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Collaborating Authors
Results
Geomechanical Characterization of the Wufeng and Longmaxi Shales: Mechanical and Velocity Anisotropy, Static and Dynamic Moduli
Dong, K. (China National Petroleum Corporation) | Ding, J. (Department of Geology & Geophysics, Texas A&M University (Corresponding author)) | Hou, B. (College of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing) | Wang, X. (China National Petroleum Corporation) | Kou, R. (Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas A&M University)
Summary The Wufeng and Longmaxi shales of Sichuan Basin, Southwest China have been the primary targets for shale gas development. Because hydraulic fracturing and seismic interpretation require detailed characterization of formation mechanical properties, a sufficient understanding of anisotropy and elastic behavior in Wufeng and Longmaxi shales is necessary. In this study, we conducted Brazilian and triaxial tests and ultrasonic velocity measurements to characterize tensile and compressive strengths and P- and S-wave velocities, respectively. Shale samples were cored at a range of orientations relative to bedding and tested at multiple confining pressures, which allowed a detailed study of mechanical and velocity anisotropy, static and dynamic moduli. Our experimental work shows that Wufeng and Longmaxi shales possess similar compressive strength and associated anisotropy with other shale formations but apparently weaker tensile strength anisotropy and velocity anisotropy. These two shales also exhibit much lower static moduli than dynamic values, which are interpreted to be caused by compliant pores such as microcracks and fractures. Comparison between Wufeng and Longmaxi shales reveals distinct levels of heterogeneity. Wufeng shale shows more pronounced heterogeneity regarding measured tensile and compressive strengths as well as elastic moduli. These general characteristics of Wufeng and Longmaxi shales provide valuable first-order understanding regarding anisotropy, heterogeneity, and elastic behavior. Utilizing this understanding could help improve hydraulic fracture design and seismic data interpretation.
- North America > United States > Texas (0.68)
- Asia > China > Sichuan Province (0.49)
- North America > United States > California (0.46)
- Geophysics > Seismic Surveying > Seismic Interpretation (0.54)
- Geophysics > Seismic Surveying > Seismic Processing (0.48)
- North America > United States > West Virginia > Appalachian Basin > Marcellus Shale Formation (0.99)
- North America > United States > Virginia > Appalachian Basin > Marcellus Shale Formation (0.99)
- North America > United States > Texas > Permian Basin > Yeso Formation (0.99)
- (36 more...)
- Well Completion > Hydraulic Fracturing (1.00)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Unconventional and Complex Reservoirs > Shale gas (1.00)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Reservoir Characterization > Seismic processing and interpretation (1.00)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Reservoir Characterization > Reservoir geomechanics (1.00)
Geomechanical Characterization of the Wufeng and Longmaxi Shales: Mechanical and Velocity Anisotropy, Static and Dynamic Moduli
Dong, K. (China National Petroleum Corporation) | Ding, J. (Department of Geology & Geophysics, Texas A&M University (Corresponding author)) | Hou, B. (College of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum-Beijing) | Wang, X. (China National Petroleum Corporation) | Kou, R. (Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas A&M University)
Summary The Wufeng and Longmaxi shales of Sichuan Basin, Southwest China have been the primary targets for shale gas development. Because hydraulic fracturing and seismic interpretation require detailed characterization of formation mechanical properties, a sufficient understanding of anisotropy and elastic behavior in Wufeng and Longmaxi shales is necessary. In this study, we conducted Brazilian and triaxial tests and ultrasonic velocity measurements to characterize tensile and compressive strengths and P- and S-wave velocities, respectively. Shale samples were cored at a range of orientations relative to bedding and tested at multiple confining pressures, which allowed a detailed study of mechanical and velocity anisotropy, static and dynamic moduli. Our experimental work shows that Wufeng and Longmaxi shales possess similar compressive strength and associated anisotropy with other shale formations but apparently weaker tensile strength anisotropy and velocity anisotropy. These two shales also exhibit much lower static moduli than dynamic values, which are interpreted to be caused by compliant pores such as microcracks and fractures. Comparison between Wufeng and Longmaxi shales reveals distinct levels of heterogeneity. Wufeng shale shows more pronounced heterogeneity regarding measured tensile and compressive strengths as well as elastic moduli. These general characteristics of Wufeng and Longmaxi shales provide valuable first-order understanding regarding anisotropy, heterogeneity, and elastic behavior. Utilizing this understanding could help improve hydraulic fracture design and seismic data interpretation.
- North America > United States > Texas (0.68)
- Asia > China > Sichuan Province (0.49)
- North America > United States > California (0.46)
- Geophysics > Seismic Surveying > Seismic Interpretation (0.54)
- Geophysics > Seismic Surveying > Seismic Processing (0.48)
- North America > United States > West Virginia > Appalachian Basin > Marcellus Shale Formation (0.99)
- North America > United States > Virginia > Appalachian Basin > Marcellus Shale Formation (0.99)
- North America > United States > Texas > Permian Basin > Yeso Formation (0.99)
- (36 more...)
- Well Completion > Hydraulic Fracturing (1.00)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Unconventional and Complex Reservoirs > Shale gas (1.00)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Reservoir Characterization > Seismic processing and interpretation (1.00)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Reservoir Characterization > Reservoir geomechanics (1.00)