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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 66 (1982)

Issue: 8. (August)

First Page: 1176

Last Page: 1176

Title: Targeting Zones of Fracture-Enhanced Production: ABSTRACT

Author(s): J. Edward Tillman

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Many wells in the Appalachians produce from reservoir rocks which have fracture-enhanced matrix porosity. In these rocks, natural fractures are essential for significant production because matrix porosities are highly variable and commonly low. However, only certain penetrative, interconnected, and open fractures are capable of significantly increasing production. It therefore becomes necessary to differentiate these production-related fractures from other fractures in order to predict their occurrence.

The most definitive method for differentiating fractures is by combining petrofabric and geochemical techniques. Basic to this approach are geochemical and textural data on paragenesis and homogenization of methane-bearing inclusions in matrix and vein minerals. This approach has been routinely used in the Appalachians to differentiate and characterize fracture systems and identify their involvement in the migration, entrapment, and production of hydrocarbons. The results provide the explorationist with an improved capability to predict locations of highly fractured zones within potential reservoir rocks.

This approach has helped to define the main fracture domains in New York: the foreland fold; foreland fracture, intraformational fracture, basement fault, strike-slip fault; and normal fault domains. Analysis of the fracture fabrics in each domain has revealed those fractures that are open under the contemporary stress field and that enhance bulk-rock permeability.

For efficient targeting of zones of fracture-enhanced permeability, exploration programs need to concentrate on the production-related fractures. Once these fractures have been identified, analysis of structural contours, isopachs, lineaments, seismic profiles, production trends, logs, and surface petrofabric data can prove to be more rewarding.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists