An Integrated Petrophysical Characterization of Shale Gas Reservoirs

PRESENTER: David Jacobi
Geologist/Geochemist/ Mineralogist, Baker/INTEQ

DATE: Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

TIME:12:00 AM
(Cocktails at 11:30)

PLACE: Fairmont Palliser

Abstract:

Gas shales are economically viable hydrocarbon prospects that have proven to be successful in North America. Generating commercial production from these unique lithologies requires stimulation through extensive hydraulic fracturing. The absence of an accurate petrophysical model for these unconventional plays makes the prediction of the fracturing success risky. To address this problem, an integrated petrophysical and geochemical Gas Shale Facies model for the characterization of the Barnett Shale has been developed. This method involves the integration of data derived from the geochemical, acoustic, density-neutron, and nuclear magnetic resonance logging tools. Together, they are used to differentiate between source rock intervals, classify depositional facies, and quantify total organic carbon, and to locate optimal fracture intervals and intervals of fracture energy attenuation. Resistivity image analysis complements the approach and is used to validate the results. We compare results from two different wells to show the effectiveness of the method for gas shale characterization in the Barnett. The method presented can be used to design a selective completion strategy that has the potential to reduce fracturing expenses and optimize well productivity. Though developed specifically for the Barnett shale, the underlying ideas are applicable to other thermogenic shale gas plays in North America.

Biography:

David Jacobi of Baker Hughes/INTEQ is a research scientist (Geologist/Geochemist/ Mineralogist) working in the STAR group at the Houston Technology Center. He has ten years of experience in the application of geochemistry and geophysics towards solving geological problems in both aquifer systems and hydrocarbon reservoirs. His current responsibilities involve the development of integrated geochemical and petrophysical methods for the characterization of shale gas and tight gas reservoirs as well as other conventional hydrocarbon reservoirs. He holds a B.S. in Geology from Midwestern State University and an M.S. in Geology/Geochemistry from Texas Tech University.