Seismic fracture identification and horizontal drilling: Keys to optimizing productivity in fractured reservoir, Giddings Field, Texas

Conference · Fri Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1989 · AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (USA)

OSTI ID:5087542

Kuich, N M ^[1]

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1. Mobil Exploration and Producing, Houston, TX (USA)

Anomalies on conventional seismic data and seismic attributes data have been successfully used to identify fracture swarms in the Austin Chalk. Wells drilled to intersect seismic fracture indicators are proven superior producers. Seismic and geologic data demonstrate fracture swarms separated 100-300 ft by impermeable section. Fractures trend northeast-southwest, on strike with the regional Mexia-Talco and Balcones fault trends. Horizontal drilling allows multiple fracture zones, which are not in communication, and therefore cannot be drained by a single well. Horizontal wellbores have been kicked out from two depleted Giddings field wells. Undrained fractures were encountered in both recompletions, some as close as 120 ft from the original vertical hole. Horizontal drilling, directed by seismic data, is recovering hydrocarbons in a fractured reservoir previously bypassed via standard drilling and completion practices.

• OSTI ID: 5087542
• Report Number(s): CONF-8910221--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (USA) Journal Volume: 73:9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
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& Exploration
CARBONATE ROCKS
DRILLING
FEDERAL REGION VI
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FAULTS
GEOLOGIC FRACTURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESOURCES
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SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
TEXAS
USA
WELL DRILLING
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