Integrated fracture characterisation and fracture modelling course

Course Description

The objective of the course is to cover:

i)  the main challenges associated with the characterization and modelling of fractured reservoirs
ii) the fundamental of fracture developments
iii) fracture characterization at all scales using static and dynamic data
iv) the elaboration of conceptual fracture models
iv) the creation of fracture models using other techniques (e.g. geologically deterministic, straight to cell) than stochastically driven models.
 
At the end of this class, the participants will have gained a sound understanding on the heterogeneity of fracture networks, the control of rock properties on the geometry of fracture networks and also how to characterize fractures and build fracture models to cover the range of uncertainties highlighted in the characterization phase.
 
An optional  Virtual Reality field trip in Jebel Madar, Oman and other fractured reservoir locations is also possible. Jebel Madar is a world-class analogue of a fractured reservoir above a salt-cored anticline.

Course Outline

Day 1

• Natural fracture systems – A short introduction

• Fracture corridors and background fractures

• Main challenges of the characterisation and the modelling of fractured reservoirs

• Fracture characterisation using core data

• Fracture characterization using borehole image (BHI) data 

• Fracture characterization using log data

• Mechanical stratigraphy characterization using outcrop data

• Mechanical stratigraphy characterization using outcrop data

• Extrapolating fractures, in cross-section, away from a well

• Fracture pattern characterization using outcrop and satellite data

• Fracture characterization using Virtual Reality dataset

• Characterization using horizon curvature

• Characterization using seismic data 

• Characterization using dynamic data

Day 2

• Conceptual fracture models

• Which size of fracture model to build?

• Development options and model parameterisation

• Discrete Fracture Network models and Straight to Cell approaches

• Build fracture models on paper

• Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) models - A must or a nice to have?

• Scale discrepancy between observations and modelling

• Calibrating fracture models with dynamic data

• Fracture property array creation using a post-processing approach 

• Communication and analysis using DFN models

• Take away messages

• Models examples and case studies (for reference)

Day 3

An optional one-day or half-day of Collaborative Virtual Geology Field trip in Jebel Madar with several observations and interpretation exercises. This will be combined with the collaborative visit of other available outcrops based on the audience's interest. The collaborative virtual field trip is carried out using VRExplorer software from the company VR2Planets.

Participants’ Profile

This course is suitable for both new hires and experienced geoscientists, offering an exercise-based approach that reinforces and expands their knowledge. Professionals from all subsurface disciplines engaged in subsurface projects will find it valuable.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of geosciences and petroleum geology in general are preferable. Awareness of structural geology will be beneficial but not mandatory. For an in-house course, the ideal crowd is a mix of geoscientists and reservoir engineers. 

About the Instructor

Pascal Richard Holds a PhD in Earth Sciences from the University of Rennes (1991). After spending 30 years in the Oil Industry, as a recognized structural geology expert, Pascal can now concentrate on one of his passions which is teaching structural geology, fault geometry and fractured reservoirs charactersiation and modeling. Pascal is a passionate teacher and coach. He also actively supports academia work contributing to master and PhD programs. His knowledge is based on numerous integrated projects, both at Exploration and Production scales, and on numerous training run since the beginning of his career.  

Pascal joined Shell in 1991. He initially spent 5 years in the Shell Research lab where he developed, with the team, some of the foundation concepts of modern structural geology. He has led the sandbox laboratory and run numerous experimental programs covering all structural styles.  

He has then spent 3 years in Oman in Exploration as a seismic interpreter and in a structural geology support role. This was followed by 4 years in Shell Carbonate Development Research Team focusing on Fractured reservoirs. Pascal went back to Oman for 7 years to implement fractured reservoir software technology and act as a focal point for structural geology in the Middle East.  He finally spent 10 years in Shell Global Solutions working as a global consultant, working on projects and training. He has spent the last 3 years as the head of the  structural geology discipline in Shell.

Currently, Pascal is working as an independent structural geology expert delivering courses and technical consultancy projects. He is currently working on developing collaborative virtual reality field trip.