Empirical analysis for the characterization of geo-mechanical strength and pressure regime: Implications on hydraulic fracturing stimulation

• Main Authors: Dorcas S. Eyinla, Michael A. Oladunjoye
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. 2019-09-01
• Series: Petroleum
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405656117301244

Among the several activities involved in oil exploration are the determination of hydrocarbon in-place and mechanical competency of the oil reservoir. The pressure regimes of the formation have also become vital properties which must be well known to ensure preliminary awareness of the hydraulic fracturing. This study seeks to adopt a prediction strategy of the overall geo-mechanical competency and strength of the formation, using a less stressful computational process and an empirical analysis, developed using three wells from ED BON area in parts of Niger Delta.Elastic constants such as Poisson Ratio, Young's, Shear and Bulk moduli which are the parameters for characterizing rock mechanical properties were estimated, as well as the subsurface formation pressures and the associated fracture gradient using P-wave sonic and density logs.The results from the analysis showed that there is correlation between elastic strength and fracture pressure. Keywords: Elastic strength, Hydraulic fracturing, Competency, Prediction strategy, Geomechanical parameters