Analysis of the geomechanical properties of the Jurassic Khatatba reservoir in Shushan Basin, Egypt and its implications for wellbore stability assessment

A proper investigation of geomechanical properties of reservoir sediments allows accurate prediction of both magnitude and direction of different stress regimes. These are crucial for hydrocarbon production and development particularly in deformed and structurally controlled petroliferous basins. The rift basins in the north Western Desert (NWD) provide analogues for these structurally controlled prolific regions, where the syn-rift Jurassic sedimentary successions host prolific reservoir targets. However, a detailed assessment of the geomechanical behavior of the Jurassic reservoirs has never been investigated. Thus, the present study utilizes wireline log data to determine the geomechanical properties of the syn-rift Jurassic facies of the Khatatba Formation in Shushan Basin in the NWD. Mechanical earth model was constructed and formation microimager logs (FMI) were interpreted for to investigate the geomechanical behavior and wellbore stability of the studied deformed facies. The stress direction was determined from FMI by identifying drilling-induced fractures, breakout zones and formation fractures. Resistive, conductive and partially conductive fractures are oriented in NE–SW, ESE–WSW, NW–SE, NE–SW and SW–NE directions coinciding with the Jurassic syn-rift structures. The ENE–WSW direction of breakout and minimum horizontal stress (SH_min) are the same as that of the primary fault in the study region contrasting with the NNW–SSE direction of maximum horizontal stress (SH_max) and induced fractures. The present study highlights the significance of integrating wireline logging results in interpreting the critical and non-critical stress orientations which are necessary for optimal production plans in structurally controlled prolific basins around the globe.