Tight (low permeability) gas formations contain an increasingly important component of the Nation's natural gas resources and gas storage reservoirs. In recent years, operators have come to realize that well-developed natural fractures are the dominant controlling production mechanism in these types of reservoirs and are, by far, the most critical element allowing economical production. This project will develop techniques for natural fracture characterization, including the orientation, spacing, and extent, as well as areas of optimum permeability due to natural fracture systems. A multi-faceted, integrated technological approach will emphasize the use of geomechanical modeling. Phase I will implement an integrated approach for characterizing natural fractures using geomechanical modeling, based on input parameters defined by remote sensing, aeromagnetic data, well logs, seismic interpretation, and other subsurface data. The study will delineate natural fractures for the Stark-Summit and Chippewa gas storage reservoirs of eastern Ohio.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The natural fracture characterization technology should greatly increase the efficiency of exploring for, developing, and managing natural gas resources in difficult-to-access low-permeability reservoirs. The potential base to which the technology could be applied is more than double current U.S. reserves.
