Revealing the Impact of Lateral Changes in Rock Properties Using Wellbore Stability Modelling: Case Study Middle East in Tight Limestone

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladimir Vasquez ◽  
Roselba Canelon ◽  
Carlos Lobo
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Wellbore Stability ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Induced seismicity in geologic carbon storage

Solid Earth ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 871-892 ◽  
Author(s):  
Víctor Vilarrasa ◽  
Jesus Carrera ◽  
Sebastià Olivella ◽  
Jonny Rutqvist ◽  
Lyesse Laloui
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Storage ◽  
Induced Seismicity ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Fault Reactivation ◽  
Wellbore Stability ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Geologic Carbon Storage ◽  
Stress Changes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Injection Formation

Abstract. Geologic carbon storage, as well as other geo-energy applications, such as geothermal energy, seasonal natural gas storage and subsurface energy storage imply fluid injection and/or extraction that causes changes in rock stress field and may induce (micro)seismicity. If felt, seismicity has a negative effect on public perception and may jeopardize wellbore stability and damage infrastructure. Thus, induced earthquakes should be minimized to successfully deploy geo-energies. However, numerous processes may trigger induced seismicity, which contribute to making it complex and translates into a limited forecast ability of current predictive models. We review the triggering mechanisms of induced seismicity. Specifically, we analyze (1) the impact of pore pressure evolution and the effect that properties of the injected fluid have on fracture and/or fault stability; (2) non-isothermal effects caused by the fact that the injected fluid usually reaches the injection formation at a lower temperature than that of the rock, inducing rock contraction, thermal stress reduction and stress redistribution around the cooled region; (3) local stress changes induced when low-permeability faults cross the injection formation, which may reduce their stability and eventually cause fault reactivation; (4) stress transfer caused by seismic or aseismic slip; and (5) geochemical effects, which may be especially relevant in carbonate-containing formations. We also review characterization techniques developed by the authors to reduce the uncertainty in rock properties and subsurface heterogeneity both for the screening of injection sites and for the operation of projects. Based on the review, we propose a methodology based on proper site characterization, monitoring and pressure management to minimize induced seismicity.

Will New Blood in the Leadership Produce New Blood on the Battlefield? The Impact of Regime Changes on Middle East Military Rivalries

2004 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 612-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A. Tures
Keyword(s):  
Cold War ◽  
Middle East ◽  
International Conflict ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Regime Changes ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Cold War ◽  
The Impact

The Middle East has witnessed a recent spate of alterations in rulers and regimes. These new leaders are coming to power in countries having a history of international conflict with other states in the region. Will the change in government exacerbate interstate crises, producing disputes and wars? Or will the nascent leadership steer their countries to peace, choosing instead to focus on an internal consolidation of power? To answer this question, this article examines the theories of foreign policy behavior of new leaders. It discusses the results of a quantitative analysis of an earlier time frame: the initial years of the Cold War. The article then conducts a series of case study analyses of contemporary times to determine if the theory and prior statistical tests remain valid. The results show that new administrations are more likely to target rivals with a threat, display, or limited use of force. Such incoming leaders, however, seem reluctant to drag their countries into a full-scale war. These findings hold for a variety of countries in a number of different contexts. Such results are relevant for Middle East scholars, conflict mediators, as well as American foreign policymakers who seem to have adopted a taste for regime change in the region.

Geomechanics in Partnership – A Holistic Approach to Solving Drilling Challenges

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Omer ◽  
Tosin Odunlami ◽  
Carlos Iturrious
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Wellbore Stability ◽  
Naturally Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Skin Damage ◽  
Lost Circulation ◽  
Managed Pressure Drilling ◽  
Bottomhole Pressure

Abstract With rising energy demand, operators in the Middle East are now focusing on developing unconventional resources. To optimize hydraulic fracture stimulation, most of these deep gas wells are required to be drilled laterally and in the direction of the minimum horizontal stress. However, this poses an increased risk of stuck pipe due to hole instability, differential sticking and skin damage due to high overbalance pressures, which makes drilling these wells challenging and costly. Another major challenge in the Middle East is lost circulation due to natural fractures in carbonate reservoirs. Lost circulation currently accounts for loss of approximately $850-900 million USD per year globally across the industry (Marinescu 2014). This paper presents a case study where a holistic approach; combining geomechanics and drilling technologies were employed to address the drilling challenges specific to unconventional and naturally fractured reservoirs. Ultimately, this approach helped the client to mitigate stuck pipe issues, while proposing a physics/engineering-basedmethodology to reduce losses by sealing fractures, hence providing a roadmap to optimized drilling and mitigation of hazards with associated Non-Productive Time (NPT). The paper demonstrates a holistic approach, combining wellbore stability analysis, managed pressure drilling (MPD) and proposes a novel physics/engineering-based methodology for addressing lost circulation challenges. A 1-D wellbore stability model is initially developed to determine the safe operating downhole pressure limits and to effectively assess the drilling risks associated with the planned wellbore orientation. By accurately determining the required bottomhole pressure to prevent wellbore stability problems, managed pressure drilling technology can be implemented to provide improved drilling hazard mitigation by enabling reduced overbalance pressures, constant bottomhole pressure, and faster reaction time by instantaneously adjusting downhole pressures. A bi-particulate bio-degradable system is used as a lost circulation material (LCM). The bigger size cylindrical particles flowing at a pre-defined rate will form a bridge or a plug across the fracture aperture, providing mechanical stability and the smaller spherical particles will seal the gaps in the bridge there by providing an effective sealing of the fracture opening. From experience, implementing these methodologies and technologies in isolation has not provided satisfactory results. This indicates that a partnership which leverages the strengths of the individual disciplines from the early planning stages is necessary to effectively address the drilling challenges posed by unconventional and naturally fractured reservoirs. For the case study highlighted in this paper, the well was drilled to TD in a timely manner, while maintaining the integrity of the hole, hence confirming the viability of this approach. In addition, the physics and engineering design workflow for bi-particulate bio-degradable LCM demonstrates how it can be effectively deployed to mitigate lost circulation without skin damage to the formation

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