--> Abstract: Fractured Shale Reservoirs: Towards a Realistic Model, by T. Hamilton-Smith; #90950 (1996).
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Abstract: Fractured Previous HitShaleNext Hit Reservoirs: Towards a Realistic Model

Terrence Hamilton-Smith

Fractured Previous HitshaleNext Hit reservoirs are fundamentally unconventional, which is to say that their behavior is qualitatively different from reservoirs characterized by intergranular pore space. Attempts to analyze fractured Previous HitshaleNext Hit reservoirs are essentially misleading. Reliance on such models can have only negative results for fractured Previous HitshaleNext Hit Previous HitoilNext Hit and gas exploration and development. A realistic model of fractured Previous HitshaleNext Hit reservoirs begins with the history of the Previous HitshaleNext Hit as a hydrocarbon source rock. Minimum levels of both kerogen concentration and thermal maturity are required for effective hydrocarbon generation. Hydrocarbon generation results in overpressuring of the Previous HitshaleNext Hit. At some critical level of repressuring, the Previous HitshaleNext Hit fractures in the ambient stress field. This primary natural fra ture system is fundamental to the future behavior of the fractured Previous HitshaleNext Hit gas reservoir. The fractures facilitate primary migration of Previous HitoilNext Hit and gas out of the Previous HitshaleNext Hit and into the basin. In this process, all connate water is expelled, leaving the fractured Previous HitshaleNext Hit Previous HitoilNext Hit-wet and saturated with Previous HitoilNext Hit and gas. What fluids are eventually produced from the fractured Previous HitshaleNext Hit depends on the consequent structural and geochemical history. As long as the Previous HitshaleNext Hit remains hot, Previous HitoilNext Hit production may be obtained. (e.g. Bakken Previous HitShaleNext Hit, Green River Previous HitShaleNext Hit). If the Previous HitshaleNext Hit is significantly cooled, mainly gas will be produced (e.g. Antrim Previous HitShaleNext Hit, Ohio Previous HitShaleNext Hit, New Albany Previous HitShaleNext Hit). Where secondary natural fracture systems are developed and connect the Previous HitshaleNext Hit to aquifers or to surface recharge, the fractured Previous HitshaleNext Hit will also produce wa er (e.g. Antrim Previous HitShaleNext Hit, Indiana New Albany Previous HitShaleTop).

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90950©1996 AAPG GCAGS 46th Annual Meeting, San Antonio, Texas