Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company

Brian Ronald Crawford

Bashar Alramahi

Nora Lee DeDontney

William C Reese

Janelle M Homburg

Gary G Gray

Michael C Tsenn

Pablo F Sanz Rehermann

Jordan A Freysteinson

Jessica Lundin

Maurice J Gooch

David W Webb

Steinar Ottesen

The present disclosure describes methods and systems to enhance subsurface models of fractured reservoirs. In particular, the methods and systems described herein incorporate the effects of 'dynamic' compressible fractures and, thus, can improve predictions of fractured reservoir performance over time. The methods and systems may utilize predictive algorithms for mechanical and hydraulic stiffness properties of the fracture network that are based at least in part on a database of measurements derived from single fractures.

Method and system for modeling and simulating a fractured reservoir

Method and system is described for modeling one or more strength properties of a subsurface volume. The method provides an enhanced process for upscaling to simplify data in a manner that accounts for problems with conventional techniques. The method involves simplifying the petrophysical data and/or layers to provide an upscaling approach that accounts for the influences on the strength properties. The properties may then be utilized to enhance a subsurface model and used to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.

Method and system for generation of upscaled mechanical stratigraphy from petrophysical measurements

Method and system is described for modeling one or more geophysical properties of a subsurface volume. In one example, a method for predicting strength anisotropy in subsurface formations along a wellpath comprises receiving a stress model of the subsurface formation in the area of the wellpath. Bulk strength properties of target rock are obtained and used to develop anisotropic failure criteria. The stress model may then be combined with the anisotropic failure criteria to develop an anisotropic wellbore stability model which is used to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.

Petrophysical method for predicting shear strength anisotropy in fine-grained rock formations

A method of estimating at least one mechanical property value of a rock formation in the geologic past. In one embodiment, a correlation model is generated which correlates at least one mechanical property with a porosity value and a composition value relative to a first rock type. An estimation of a past porosity value and a past composition value is then generated for the rock formation at a point of time in the past. A mechanical property value at the point of time in the past is identified in the correlation model based on the estimated past porosity and past composition values.

Method of estimating rock mechanical properties

Method for prediction of mechanical properties used in the description of large-strain plastic deformation for any subsurface rock strata of interest. The method is not specific to any geographic region, geological environment or subsurface depth interval, nor is it constrained to a specific lithology or plastic mechanical property. Predictive algorithms for triaxial compressive strength and rock compressibility are derived () from a mechanical properties database (), and used to predict subsurface variation in mechanical properties such as rock strength or rock compressibility, with petrophysical properties generated from, for example, geophysical wireline logs as input to the algorithms ().

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Missouri City, TX, United States of America

Brian Ronald Crawford