Not All Unconventional Reservoirs are Similar MENA Regional Vs Global Anisotropic Rock Index and Mechanical Characterization – Part 2

Abstract

Improved understanding of unconventional formations requires advanced mechanical and index assessments to explore their complex geology, fissility, and anisotropic behavior. This publication is an extension of the work presented in (Gramajo and Rached 2022), which presented comprehensive datasets of unconventional rocks from China, the United States of America (USA), Canada, and Saudi Arabia. The datasets include the mineral composition, petrophysical parameters (Total Organic Carbon (TOC), porosity, and permeability), and mechanical properties (elastic parameters and compressive strength values). This paper extends the analysis to include unconventional formations from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) datasets, specifically from Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study enhances our understanding of the newly added rock formations and defines the rock analogs and initial parameters needed to tailor down-hole tools, fracturing fluids, and engineering processes. The results will help reduce the costs (equipment, sample preparation, and measurement time) associated with the initial experimental assessments and achieve higher production outcomes in the emerging reservoirs.