1-D MECHANICAL EARTH MODELING IN THE PERMIAN LUCAOGOU SHALE OF THE SANTANGHU BASIN, NORTHWEST CHINA FROM A COMPLETE SET OF LABORATORY DATA
Understanding various properties of unconventional shale plays is important for successful field operations and development. A total of 11 core plugs were collected from the productive unit of the Middle Permian Lucaogou Formation in the Santanghu Basin and were examined comprehensively with various experimental tools. Mineral assemblages were detected, and samples were found in the oil window with a combination of type I and II kerogens via XRD and Rock Eval analysis. Static and dynamic geomechanical methods provided us with a clear image of samples elastic properties and correlations were established between them through ultrasonic and geomechanical testing. Results showed that the samples have a brittle behavior with hydrostatic compressive strength ranging from 177.68 MPa to 419.63 MPa, and static Young’s modulus from 9.93 GPa to 53.24 GPa. In the next step, the measured data was used to calibrate the only-existing well log from where the samples were retrieved, and a 1-D MEM was built throughout the entire target formation. Ultimately, Partial Least Square Regression (PLS) analysis revealed that feldspar and calcite are the main stiff minerals that would affect mechanical properties positively, while clay minerals and organic matter could have a negative impact on the rock mechanics parameters.