reducing oil production, and limiting effective gas injection and pressure support. Drilling results demonstrate that geometrical uncertainties remain in the seismic interpretation. An additional problem is that currently available commercial reservoir modelling technology cannot easily handle a very complex fault pattern, making simulation grid construction difficult. Accurate well placement and production forecasting requires that fault geometries and properties are suitably represented in the reservoir simulation model. 3D visualization of depth-scaled volumes and depth-converted interpretations helped to decide how to best simplify the fault geometry for simulation, and compare automatically generated geological model components against seismic interpretations and data. The reservoir simulation model runs resulted in the identification of a number of well targets. 3D visualization techniques were then used to predict faults and structures that the proposed well trajectories may intersect.