Abstract
Accurate prediction of geomechanical rock properties is one of the main challenges to be overcome in E&P projects, in order to optimize well completion design and stimulation strategy. This is especially so in the early stages of a project, e.g the appraisal phase. In the recent years, Scratch Testing has become an emerging geomechanical characterization technique that is used to determine the mechanical properties of the rock. With this method, a groove of fixed depth (typically less than 1 mm) is scratched on the rock surface. The forces acting on the cutter are recorded at a high sampling rate (about 10 samples per millimeter), with high precision and resolution (about 1 Newton). This scratch test data is then used to characterize the length of heterogeneity of the rock, and to generate the geomechanical properties profile (rock strength, friction angle). Presently, such valuable information is only partially integrated with petrophysical and geological data. A series of Scratch tests are performed on different rock samples and types to create a continuous rock strength profile, which is then integrated with sedimentology, core analysis and wireline logs. This data assimilation led to the development of, a new technique to assist in the extrapolation of rock strength in un-cored intervals/wells. In this paper, the developed workflow will be further elaborated, along with its results and applications to support the design of a fit for purpose well completion and stimulation strategy, which is a key component in the field development planning phase of an E&P project.
