--> ABSTRACT: Derisking of Unconventional Gas Opportunities: Application of Basin Modelling, by Keym, Matthias; Dieckmann, Volker; Meuric, Olivier; Huvaz, Ozkan; Leenaarts, Elise; Idiz, Erdem; #90135 (2011)

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Derisking of Unconventional Gas Opportunities: Application of Basin Modelling

Keym, Matthias 1; Dieckmann, Volker 1; Meuric, Olivier 1; Huvaz, Ozkan 1; Leenaarts, Elise 1; Idiz, Erdem 1
(1)Shell Global Solutions International, Rijswijk, Netherlands.

Successful exploitation of shale gas opportunities is related to 1) resource in place, 2) favorable geomechanics, and 3), use of appropriate production technology to optimize rates and ultimates. In this context the success of unconventional gas production from gas shales in the US has sparked significant interest in shales from all over the world as potential resources for gas exploitation. The unique characteristics of gas shales are the facts that they are both source and reservoir, and require no structural or stratigraphic trapping mechanism to retain the gas. Although several criteria (amongst those are e.g. TOC, adsorption capacity, porosity, mineral matrix, maturity, water saturation, relative permeability) have been identified to directly control the ability of a particular shale to store gas, the complex and dynamic nature of gas shales as well as the storage mechanisms make it difficult to detect, quantify and exploit these resources using workflows and technologies established for conventional plays.

Basin modeling is a well known technique and has been successfully applied to basins in the exploration for conventional petroleum systems. It has to be the main goal of modern basin modeling to help in identifying the areas of highest resource density and to account for the highly variable character of gas shales around the world. This in turn will help to de-risk potential unconventional gas opportunities.

The limited availability of basin simulators capable of handling unconventional petroleum systems is essentially due to the fact that the processes and conditions predominating in unconventional petroleum systems are not well understood to this date. Shell’s shale gas simulator adds functionality to conventional basin modeling which is specifically tailored to the requirements of unconventional petroleum systems. This includes detailed modelling of gas generation timing, origin and type (free/sorbed gas) within the pore network of gas shales. The role of the organic matter for a) generation of additional pore space and b) as a supplier for additional storage capacity in shale gas settings is still a matter of investigation and the subject of an ongoing research effort.

The capabilities and fields of application of the Cauldron Shale Gas Simulator are demonstrated on case studies from the US and Europe.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90135©2011 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Milan, Italy, 23-26 October 2011.