FaultMaker

FaultMaker is a three-dimensional reservoir modelling software responsible for generating high-resolution 3D geological models of a complex fault zones (Manzocchi et al., 2017).

In many oil industry applications faults are represented as single surfaces. However, outcrop studies show that faults are complex zones consisting of several slip surfaces, called fault segments. These fault segments are sometimes apparent from high quality 3D seismic reflection surveys but, more generally, potentially significant segments can be present below the limit of seismic lateral resolution. The sub-resolution segments can have a significant impact on across-fault connectivity of reservoir units and should be therefore considered in the modeling and reservoir flow simulations.

FaultMaker models fault zone internal structure over a range of scales. The modelling is based on geometrical parameters of segmented normal faults observed and measured in a wide range of geological settings. The software simulates the fault zone evolution since it initiates, represented by a series of segments, until these segments become connected by accumulating displacement. The resulting models are 3D grids that allow to evaluate the probability of having path-ways through the fault zone in more detail. This type of analysis would not be possible if the fault was represented as a simple surface.

FaultMaker is part of a research project, QUAFF2, which is funded by nine Oil & Gas Companies and co-oriented by the Fault Analysis Group at University College Dublin. It is implemented in two versions: 

• FaultMaker - a plug-in for the SLB-Schlumberger Petrel Modelling System.

• FaultMakerSA - Standalone Software.

The code is shared between both applications, making them present almost the same functionality. Code documentations, User manual and Installation guide are written, updated and provided throughout the project. The software is developed in C# programming language and uses .NET, SharpGL and Ocean development frameworks.

The success of this R&D is based on work collaboration with the sponsors, aligning the research with the industry needs. FaultMaker continues to be used by the research group and Oil & Gas sponsors, contributing to several publications

Figure 1 presents a segmented FaultMaker 3D grid around a fault surface (in yellow). In this Figure, several relay ramps are breached and there are only a small amount of relay ramps that provide direct connection of individual layers across the fault zone. Figure 2 shows the FaultMaker Petrel plug-in graphical interface. Figure 3 shows the FaultMakerSA (standalone) graphical interface.

Responsibility: 

• Designed and developed both a Petrel plug-in and a standalone version (3D geometric computation, 3D graphics and user interfaces)

• Rewrote the Visual Basic solver in C#, enhancing code structure and performance

• Created the code documentation, user interfaces, and installation guides

• Delivered the Petrel plug-in for the research project in a record time of eight months.