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Geomechanics

Geomechanics is an interdisciplinary field that analyzes subsurface rock formations and anticipates how they will mechanically deform and potentially fail. It integrates geological and geotechnical engineering studies to evaluate the mechanical condition of underground structures and track changes over time. This is crucial for the oil and gas industry to understand high rock stresses during drilling that can cause issues like stuck pipes if not properly managed. Effective geomechanics incorporates data on formation properties like porosity, permeability and pore pressure as well as stresses to design wells that can be drilled safely and efficiently.

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Rovshan Valiyev
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53 views

Geomechanics

Geomechanics is an interdisciplinary field that analyzes subsurface rock formations and anticipates how they will mechanically deform and potentially fail. It integrates geological and geotechnical engineering studies to evaluate the mechanical condition of underground structures and track changes over time. This is crucial for the oil and gas industry to understand high rock stresses during drilling that can cause issues like stuck pipes if not properly managed. Effective geomechanics incorporates data on formation properties like porosity, permeability and pore pressure as well as stresses to design wells that can be drilled safely and efficiently.

Uploaded by

Rovshan Valiyev
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Geomechanics: A Comprehensive Overview

Geomechanics, derived from the Greek roots "geo-" (earth) and "mechanics," is an integral field
dedicated to anticipating and managing the mechanical deformation and failure of subsurface
rock formations. Through meticulous analysis of data collected during drilling and fluid
operations, geomechanics evaluates the mechanical condition of underground structures, tracking
changes over time. This interdisciplinary field seamlessly integrates geological studies of soil
and rock behavior, aligning with geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, and geological
engineering. Modern advancements include the incorporation of seismology, continuum
mechanics, discontinuum mechanics, and transport phenomena.

Significance of Geomechanics in the Oil and Gas Industry

In the oil and gas industry, understanding geomechanics is paramount. High rock stresses,
surpassing hydrostatic pressure from wellbore drilling fluid, can lead to a stuck pipe problem or
tight hole issues in deformable formations. Formations prone to failure result in larger borehole
sections, complicating hole cleaning and escalating mud and cementing costs. Effective well
control operations serve as a crucial mitigating factor in managing these challenges.

WELLBORE CONDITIONS

Porosity, Permeability, and Formation Pore Pressure

1. Porosity: Defined as the percentage of


void space within the rock.
2. Permeability: Denotes a rock's ability to
facilitate fluid flow through it.
3. Formation Pore Pressure: The pressure
of naturally occurring fluid(s) in rock
pores.
• Normal Formation Pressure:
Equal to the hydrostatic pressure
of formation water.
• Abnormal Formation Pressure:
Exceeds normal levels,
sometimes termed geopressured.
• Subnormal Formation Pressure:
Falls below normal levels for a given depth.

Earth Stress (Total Stress) and Horizontal Stress

1. Overburden Stress: The pressure on a formation due to the total weight of rocks and
fluids above it (Sv = ρ×g×h).
2. Horizontal Stress (Shmin, Shmax): As overburden squeezes the rock vertically, it creates
horizontal stress. In many areas, these stresses are roughly equal.
Relative Magnitudes of Total Stresses

The dominance of stresses in the subsurface leads to three distinct stress regimes:

1. Normal Stress Regime: Vertical stress (Sv) exceeds both maximum and minimum
horizontal stresses.
• Common Occurrence: Seen in extensional geologic environments or passive
basins.
2. Strike-Slip Stress Regime: Maximum horizontal stress (SHmax) surpasses Sv, and
minimum horizontal stress (Shmin) is less than Sv.
• Common Occurrence: Found in regions with moderate compression or uplift.
3. Thrust Fault Stress Regime: SHmax exceeds Shmin, and Shmin is greater than Sv.
• Common Occurrence: Identified in highly compressional regions, known as
reverse faulting.

Pore Pressure/Fracture Gradient (PPFG)

Pressure-related problems are primary causes of non-productive time (NPT) in drilling


operations. The PPFG forecast is critical in designing wells effectively, considering factors such
as kicks, losses, stuck pipe issues, and safety concerns. Various pressure types, including normal
pressure, pore pressure, overpressure, and vertical effective stress, play vital roles. Effective
stress influences rock compaction and porosity, depicted on a PPFG plot. Understanding fracture
pressure is crucial, as it represents the pressure at which rock fractures, with different curves for
diverse rock types.

In conclusion, a comprehensive grasp of geomechanics is indispensable for optimizing drilling


operations and ensuring the safety and economic viability of oil and gas endeavors.

Various geology-related well problem examples

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