Unlocking the Power of Anisotropic Mechanical Properties through Digital Sonic Processing and Core Data Integration

ABSTRACT:

Sonic data processing and interpretation, combined with a fully 3D planar hydraulic fracture simulation, are critical components for evaluating well completion quality (CQ). This evaluation encompasses anisotropic mechanical properties and horizontal stress calculations but is often bottlenecked by the extensive processing time required. The objective of this talk is to present an improved workflow that leverages the latest advancements in digital borehole sonic technology to derive anisotropic mechanical properties and horizontal stress profiles comparing these results against geomechanical core data from the same well in the Midland Basin to enhance confidence in stimulation design. We will outline the geomechanics workflows for core data, including the extraction of anisotropic properties from ultrasonic velocities. These will be integrated and compared with digital sonic workflow services, which utilize advanced algorithms to deliver accurate measurements of compressional, shear, and anisotropic properties directly from the wellsite. A multimode machine learning inversion, incorporating flexural and Stoneley waves, is employed to determine anisotropic constants while accounting for mud-speed variations in the borehole. This approach yields precise anisotropic mechanical properties and horizontal stress profiles. The adapted workflow proposed in this paper utilizes two of the newest methodologies in digital borehole sonic services to meet the challenges of drilling in unconventional reservoirs, thus expediting the selection of lateral landing points. In this case study, various zones have been identified: high stress-induced anisotropy intervals, high-layer (transversely isotropic) anisotropy intervals, and isotropic/fractured carbonate streaks. The results demonstrate an excellent correlation between core data and sonic-derived data. The findings indicate that the proposed sonic data processing workflow can effectively serve as input for hydraulic fracture simulations, reducing processing time by three-fold, increasing the accuracy of anisotropic constants by better understanding mud speed variation, and ultimately empowering operators to make timely, informed decisions without compromising operational efficiency.

BIOGRAPHY:

Edgar Velez currently serves as the Acoustics Geomechanics Domain Champion Advisor for the western hemisphere, based in Houston. He has been leading the application of acoustics tools across diverse environments since he assumed this role in 2018.

Edgar began his career at Schlumberger in 2003 as a junior petrophysicist within the Data & Consulting Services team in Villahermosa, Mexico. In 2008, he transitioned to become the acoustics domain champion for the Latin American region. From 2012 to 2014, he was based in Argentina, where he continued to specialize in unconventional reservoirs. In 2014, he moved to Houston, taking on the role of acoustic domain champion for North America land, where he has maintained similar responsibilities to his current position.

Edgar graduated with honors with a bachelor's degree in geophysics from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in 2002.