Virtual fracture mapping for quantitative structural analysis in carbonate reservoir analog
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9095.v24-216404Keywords:
High-permeability zones, Quantitative structural analysis, P20, P21 e P10, Power law and exponential law, TopologyAbstract
Carbonate reservoirs represent between 50 and 60% of the world's hydrocarbon reserves. Due to the presence of fractures and dissolution processes, their petrophysical properties may change. The present study used fractured and karstified carbonate rocks from the Jandaíra Formation – Potiguar Basin, as an analogue of this type of reservoir. Three outcrops located in Lajedo Arapuá, in Felipe Guerra/RN, hereinafter referred to as Arapuá I, II and III, were selected. The research objectives consisted of: characterizing the attributes of the mapped fractures; identify the possible influence of pre-existing structures on the development of these fractures; and discuss the implications of these attributes on the fluid storage and migration properties of carbonate reservoirs. These objectives were achieved through the following methods: imaging with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), acquisition of scanlines and scanareas. The structural data collected were processed to obtain the values of P20 (intensity), P21 (density) and P10 (frequency), and to carry out statistical and topological studies. A variation in the aforementioned parameters was identified in relation to the slab sectors, and the proximity of the Apodi fold hinge, arranged parallel to a NE-SW fracture corridor. It is possible to verify an increase in the degree of deformation and connectivity between the structural elements with the proximity of the hinge zone, with clusters of fractures associated with the N-S and NW-SE sets occurring. The identified characteristics, associated with previous studies in the region, highlight the significant control exercised by structural elements over the petrophysical properties of these rocks, demonstrating the presence of a high-permeability zone close to the hinge and the fracture corridor.
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