Geomechanical Study of Bakken Formation for Improved Oil Recovery

Authors: Zhengwen Zeng (speaker) and Annan Jiang, University of North Dakota.

Venue: International Symposium on Rock Mechanics session Rock Characterization, Modeling, and Engineering Design Methods; University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, May 19–22, 2009. http://www.hku.hk/sinorock/ [external site].

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to outline the methodology proposed to determine the in situ stress field and geomechanical properties of the Bakken formation in the Williston basin of North Dakota to increase the success rate of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing so as to improve the recovery factor of this unconventional crude oil resource from the current 1% to a higher level. The success of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing depends on knowing local in situ stress and geomechanical properties of the rocks. The researchers propose a proactive approach to determine the in situ stress and related geomechanical properties of the Bakken formation in representative areas through integrated analysis of field and well data, core samples, and lab experiments. They plan to use Kaiser Effect technique to estimate in situ stresses. The CDISK method will be used to determined fracture toughness. Geomechanical properties will be measured following ISRM suggested methods. By integrating lab testing, core observation, numerical simulation, well logs, and seismic images, Intelligent Geomechanical Logging and Imaging methods are proposed to estimate geomechanical properties in locations where no results of lab testing and core observation are available.

Related NETL Project
This presentation is related to the NETL project DE-FC26-08NT0005643, “Geomechanical Study of Bakken Formation for Improved Oil Recovery.” The goal of this project is to determine the in situ stress and geomechanical properties of the Bakken formation and to use these results to increase the success rate of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to improve the ultimate recovery of this vast oil resource.

NETL Project Contacts
NETL – John Terneus (John.Terneus@netl.doe.gov or 304-285-4254)
University of North Dakota – Dr. Zhengwen Zeng (zeng@und.edu or 701-777-3027)