Publications

A geomechanical model was constructed to provide new information for one of the fractured Basement fields, Offshore Viet Nam, using offset well data from that field. The aim was to use the geomechanical model to perform a detailed natural fracture and fault stability assessment to identify the orientations of the fractures most likely to be permeable. These fractures may enhance production. An additional part of the study involved considering whether production-induced changes in the stress magnitudes may occur as a result of reservoir pressure depletion. Modelling also considers how the natural fractures may respond to these pressure changes. Results showed that the field is associated with a strike-slip stress regime (Shmin <, SV <, SHmax) and that the maximum horizontal stress is oriented ~137°N to 150°N. Fracture permeability modelling showed that Basement fractures that are steeply dipping and strike approximately 30° to the local azimuth of SHmax are most likely to be critically stressed. If a well trajectory intersects the maximum population of these critically stressed features there may be a corresponding increase in production. Some fractures are also expected to remain open (permeable) following reservoir depletion if the reduction in the magnitudes of the horizontal stresses is around 90% of the reduction in pore pressure.