Abstract: A geomechanically integrated model of stimulated rock volume (SRV) of subsurface formations in an area of interest for hydrocarbon production is formed. The methodology for forming the model takes into account geomechanical effects of interest and potential significance which occur over different dimensional scales. The methodology incorporates into the model fault perturbations which are present at a regional or seismic scale of from hundreds to thousands of meters, as well as layer stress occurring at a much smaller hydraulic fracture simulation scale of fractions of meters or meters. The methodology accommodates the differing representations of the subsurface grids used in previous models to represent these different geomechanical effects. Complex grid meshing and computer processing are avoided, improving computer operation and saving computer processing time.

Abstract: A method for measuring a strain field involves determining an expected source mechanism of the strain field, based on the expected source mechanism, estimating strain field tensors of the strain field in an area of interest, determining principal strain vectors from the strain field tensors, identifying the most extensional principal strain vectors, ?3, from the principal strain vectors, establishing a trajectory of a fiber optic path through the area of interest, discretizing the fiber optic path to obtain directions of fiber axial strain, ?a, comparing ?a against ?3, and based on the comparison, optimizing the fiber optic path for an alignment of ?a with ?3.

Abstract: A data acquisition program, which includes core, image log, microseismic, DAS, DTS, and pressure data, is described. This program can be used in conjunction with a variety of techniques to accurately monitor and conduct well stimulation.

Abstract: A method of predicting three-dimensional fracture geometry in a subterranean region of interest is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a strain tensor for the subterranean region of interest, calculating a set of principal strain components from the strain tensor, and determining a strain cyclide from the set of principal strain components. The method further includes calculating a set of quadrimodal fault normal vectors from the strain cyclide and determining an in-plane shear strain magnitude and a shear strain orientation from the set of quadrimodal fault normal vectors.

Abstract: A data acquisition program, which includes core, image log, microseismic, DAS, DTS, and pressure data, is described. This program can be used in conjunction with a variety of techniques to accurately monitor and conduct well stimulation.

Abstract: A data acquisition program, which includes core, image log, microseismic, DAS, DTS, and pressure data, is described. This program can be used in conjunction with a variety of techniques to accurately monitor and conduct well stimulation.

Abstract: A geomechanically integrated model of stimulated rock volume (SRV) of subsurface formations in an area of interest for hydrocarbon production is formed. The methodology for forming the model takes into account geomechanical effects of interest and potential significance which occur over different dimensional scales. The methodology incorporates into the model fault perturbations which are present at a regional or seismic scale of from hundreds to thousands of meters, as well as layer stress occurring at a much smaller hydraulic fracture simulation scale of fractions of meters or meters. The methodology accommodates the differing representations of the subsurface grids used in previous models to represent these different geomechanical effects. Complex grid meshing and computer processing are avoided, improving computer operation and saving computer processing time.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a novel method for predicting or estimating rock mechanical properties from cuttings at a particular depth based on determining the facies, plotting the facies on a ternary diagram with clay, silica and carbonate endpoints, and estimating rock mechanical properties based on comparison to a database of core samples from vertical wells that is also organized by depth and facies. We have shown that datapoints at similar locations on the ternary diagram will have fairly similar rock properties. These rock properties can be used to improve the reliability of a variety of reservoir modeling platforms, which can then be used in designing and implementing completion, stimulation and production plans.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a novel method for predicting continuous wellbore mechanical properties such as static elastic stiffness and failure strength, where the properties solutions are deterministic and based on mechanical theory. It has at least three immediate applications: (a) continuous plots of mechanical properties vs. depth, (b) conceptual testing of the effect of changing constituent volume fractions, (c) ternary plots.

Abstract: A data acquisition program, which includes core, image log, microseismic, DAS, DTS, and pressure data, is described. This program can be used in conjunction with a variety of techniques to accurately monitor and conduct well stimulation.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a novel method for predicting or estimating rock mechanical properties from cuttings at a particular depth based on determining the facies, plotting the facies on a ternary diagram with clay, silica and carbonate endpoints, and estimating rock mechanical properties based on comparison to a database of core samples from vertical wells that is also organized by depth and facies. We have shown that datapoints at similar locations on the ternary diagram will have fairly similar rock properties. These rock properties can be used to improve the reliability of a variety of reservoir modeling platforms, which can then be used in designing and implementing completion, stimulation and production plans.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a novel method for predicting continuous wellbore mechanical properties such as static elastic stiffness and failure strength, where the properties solutions are deterministic and based on mechanical theory. It has at least three immediate applications: (a) continuous plots of mechanical properties vs. depth, (b) conceptual testing of the effect of changing constituent volume fractions, (c) ternary plots.

Abstract: The invention relates to the dividing up and testing of bulk samples from cores of rock. The method involves the extraction of several plugs for triaxial testing which are derived from exactly the same level in the core, and also Brazilian test samples and samples for compositional and textural analysis from the same level. Triaxial tests with different confining pressures may be performed to destruction on separate triaxial plugs, allowing a reliable full Mohr-Coulomb analysis to be performed. Mechanical properties may be related more reliably to composition and texture of rock. The technique is especially useful for non-conventional rock such as shale.

Abstract: The invention relates to the correlating of mechanical and geological (e.g. compositional) information from a rock core or a large number of rock cores. A geological facies model may be created correlating mechanical and geological information, and allowing prediction of the mechanical properties of rock with given geological properties, such as composition, porosity, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to the calculation of parameters to inform hydraulic stimulation of non-conventional hydrocarbon-bearing rock formations, such as shales. Unlike conventional formations, non-conventional formations tend to display elastic-plastic behavior and have stress-strain characteristics which with substantial non-linear regions. A parameter which has been termed Elastic Index (EI) is proposed, together with a demonstration of how this parameter, when coupled with principles of fracture mechanics, may be used to extract meaningful calculated or estimated values for e.g.; total required volume of fracturing fluid; treating pressure; fracturing fluid viscosity; proppant size; and proppant concentration.