Abstract

A sound geomechanical model can provide value for understanding how best to exploit hydrocarbon reservoirs. The geomechanical model provides the framework that describes the physical state in terms of the stresses, pressures, rock properties in the context of the geologic structure. Once a geomechanical model has been derived and verified, applying the model to unconventional resource plays can bring value to understanding how to identify well placement, optimize drilling performance and most importantly, how to address stimulation issues that most efficiently exploit the reservoir

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that detailed knowledge of the stresses operating in shale reservoirs coupled with an understanding of structure and rock fabric can help in planning well placement and hydraulic stimulation operations to enhance production. In particular, hydraulically fracturing the formation greatly improves reservoir performance by expanding the overall permeability volume due to the stimulation of the natural fractures. In nearly every case, identifying the wellbore trajectory that maximizes exposure to the critically-stressed natural fractures coupled with stimulation pressures will be directly influenced by the geomechanical stress state operative in the unconventional reservoir. The workflow is based on integrating geomechanics (changing permeability of natural fractures due to hydraulic stimulation and depletion) calibrated with microseismic and injectivity test data(to determine natural fracture properties) with a stress and pressure dependent permeability reservoir simulation model.