ABSTRACT

  • an overview of rock mechanics issues of importance to petroleum engineers,

  • a discussion of typical stress magnitude measurements routinely used,

  • a brief review of stress orientation Methods, and

  • a discussion of the rock mechanics issues critical to horizontal wells.

ABSTRACT: Historically, petroleum engineers have neglected the role of the physical porous medium except for its storage properties (porosity, thickness, areal extent) and its delivery capabilities (permeability, natural fractures, susceptibility to damage). Engineers charged with maximizing hydrocarbon recovery address rock mechanics issues only of dire necessity and then with little enthusiasm. Rock stresses and failure criteria are the most critical aspects of rock engineering for petroleum engineers. Horizontal drilling has presented a host of new issues that are more pervasive than are vertical well issues. This paper addresses several areas, including:

Keywords:
reservoir geomechanics, Upstream Oil & Gas, stimulation, application, wellbore integrity, Engineering, Reservoir Characterization, Wellbore Design, Rock mechanics, productivity
Subjects:
Wellbore Design, Hydraulic Fracturing, Reservoir Characterization, Wellbore integrity, Reservoir geomechanics
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1994. A.A. Balkema - Permission to Distribute - American Rock Mechanics Association
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