Abstract
Production analysis and mechanistic modeling are powerful techniques for understanding and validating results from field demonstrations in shale plays (Pande, 2014). These processes are used to investigate the performance drivers, drainage volumes, optimum spacing and understand the complex interplay between fluid systems, pressure, and reservoir properties. North America liquid rich shale projects are used as to illustrate the application of multiple mechanistic models that span a range of reservoir conditions and fluid types to optimize development planning.
Production analysis enables flow regime diagnosis to determine if linear flow regimes are present from well production resulting in unique characterization of stimulated rock volume (SRV). Integrated singlewell models that incorporate core, seismic, microseismic, geosteering, and petrophysical data are developed to analyze drainage volumes. Once history matched, estimates are developed for SRV and drainage areas. At this point, sensitivity analyses are conducted on rock quality, induced fractures and associated conductivity, fluid types, and reservoir pressure to provide well performance ranges. The results of these models are used to develop guidance on subsurface performance drivers across the play.
