COURSE OVERVIEW:

Shale geology and unconventional play characterization have redefined the energy landscape by focusing on low-permeability reservoirs that require specialized extraction techniques. Unlike conventional sandstone or carbonate reservoirs, shales function as the source, seal, and reservoir simultaneously. This course explores the complex mineralogical, geochemical, and mechanical properties of fine-grained sedimentary rocks, providing participants with the tools necessary to evaluate the economic potential of organic-rich mudstones.

The scope of this course covers the multi-scale characterization of shale systems, from nano-pore imaging to basin-wide stratigraphic mapping. Participants will delve into the sedimentology of mudstones, examining how depositional processes influence the distribution of organic matter and brittle minerals. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of petrophysics and geomechanics, which is critical for determining a shale’s "frackability" and its ability to sustain hydrocarbon flow through artificial stimulation.

Coverage includes the evaluation of key parameters such as Total Organic Content (TOC), thermal maturity, and pore-pressure regimes. The course details the workflows used to identify "sweet spots" within vast unconventional plays, combining geological insights with engineering constraints. By understanding the heterogeneity of shale plays, geoscientists and engineers can optimize horizontal well placement and completion designs, ensuring the commercial viability of these technically demanding resources.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

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

• Describe the fundamental geological differences between conventional and unconventional reservoirs.
• Analyze mudstone sedimentology and its impact on reservoir heterogeneity.
• Quantify Total Organic Content (TOC) and evaluate source rock richness.
• Assess thermal maturity using Vitrinite Reflectance and pyrolysis data.
• Identify brittle vs. ductile zones based on mineralogical composition.
• Interpret the pore systems of shales using SEM and nano-computed tomography.
• Evaluate the geomechanical properties required for effective hydraulic fracturing.
• Predict pore pressure and stress regimes in low-permeability formations.
• Map the stratigraphic architecture of shale plays using sequence principles.
• Integrate wireline logs with core data to calibrate unconventional petrophysics.
• Design a workflow for unconventional "sweet spot" identification.
• Assess the risk and uncertainty associated with unconventional play development.
• Formulate an integrated characterization strategy for a target shale basin.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Geologists, Petrophysicists, Geomechanical Engineers, Reservoir Engineers, and Exploration Managers involved in unconventional asset development.

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.