Geomechanics

Subsurface Alliance consists of a network of subsurface specialists that uses a Team-of-Teams approach to efficiently solve problems that have a direct business impact in today’s fast-paced and evolving energy industry.
 
  • GEOMECHANICS

Physics based modeling of subsurface forces to quantify the stress-strain behavior of geological materials.

  • CARBON CAPTURE UTILIZATION AND STORAGE

Subsurface services to help mitigate risks at every stage of a CO2 storage project.

  • FRACTURED RESERVOIRS

Characterization, appraisal, and development of naturally fractured reservoirs.

  • GEOTHERMAL

Modeling of in-situ stresses, characterization of natural fracture networks, modeling induced thermal stresses, and coupling reservoir and geomechanical simulations.

  • GEOSCIENCE

Integrated multiscale characterization and modeling of reservoir architecture and distributed properties.

  • RESERVOIR SIMULATION

Fluid flow simulation leveraging geological and geomechanical models to reduce uncertainty during field development and production.

Reservoir-geomechanices

Our approach is robust and effective: we honor the data, select the best constitutive models, and apply scientific workflows to maximize the reliability of our rock mechanics predictions.

  • Pore Pressure & Fracture Gradient
  • Wellbore Stability
  • Solids Production Prediction
  • Reservoir Compaction
  • Fault Stability
  • Subsidence
  • Laboratory Tests Design & Interpretation
  • Natural Fractures Connectivity
  • Mechanical Skin Assessment
  • Well Integrity Analysis
Reservoir-geomechanices

By applying state-of-the-art numerical methods and workflows, we can tackle geomechanics-related issues at any scale, from well-centered to full-field models.

We identify key subsurface risks and help design data collection and mitigation programs. We can deliver key technical requirements for Class VI permitting and expedite the permitting process.

 

  • Faults and Fractures
    Characterize faults and fractures to assess the likelihood of reactivation or propagation of fractures.
  • Geomechanics
    Provide a full subsurface stress and pore pressure (1D or 3D) characterization to assess integrity of the confining zone.
  • Well Operability Limits
    Assist in calculating the confining zone fracture pressure and assess the physical-chemical characteristics of the injection / sealing zones and its fluids.
  • Seal Integrity
    Assess seal integrity to evaluate the likelihood of fluid migrations across or along faults.
  • Storage Capacity
    Can assist in estimating storage and flow capacity of the injection zone using reservoir simulations coupled with geomechanics.
Ccus-collapse

View our CO2 Storage Solutions brochure for more information.

Integrated multi-scale characterization and modeling of fracture reservoirs, physics-based modeling of subsurface in-situ stresses and mechanical properties, and implementation and simulation of dual porosity models to assess early breakthrough of injected fluids or interaction with hydraulic fractures.

 

  • Core Characterization
    Use core observations to develop a process-based classification which improves predictivity of fractures (intensity and opening) away from well control.
  • Borehole Images
    Develop rules for enhancing image log interpretation, reducing the number of false positive picks, and improving estimates of fracture density and orientation.
  • Modeling: Geomechanics & DFNs
    Use quantitative data from core, image logs and numerical models to build Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) models.
  • Well Tests & Simulation
    We calibrate DFN models using well tests (DST and interference) to fine tune fracture permeability and anisotropy.
Fractured-reservoir-collapse

We integrate observations from core all the way through seismic to maximize value of information and reduce uncertainty.

View our Fractured Reservoirs Solutions brochure for more information.

Integrated multi-scale characterization and modeling of geothermal reservoirs, physics-based modeling of subsurface in-situ stresses and mechanical properties, and implementation of coupled geomechanical models to optimize development plans.

 

  • In-Situ Stress
    Understand and constrain the in-situ stress magnitudes and orientations in geothermal fields is of paramount importance for successful and safe drilling operations in hostile high-temperature environments.
  • Natural Fractures
    Achieving high injection rates and efficiently circulating fluids between injector and producer often depends on the presence of natural fractures. Characterizing the natural fracture network and its connectivity helps to optimize field development.
  • Thermal Stress
    Additional stresses arising from the temperature contrast between a cold injected fluid and a hot formation can lead to underestimating the impact of in-situ stresses. Modeling induced thermal stresses can ensure safe drilling operations and predict the impact on stress-sensitive reservoir permeability.
  • Simulation
    Coupling reservoir and geomechanical simulations can improve reservoir performance prediction while optimizing field development plans. It can also help predict and mitigate collateral effects such as induced seismicity and surface heave.
Geothermal

View our Geothermal Solutions brochure for more information.

We use a process-based approach to develop geologic concepts. We integrate core, wireline, drilling, well tests, and production data to characterize and model permeability architecture in complex reservoirs.

 

  • Core Description
  • Image Log Interpretation
  • Integration of Core and Image Logs
  • Cap Rock Integrity
  • Fault Seal and Connectivity
  • Fractures and Karst
  • Analogs
  • Petrophysics
  • Rock Typing
  • Geocellular Models
  • DFN Models
  • Well Test Integration
  • Field Trips and Training
Geoscience-collapse

We specialize in characterization and modeling of complex reservoirs with dual porosity and permeability extremes. Our models help manage the risk associated to early breakthrough of undesired fluids and optimize field development programs.

We use a state-of-the-art fully integrated black-oil/compositional, geomechanics and hydraulic fracturing reservoir simulators to assess plausible scenarios that can result in project underperformance.

 

  • Black Oil/Compositional
  • Dual Porosity
  • Coupled Geomechanics
  • Rock-Fluid Interactions
  • Thermal / Chemical EOR
  • CCUS and Geothermal
  • Hydraulic Fracturing
  • Flexibility and Integration
  • Uncertainty Analysis
  • Optimization Workflows
  • Streamlines
  • Exploration-to-Production Simulation
  • Experience with Main 3D Numerical Simulators
Reservoir-simulation

We manage the most relevant physics required for conventional and unconventional reservoirs, while maintaining flexibility and enabling fast decision making.