An Integrated and Predictive Workflow Model for the Exploration and Development of Unconventional Shale Reservoirs

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 Using a multi-component 3D/3C dataset, an integrated geomechanical research project has been devised in conjunction with the Colorado School of Mines’ Reservoir Characterization Project (RCP) comprising of both geologic and geophysical studies in rock properties.