Understanding the rock mechanics aspects of Hassi Messaoud (HMD) reservoir is extremely important, not only for hydraulic fracturing purposes but also for planning horizontal well drilling and completion. Analysis of the data generated from the hydraulic fracturing experience in Hassi Messaoud shows that fracturing is strongly lithology dependent. The magnitude and the orientation of the stress characterize the stress field. The stress magnitude in HMD is correlated to Young's modulus and shaliness. A new correlation is proposed relating minimum horizontal stress, shaliness and porosity.

The stress field orientation in Hassi Messaoud is similar to that observed in other locations throughout Algeria. The maximum principal stress is in the azimuth direction between 135-140° azimuth, perpendicular to HMD anticline trend. The iso-fracturing gradient map of HMD structure confirms the compartmentalization of the reservoir into two main compartments. The eastern compartments, has a relatively low fracturing gradients, while the western compartment has very high fracturing gradients.

The results of this study could be used in the selection of candidate wells for hydraulic fracturing as well as drilling horizontal wells.

Keywords:
lithology, horizontal stress, hassi messaoud, mechanical property, minimum horizontal stress, hydraulic fracturing, well logging, correlation, compartment, orientation
Subjects:
Hydraulic Fracturing, Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring, Reservoir Characterization, Formation Evaluation & Management, Exploration, development, structural geology, Reservoir geomechanics, Open hole/cased hole log analysis
Copyright 2000, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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