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Geomechanics and Elastic Anisotropy of Shale Formations

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Abstract

Deep shales are the most abundant yet least characterized sedimentary rocks in petroleum industry while they have become significant sources of hydrocarbon unconventional resources. This chapter aims to fulfill an investigation of anisotropy in this rock type in several different facets through integration of field and lab data. I seek to generate key information to better understand elastic anisotropy as well as in situ stresses to better perform drilling, well completion, perforating, and hydraulic fracturing for the purpose of geomechanical modeling.

The first step was to study the anisotropic behavior of shale formations. For such a purpose three necessary independent shear moduli, elastic stiffness coefficients, and principal stresses are calculated and measured. The parameters then are used to generate shear radial profiles and slowness-frequency plots to analyze formation anisotropy, type, and origin.

The next step was to evaluate direction and magnitude of the minimum and maximum anisotropic principal horizontal stresses as the governing element in geomechanical modeling. I also analyzed wellbore behavior and predicted wellbore failure under stress alteration caused by drilling. Elastic anisotropy of the formation is considered in 3D numerical models and calculations, which has improved the results considerably.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Petroleum Engineering Department, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA

    Mehdi Ostadhassan

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  1. Mehdi Ostadhassan
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Correspondence to Mehdi Ostadhassan .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton Department of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton, New York, USA

    Congrui Jin

  2. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA

    Gianluca Cusatis

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Ostadhassan, M. (2016). Geomechanics and Elastic Anisotropy of Shale Formations. In: Jin, C., Cusatis, G. (eds) New Frontiers in Oil and Gas Exploration. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40124-9_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40124-9_5

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