Fault Compartmentalization of a HP/HT Field

Fault compartmentalisation maps have been produced for two reservoir horizons for a field located on one of the deepest fault blocks in the Viking Graben. Mapped fault rock properties in conjunction with Mercury injection data were used to calculate maximum Hydrocarbon columns and associated threshold pressures to obtain a static fault seal model. In general mapped fault rock properties indicate a high lateral and vertical variability. Key uncertainties comprise the structural interpretation and the relation between Mercury injection pressure and SGR. Given the presence of different Hydrocarbons, interfacial tension is expected to vary within the field significantly, thus giving rise to different column heights and threshold pressures for the same fault rock type. Thus, the structural compartmentalisation is superimposed by an HC property compartmentalisation and their spatial distribution is not expected to be the same. Given the HP/HT nature of the field, even low SGR fault rocks can sustain several 10's of meters of HC columns. The compartmentalisation maps in conjunction with the present Gas Water Contacts, the Gas Oil Ratio distribution, as well as the resulting communication paths, provide strong support for an upside potential for some compartments surrounding the discovery wells.