ExxonMobil's Fault Trap Analysis Best Practices (FTABP) is a set of integrated technical workflows for evaluating trap and seal in specific business environments (play analysis, lead seriatim, prospect analysis, new field definition, and mature field compartmentalization). The workflows contain recommendations for the application of appropriate tools and technologies in fault interpretation, seal evaluation, and volumetric assessment of faulted traps. Implementation of these best practices will result in:
*Improved efficiency and quality in fault interpretation and structural mapping with emphasis on faulted framework model construction.
*Application of appropriate fault seal analysis technologies involving trap and top seal definition, analysis of historical drilling results, fault juxtaposition analysis (includes proprietary technology for handling multiple faults and conducting sensitivity analysis), and an examination of other controls on seal (e.g., fault zone materials).
*Improved linkage of trap and seal analysis with volumetric assessment (prospect size and risk).
FTABP has been designed for use at all business stages by a broad-range of geoscience customers with varying experience, skill levels, and needs. For example, inexperienced exploration and production geoscientists use FTABP as a resource for seismic cube interpretation and structural mapping, as structure maps provide key input for many derivative analyses. Structural or fault seal experts use the best practices to ensure that traps are risked and sized consistently throughout the upstream. Technical advisors use FTABP to evaluate the applicability of technology in various business and geologic settings, while supervisors or managers use the workflows in project planning. The electronic format of the document facilitates use of the best practice workflows by these various customers, as it is quick and efficient to navigate to the level of detail required for the task at hand.
Our integrated approach to fault trap analysis has impacted business decisions throughout the exploration and development cycle.