Geomechanical analysis of an oil field: Numerical study of wellbore stability and reservoir subsidence

Abstract

Geomechanics as the knowledge of rock deformation and stability is an indispensable part of all field development plans. Conducting geomechanical analyses leads to a safer and more efficient operation otherwise different kinds of instability and distortion might occur. In this study, the geomechanical behavior of Ilam and Sarvak formations of an oil field in southwest of Iran was investigated. The research objectives can be summarized as wellbore stability evaluation and predicting the value of reservoir subsidence due to pressure drop as a result of reservoir fluid production. To fulfill these, a set of petrophysical logs run in the exploration well of this green field were collected. Next, using empirical correlations and statistical methods, required data for evaluating wellbore stability during drilling, specifying safe mud window to discover reservoir breakdown pressure, predicting the possibility of wellbore collapse in field lifetime, and assessing reservoir subsidence were determined. The results revealed that the average subsidence value as the consequence of production within 21 years is 0.275 ft Which is not significant. In terms of wellbore stability, it was concluded that all horizontal and vertical wells remain stable during this time period. Briefly to conclude, field development is not associated with alarming incidents from geomechanical aspect.