Unconventional/complex reservoirs

Tectonically Influenced Regions See Complex Stress States, Casing Failures

In tectonically influenced regions, potential hydrocarbon traps are subject to complex states of stress. This scenario often translates into severe strike/slip (SS) and thrust-fault or reverse-fault (TF/RF) stress states.

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In tectonically influenced regions, potential hydrocarbon traps are subject to complex states of stress. This scenario often translates into severe strike/slip (SS) and thrust-fault or reverse-fault (TF/RF) stress states. The complete paper demonstrates that such complex stress states will affect well completions and hydraulic fracturing directly in a multitude of ways but that, often, some of the more influential consequences are severe casing failures, production-liner restrictions, and complex-fracture-initiation scenarios. Unconventional-resource development in such environments requires that a renewed focus be made in all phases of well design and construction.

Well Integrity

Distinguishing clearly between the two separate issues of well-integrity loss and reservoir-accessibility loss is critical when the presence of casing deformation or failure is considered.

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