Not All Unconventional Reservoirs Are Similar: MENA Regional vs. Global Anisotropic Rock Index and Mechanical Characterization – Part 1

Abstract

Unconventional formations require advanced mechanical and index assessments to improve their understanding under different geomechanical processes. However, difficulties associated with obtaining cores from the target formations and the challenges with sample preparation increase the assessment complexity. This research compiles data from unconventional index properties and rock mechanical test results from published articles and reports. The parameters include rock mineralogy, rock mechanical properties (compressive strength and elastic properties), and petrophysical properties (porosity, TOC, and permeability). The study showcases the main differences between the global and regional (Middle East and North Africa) rock formations and presents the best analogs for the regional reservoirs. These findings supplement the scarce and complex procurement of the needed rock specimens and reduce the number of core samples required for detailed evaluations. These outcomes help reduce the costs (equipment, sample preparation, measurement time, and the number of specimens tested) associated with the unconventional rock experimental evaluation. In addition, this study explores the successful development strategy implemented in the unconventional reservoirs in China to accomplish commercial production and recommends appropriate rock analogs for detailed experimental evaluations. This paper is part of an in-depth literature data compilation of MENA regional and global unconventional formations. This section of the study focuses on the target unconventional formations of Saudi Arabia and the unconventional formations in China, the USA, and Canada.