Investigation of geomechanical characteristics in one of the Iranian oilfields by using vertical seismic profile (VSP) data to predict hydraulic fracturing intervals

Geomechanics is a science that studies rock behavior under stress conditions. The major purpose of this study is to use seismic geophysics (Elastic wave) to examine the geomechanical properties of the Fahliyan reservoir zone in one of Iran's oilfields. The amount of compression and shear wave velocity were determined by processing vertical seismic profile (VSP) data to obtain geomechanical parameters from the P-wave and S-wave velocities. First of all, elastic moduli have been calculated. These factors were then empirically translated from dynamic into static modules. The K-Mean clustering approach was employed in this research to cluster geomechanical characteristics and determine geomechanical units. The key criteria for investigating wellbore stability and predicting the safe mud weight window are pore pressure, minimum horizontal stress, maximum horizontal stress, and induced stress from drilling operations. The quantity of uniaxial resistance is another critical parameter calculated by the porosity of the petrophysical logs and empirical equations comparing elasticity modulus and uniaxial stress resistance classification with bit size and caliper log. The drilling safe mud window was defined by applying a minimum and maximum pore pressure. Extensive fractures may occur if drilling fluid pressure predominates over the maximum horizontal stress. The amounts of induced tensions and shear fractures, as well as their locations, were used to identify suitable sections for hydraulic fracturing along the Fahliyan reservoir zone. This method can determine the possible zones for hydraulic fracture with analysis and comparison of VDL and UCS. The current research will benefit the petroleum industry by minimizing the problem of drilling.

Automated summary

This article introduces the study of rock behavior under stress conditions and its application in an oilfield in Iran. Seismic geophysics is used to examine geomechanical properties and clustering methods are employed to determine geomechanical units. This information helps in investigating wellbore stability and identifying possible areas for hydraulic fracturing.