Abstract: Incorporating Reservoir Characterization into Optimized Production of Siliceous and Other Gas Bearing Shales

KUUSKRAA, VELLO A.

The Monterey Formation siliceous shales similar to the Antrim, Barnett and New Albany originally rich shales, are a self sourcing, low permeability reservoir where natural fractures provide the primary permeability and flow paths. Optimum production of oil and natural gas from these formations has required: (1) rigorous reservoir characterization, including establishing the adsorbed gas content and desorption algorithm for the gas bearing shale; (2) defining the fluid mixture over time in the fracture system and pore space; (3) identifying and quantifying the natural fracture system; and, (4) modeling the reservoir performance with a multi-phase, multi-porosity fractured reservoir model that includes gas adsorption and desorption.

The paper describes the reservoir characterization and reservoir simulation work performed by Advanced Resources International, Inc. on U.S. hydrocarbon bearing shales, such as the Antrim, Barnett, Devonian and New Albany, and international gas bearing shales such as in Zimbabwe. Particular emphasis will be given to how reservoir characterization has helped establish optimum production practices and reliable estimates of reserves.

The paper concludes with a simulation of the expected performance of the Monterey siliceous shale, concentrating on the importance of gas adsorption/desorption and the natural fracture system on natural gas recovery and production.

Search and Discovery Article #90945©1997 AAPG Pacific Section Meeting, Bakersfield, California