A study on permeability along strike slip faults in Shunbei reservoir of Tarim Basin, China

Abstract

For ultra deep strike-slip faults controlled reservoirs, the permeability along the faults directly determines the distribution of favorable reservoirs. The present in-situ stress has a significant influence on the permeability of the faults. Therefore, it is meaningful to study the relationship between in-situ stress and permeability along the strike-slip faults for exploration and development of Shunbei oilfield. Based on seismic and coherent data, a three-dimensional model of strike slip fault in reservoir is established. The size and direction of in-situ stress are determined by rock mechanics test. Combined with drilling history and imaging logging data of typical wells, natural fractures are analyzed. Finally, the slip tendency coefficient of Shunbei 5 strike-slip fault zone is simulated by using the finite element method. It is found that there is a positive correlation between the slip tendency coefficient and permeability along the strike-slip fault. The critical slip tendency coefficient of Shunbei 5 fault zone is 0.35 (the fault is in the critical open state). This study provides a reference for the prediction of favorable reservoir distribution and the selection of drilling targets for Shunbei ultra deep strike-slip fault zones.