COURSE OVERVIEW:

The interaction between fluid flow and rock deformation is a critical factor in the management of high-pressure reservoirs and unconsolidated sands. This course provides an advanced exploration of coupled geomechanics, where changes in reservoir pressure directly influence the stress state and structural integrity of the formation. It addresses the mechanics of reservoir compaction, surface subsidence, and the potential for wellbore failure as the field is depleted.

The scope of this training involves the integration of reservoir simulation with finite element geomechanical models. Participants will learn how to develop constitutive laws for different rock types, including elastic, plastic, and creep behavior. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding the "one-way" and "two-way" coupling workflows, where the geomechanical response (such as pore volume reduction) is fed back into the dynamic simulation to improve the accuracy of production forecasts.

Coverage also includes the practical implications of geomechanics on field operations, such as the reactivation of faults and the design of hydraulic fractures. Students will explore how to use field data, including sonic logs and leak-off tests, to calibrate geomechanical models. By the end of this course, specialists will be able to predict and mitigate the risks associated with reservoir deformation, ensuring the long-term stability of the production infrastructure and the surrounding environment.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Define the principles of poroelasticity and effective stress.
• Understand the mathematical frameworks for coupled fluid flow and geomechanics.
• Identify the mechanical properties of reservoir rocks through laboratory testing.
• Model reservoir compaction and its impact on pore volume and permeability.
• Predict surface subsidence using analytical and numerical methods.
• Analyze the risk of fault reactivation due to pressure changes.
• Develop 3D mechanical earth models (MEM) for complex reservoirs.
• Evaluate the impact of geomechanics on wellbore stability.
• Use coupled modeling to optimize depletion strategies in soft formations.
• Calibrate geomechanical models using field surveillance data.
• Assess the potential for casing shear and deformation in compacting reservoirs.
• Implement one-way vs two-way coupling in industry-standard software.
• Design monitoring programs for surface and subsurface deformation.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Reservoir Engineers, Geologists, Geomechanical Engineers, and Geotechnical Specialists involved in the development of HPHT or unconsolidated reservoirs.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.