Anisotropic Stress Models Improve Completion Design in the Baxter Shale

Abstract

Abstract In unconventional reservoirs, stress models that account for anisotropy yield a stress profile which better represents in-situ conditions than the profile suggested by an isotropic stress model. Completion designs based on an accurate petrophysical model and stress profile which quantifies containment, influences perforating and staging strategies. This can help improve stimulation coverage from discreet shale intervals and lead to more economic completion decisions. This paper shows a comparison of stress magnitude estimated with a traditional linear poroelastic model from sonic data, with stress magnitude estimated from a model which accounts for transverse isotropy. A case study from the Baxter Shale play will show static and dynamic elastic moduli measured from core and acoustical logging, which vary significantly when measured in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The resultant stress profile estimated with a stress equation which accounts for this anisotropy better characterizes subtle stress changes that are significant for staging and perforating design in unconventional gas plays such as the Baxter Shale.