Geomechanics Applications in Shale Gas

Geomechanics Fundamentals - In the morning the course will demonstrate the importance of geomechanics in unconventional reservoirs. The course will then cover the fundamental aspects of geomechanics including basic concepts of stress, strain, mechanical properties, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio (static and dynamic), in-situ stresses and rock failure. Consequently, the participants will be exposed to geomechanics applications such as pore pressure prediction, wellbore stability and hydraulic fracturing.

In the afternoon the focus will be on shale heterogeneity evaluation. In this section, the participants will be exposed to shale characterization methodologies from a geomechnaics perspective such as petrography and XRD. The course material will then cover shale anisotropy – microscopic to core to field scale. Consequently, workflows will be discussed as to how these geomechanics principles can be used to evaluate the lateral variations from well-to-well. The course will then cover TIV anisotropy, scratch testing and variation in mechanical properties in vertical and horizontal directions. Finally, end the day with Tight Rock Analysis (TRA) process.

Geomechanics Data Sources and Mechanical Earth Model – In the morning, the participants will be exposed to recommended data acquisition program for an effective geomechanics analysis. The course will then cover the workflows for estimating anisotropic parameters using acoustic azimuthal anisotropy (sonic scanner) and introduction to building Mechanical Earth Model (MEM).

In the afternoon, the participants will be exposed to key geomechanical elements affecting hydraulic stimulation design and a successful shale completion strategy (design aspects). Furthermore, the course will also cover shale hydraulic fracturing and completion strategy including horizontal completions design, frac fluid and proppant properties (field aspects). Finally end the day with an introduction to microseismic and hydraulic fracturing monitor-ing (HFM).