Fault Analysis Using 3-D Data Reduces Water Production, H2S Risks In Delaware Basin

This article will mainly focus on the fracture/fault analysis of CGG’s multi-client 3D seismic data to highlight the potential flow pathways and contribution of excess formation water in unconventional lateral well development. By using CGG’s InsightEarth (FractureFaultSpark) software, major intra-formational and through-going formational faults were identified throughout the main development formations (Wolfcamp and Bone Spring). Through the identification of these lineaments, and the petrophysical analysis of the above and below formations (water saturation), risk maps are developed for the operators, allowing them to proactively and appropriately prepare for these features within their drilling and completion campaigns.