Accuracy of the least compressive stress from borehole data and implication for analyses of calculations of the limit for hydrofracturing thresholds
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Project description
Knowledge of the magnitude of the least compressive stress (Shmin) is important for CO2 injection as well as for predicting the position of fluid contacts in overpressured reservoirs. Such determination is performed by analyses of leak off tests and extended leak off tests. These analyses techniques have developed through time. While some work has been performed to address the accuracy of these different methods (Nordgård Bolås, 2008) we now have a much larger database available for analyses.
The thesis will analyze the accuracy Shmin as determined by the different methods. The analyses will include comparisons results from several test cycles as well as from analyses of the consistency of calculated Shmin in wells with several tests and of results in nearby wells. Rock mechanical modeling will be used in addition to inspection of data from boreholes to evaluate the accuracy of the predicted stresses from individual methods. Knowledge of the accuracy of these methods will be used to address the accuracy of the predicted stresses in undrilled subsurface structures and the practical consequences of such uncertainties.
Proposed course plan during the master's degree (60 ECTS):
GEOV272 (10), GEOV251 (10), GEOV352 (5), GEOV362 (5), GEOV276 (10), GEOV274 (10), GEOV218 (10)
Felt- lab- og analysearbeid
Analyses of XLOT data provided by Equinor
