Integrated Reservoir Analysis Towards a Predictive Workflow Model for the Exploration and Development of Unconventional Shale Reservoirs

Andersen, Eric¹; Davey, Heather²; Steinhoff, Chris²; Davis, Tom²
¹Talisman Malaysia Ltd., Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
²Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO.

In unconventional shale reservoirs, hydraulic fracturing is necessary to create sufficient permeability for commercial production. In the past, a dominantly statistical approach was used for hydraulic fracture treatments assuming a standard well spacing, perf spacing, lateral length, fluid volume, and proppant amount could be applied to all reservoirs at all depths. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that there is a complex interplay between natural and induced hydraulic fracturing. The stress state and corresponding density, orientation, and connectivity of in-situ fractures can provide abundant information about how the rock may respond to induced hydraulic fracturing.

New integrated technologies are required to explore for and develop shale reservoirs. Since every shale reservoir is different, establishing workflows in the applications of these technologies is critical to specific purposes from the exploration to the production phases. Adjusting drilling and completions strategies to reflect geomechanical changes in the rock is critical

The Colorado School of Mines' Reservoir Characterization Project (RCP) in conjunction with Talisman is currently researching multicomponent seismic applications to shale gas exploration and production. It is believed that multicomponent seismology can aid in detecting naturally fractured intervals and determining seals in the petroleum system.

Using a Talisman multi-component 4D/3C dataset, an integrated geomechanical research project has been devised. Comprising of both geologic and geophysical studies in rock properties, the project is to:

1) Investigate the potential of using surface seismic methods to monitor and map the stimulated rock volume of the treated reservoir.
2) Develop an understanding of the formation's geomechanical stress states pre and post- fracturing.
3) Develop a workflow that would relate these geophysical observations with the known geologic information for the purposes of optimizing drilling and production operations.
4) Study the regional framework of the Montney from a geomechanical perspective to determine sweet spots in the Montney.
5) To determine the mechanical stratigraphy and stress anisotropy of the Montney to determine the lateral and vertical variation in stimulation response within the formation

It is important to note that this is a work in progress. The topics presented here are to provide an overview of the scope of work being undertaken at RCP.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90155©2012 AAPG International Conference & Exhibition, Singapore, 16-19 September 2012