Meeting Information

"The Importance of Anisotropy for Stress Estimation from Advanced Acoustical Measurements in Unconventional Reservoirs"

Shannon Higgins
Schlumberger Data and Consulting Services

In-situ stress conditions need to be accurately quantified in order to effectively stimulate unconventional reservoirs. Stress models that account for anisotropy yield a stress profile which better represents in-situ conditions, rather than profiles suggested by an isotropic stress model.   These advanced stress profiles can be used to optimize perforation and staging strategies, as well as influence lateral landing point decisions and overall completion strategies.

Isotropic models have been the industry standard for more than 30 years; not because isotropy was a good assumption, but because anisotropic logging measurements were unavailable.  Today, these measurements are available, and the derived anisotropic stress profiles are impacting drilling and completion decisions.  The focus of this presentation is quantifying and understanding the impact of vertical anisotropy, controlled by sedimentary layering.  First, the acoustical logging methodology used to quantify elastic properties in both horizontal and vertical directions will be shown. Then the affect of this anisotropy for stress estimation will be explained.  Lastly the importance of an accurate stress profile for decision making will be addressed. 

To illustrate the value of accurately quantifying anisotropy and stress, numerous case studies from the Rockies and western United States will be presented.

From the President

Stefani Whittaker (The Discovery Group)

(click on the image to view a larger version)

Are you in this picture? Do you know who is? I issue a challenge this month…to the person that can email me (StefaniWhittaker@Discovery-Group.com) the correct names of the most people in the above picture first (newsletter editor and any person in the picture excluded) will get a FREE lunch for the February meeting!

Have you ever served on a DWLS board? We are trying to put together a very complete history of previous boards and would like to know when you served, what position you held, who was on the board with you, and what their board titles were. We have a complete record back to 1997, but prior to that is incomplete.  Please email myself at the above address or Dominic Holmes (Dominic.Holmes@DigitalFormation.com) with your information. Thanks!

Your current board has made a decision to represent our society by joining the planning force for NGOGP (Next Generation Oil and Gas Professionals). This society is a group of younger generation members from all of the Professional Societies around Denver (ie. RMAG, DAPL, SPE, COPAS, and DGS). They sponsor networking happy hours, industry relevant lunch and learns, and sports leagues throughout the year. This group boasts attendees in the oil and gas world including accountants, engineers, geologists, geophysicists, gas processors, land men, and now with the addition of the DWLS, petrophysicists! One of the benefits of contributing a member to the planning efforts of the NGOGP functions is having our society name and schedule posted on their website with a link to our website.

For the younger members of DWLS, please go to the NGOGP website and get involved with the networking functions, the lunch and learns, the sports leagues, and the volunteer opportunities that will be available soon. This is a great opportunity to expand your professional contacts in many areas of the industry, while having fun in a relaxed setting.

And for DWLS members who would like to support this society there are opportunities to sponsor functions, contribute swag giveaways, and contribute your knowledge and expertise in the lunch and learns. Please contact either myself, or visit the NGOGP home website ( http://sites.google.com/site/nextgenoilgas/Home) for more information.

From the Vice President - Technology

Terri Olson (EOG Resources)

Workshop Update

Plans for the spring workshop on Formation Evaluation Challenges in the Rockies have been laid. The event will again take place at the student center at CSM, on Wednesday, March 10. Special guest Paul Worthington will talk on evaluating fresh water reservoirs. Tad Smith of ConocoPhillips will speak on unconventional uses of sonic data in unconventional rocks. Julie Shemeta will give an overview and case studies of microseismic monitoring of hydraulic fracs. Roger Reinmiller and colleagues from Fronterra will talk about image logging in horizontal wells. Mike Miller of BP will talk about shale evaluation techniques from core and log data. And Mike Batzle of CSM will talk about formation evaluation challenges in the Bakken.

The deadline to register is Feb. 17, but it’s filling up fast, so don’t wait until the last minute. Here’s the link for DWLS members to register at the discounted price of $175.  If you have colleagues or associates that are not members, please direct them to the regular registration site.

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