Distribution of geomechanical units constrained by sequence stratigraphic framework: Useful data improving reservoir characterization. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gharechelou, Sajjad; Amini, Abdolhossein; Bohloli, Bahman; Swennen, Rudy; Nikandish, Abbasali; Farajpour, Vahid
• Is Part Of: Marine and petroleum geology. Volume 117(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: Geomechanical unit -- Facies index -- Fracture toughness -- Sequence stratigraphic framework -- Asmari Formation -- SW Iran; Submarine geology -- Periodicals; Petroleum -- Geology -- Periodicals; Géologie sous-marine -- Périodiques; Pétrole -- Géologie -- Périodiques; Petroleum -- Geology; Submarine geology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 551.468
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2020.104398
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-8172

Abstract

Abstract: Rock mechanical studies of a hydrocarbon reservoir play a fundamental role before as well as after drilling and during different stages of a field lifecycle. This research focuses on the discrimination of geomechanical units (GMUs) in the Asmari Formation based on sedimentological and geomechanical properties. Sedimentological properties such as microfacies, diagenesis, texture, facies index (FI) and porosity distribution (pore size, pore shape, pore count and pore aspect ratio) and geomechanical parameters such as uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), fracture toughness (KIc ), Biot's coefficient and brittleness index were considered. Sedimentological and diagenetic features and porosity were quantified based on FI concepts that was used for quantitative comparison with geomechanical data. Five GMUs were distinguished in the Asmari Formation that reflect ductile to brittle characteristics based on FI, UCS and KIc cross plots. According to the existing mechanical heterogeneities, the formation was hierarchically subdivided in zones by GMUs allowing to simplify its architecture. Since GMUs are restricted to borehole locations, by linking the latter to the sequence stratigraphic framework, the GMUs can be predicted at field scale because each GMU displays a specific position in the sequence stratigraphic succession. Finally, interpretation of mechanical units within sedimentary cycles and their hierarchy allows predicting engineering operations and propagate geomechanical dataset in the field. Highlights: Geomechanical unit distribution in sequence stratigraphic framework. Microtexture controls on geomechanical parameters. Ductile and brittle units correlation in the field scale.