The application of fault seal analysis at the Solokha field, Dnieper-Donets Basin, Ukraine – case studies

Abstract

The Solokha gas field is one of the most valuable hydrocarbon fields in the central axial part of the Dnieper-Donets Basin (DDB). Every new exploration well there has to be highly validated in order to reduce possible drilling risks. In this study, the characteristics of faults, as possible seals, are analysed, based on the latest well and 3D seismic data. Evaluating fault seal risk is a constitutive factor in hydrocarbon exploration and production. For this reason, to reduce uncertainty in the faults’ leaking facilities, we used a couple of known approaches, such as juxtaposition analysis, with building Allan diagrams, to determine the relationship between sand-sand juxtaposition and the occurrence of hydrocarbons-bearing sands. We used the Shale Gouge Ratio (SGR) calculation with prediction of clay content distribution along the faults, pressure data analysis, seismic at tributes modelling and self-organized map clustering analysis for accurate delineation of sand bodies shape. This represents a complex research method of integration of high-quality depth processing with seismic structural and stratigraphic interpretation and, also, geological modeling. In this paper, we assessed the Jurassic and Visean faults of the Solokha gas field, according to their fluid cross-flow facilities. This research will provide valuable information about the presence of prospective places for hydrocarbon accumulation and will likely impact the well staking process for the upcoming drilling.