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Department of Geotechnology, Mijnbouwstraat 120, Delft University of Technology, 2628RX Delft, The Netherlandss.m.Luthi{at}ta.tudelft.nl
Recent geophysical well techniques have significantly improved the analysis of fractured reservoirs. These methods include electrical and ultrasonic scans and, in some cases, optical video images, that provide azimuthal high-resolution images of the borehole wall on which fractures are prominently visible. Additionally, fractures produce reflections and attenuations of the Stoneley wave, a borehole mode recorded by the array sonic wireline tool. A fracture identified with these methods can be individually probed with a new wireline formation tester featuring a dual-packer module that hydraulically isolates it from the surrounding formation. The combination of these techniques can provide information on fracture locations, dip, azimuth, aperture, permeability and fluid content. Seismic data can be used to extrapolate this information away from the wells. A case study on basement reservoirs from offshore Vietnam exhibits foliations, borehole breakouts, hydraulic and tectonic fracturing. Oil production comes from a small number of point entries that correspond to fractures, most of which produce more than 1000 barrels of oil per day. Two intersecting fracture sets were found, which may explain the high sustained production. Properly planned horizontal wells may increase production and decrease the chance of water breakthrough.
