Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0582-8728

Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

PhD

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering

Committee Chair

Kashy Aminian

Committee Member

Samuel Ameri

Committee Member

Mohamed El Sgher

Committee Member

Jeremy Gouzd

Committee Member

Joshua Dalton

Abstract

In the realm of conventional reservoirs, the estimation of Original Gas-in-Place (OGIP) has long been established using traditional material balance method. However, the emergence of unconventional shale reservoirs accessed through horizontal well and hydraulic fracturing presents new challenges for estimation OGIP by the traditional material balance. The flowing material balance (FMB) has the potential to provide an estimate of the OGIP in the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV).

Adsorption of hydrocarbons to the organic matter within the shale rock matrix represents a significant component of the overall OGIP. The inclusion of the Langmuir volume and pressure in the material balance equation has shown promise to account for adsorption in these reservoirs. The shale mechanical properties are more sensitive to stress. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the impact of shale compaction when estimating OGIP. The impact of shale compaction can be implemented through application of the permeability multipliers determined from experimental data.

The ultimate objective of this research is to determine the feasibility of assessing OGIP in the stimulated shale reservoir volume through application of the flowing material balance concept. To achieve this, the predicted production, and flowing pressures data for a horizontal shale well with multistage hydraulic fracture were analyzed to validate the methodology for the evaluation of OGIP in the stimulated shale reservoir volume.

By addressing this critical issue in unconventional reservoir management, this study aims to present a comprehensive OGIP determination methodology that can be employed in the early stages of a shale gas well's life cycle. The findings and insights derived from this research will contribute to enhanced decision-making processes, improved reservoir characterization, and ultimately more efficient and effective exploitation of unconventional shale resources.

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