Use of Geomechanics for Optimizing Reservoir Completion and Stimulation Strategies for Carbonates in the Campos Basin, Offshore Brazil

Abstract

A 1D Mechanical Earth Model (MEM) was built for the Albian section of a planned horizontal well in the south Campos Basin area in order to reduce risks for well placement, completion and stimulation in a fast track development program with reduced number of appraisal wells. Mechanical properties and stress profile along the wellbore for the design were determined from multiple data sources including core testing, advanced acoustic, wellbore image, processed petrophysics, micro-fracturing and in-situ formation pressure. These measurements enabled the definition of local correlations for the studied carbonate reservoir, estimation of geomechanical properties, and the creation of input for the completion design. The calibrated geomechanics model was used to evaluate the completion options for a horizontal well in carbonates to optimize reserves and maximize well productivity. Based on field characteristics and mechanical properties determined from this study, the horizontal well placement and drilling design was adjusted and an open hole completion with mechanical isolation was proposed to enable multiple fracturing in one continuous and efficient operation.