Shell Canada

Accurate modeling of hydraulic fracture geometry in heterogeneous shale formations remains a persistent challenge, particularly when limited to sparse core data or low-resolution well geophysical logs. This study introduces a workflow that integrates high-resolution scratch test data with advanced signal processing, statistical methods, and machine learning (ML) to quantify centimeter-scale heterogeneity and translate it into simulation-ready geomechanical properties. The objective is to enhance the fracture propagation and vertical containment predictions in unconventional reservoirs through improved mechanical property characterization and physics-based modeling. Scratch test data from multiple wells were analyzed to develop continuous strength profiles at centimeter-scale resolution. The raw data were processed using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)–based denoising, followed by moving-average upscaling to align the data with the sampling interval of conventional wireline logs. The denoised core-scale data were correlated with well logs through supervised ML models, including Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms. Among these, the Random Forest model achieved the highest accuracy (R2 > 0.84) and was used to generate continuous, synthetic scratch-equivalent strength logs across uncored well sections. Fracture toughness was subsequently derived from the predicted scratch strength using an energetic size-effect formulation, and both horizontal and vertical toughness values were upscaled following the Dontsov–Suarez-Rivera (2021) fracture-energy-based homogenization method. The homogenized datasets were incorporated into a commercial hydraulic fracturing simulator to evaluate the sensitivity of fracture geometry to depth resolution of the fracture toughness profile. Fracture simulations using high-resolution inputs produced more complex fracture geometries, with limited height growth and improved alignment with stress-derived barriers. This study demonstrates a practical, end-to-end approach that links laboratory-scale mechanical data with field-scale hydraulic fracture modeling, offering a framework to reduce uncertainty in fracture design for heterogeneous shale reservoirs.

Microseismic monitoring represents a key surveillance technology to verify the integrity of subsurface CO2 storage sites. The precise location of microseismic events is first and foremost a direct and immediate indication of caprock and seal behavior but could also provide insight into CO2 plume migration. Tiny precursor movements provide diagnostic information about injection-related reservoir and caprock dynamics long before potential seal failure occurs. We present a case study from the Quest CCS facility in Canada, where a variety of different monitoring technologies are employed. We present the different microseismic sensor technologies and array configurations currently installed at the site and compare them against each other with respect to their reliability and effectiveness in providing the required verification information.

Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) have been actively recovering hydrocarbons from Heavy-oil reservoirs located in the Northern Kuwait (NK) Fields. Northern Kuwait Heavy Oil (NKHO) reserves are mainly located in two major fields: Field-1 (cold well) and Field-2 (thermal well). Currently, this heavy oil field is in the developmental phase, and KOC plans to add additional wells yearly. Field-2 is a thermal field, currently producing with a water cut of approximately 45%. Typically, water coning is a major challenge that hinders thermal recovery in a heavy oil reservoir with a bottom or boundary aquifer. This situation typically occurs when the production zone is near an aquifer or a water-bearing formation with a permeable connection, based on the ratio of horizontal to vertical permeability between the oil production zone and water formation. Coning occurs with pressure drawdown, causing water to migrate from the bottom to the wellbore. This is strictly a near-wellbore phenomenon that occurs only once the pressure forces drawing fluids toward the wellbore exceed the natural buoyancy forces that segregate gas and water from oil. Coning is a rate-sensitive phenomenon generally associated with high production rates. Although it can be controlled by decreasing the production rates, this approach is unfavorable because oil production is reduced and water production impacts the economic life of reservoirs and ultimate recovery. Moreover, it increases the operating expenses such as pumping, water/oil separation, and equipment costs. Additionally, excess water production causes wellbore corrosion, scaling, and sand production problems. Because of the chemical complexity of the produced water, its disposal is a major environmental concern. This also increases the disposal costs. Therefore, developing a proper and economical method to shut off or lower excess water has become one of the most significant concerns of the KOC in the NKHO field. Field-2 is a relatively new emerging field with increased intervention complexity due to an increase in water cuts. Early remedial job trials using conventional thermal slurries were unsuccessful in Field-2. This study illustrates the deployment of a novel cementing solution to address the challenges associated with conventional thermal cement for low-pressure, low-temperature, water-shut-off cement squeeze jobs. The slurry design and approach have good potential for vast applications in Kuwait and heavy oil fields worldwide.

Steam methane reforming (SMR) is the most widely used process for bulk hydrogen production and accounts for most of the hydrogen produced worldwide. As this is an highly endothermic reaction, large amount of heat must be supplied to the system, thus requiring heat resistant materials capable of withstanding continued operation at temperatures exceeding 1,500 degrees F (815 degrees C). In this study, microstructural characterization and mechanical testing was conducted on inservice exposed HP40-modified material. Creep damage and changes in precipitate structure were characterized using a variety of microscopy tools. The effect of microstructural evolution on high temperature creep performance due to longterm aging was investigated using standard creep testing methods using round bar specimens. Additional challenges, such as variation in material pedigree, impact of grain structure on performance and importance of test sample orientation are also discussed. The results show that long-term exposure to high temperatures will reduce the overall life of components; however, the resulting ductility increased in samples exposed to the highest temperature. To address challenges with traditional life management procedures, a method for full-scale, high temperature pressurized creep testing of SMR furnace tube samples is being developed and initial results are presented and compared against those from traditional creep specimen geometries.

Carbon capture, sequestration, and storage (CCS) is considered as an immediate possible measure to address global warming by reducing CO2 emission to the environment. Amines are used widely to capture CO2 gas from industrial exhaust gas streams. Introduction of cost-effective construction materials in the amine services can offer significant cost benefit to the users. Therefore, an extensive laboratory study was conducted to evaluate glass reinforced plastic (GRP) as a construction material for some large equipment used in the process. Very limited published record was found studying GRP’s interaction with amine solvents, especially for longer time exposure. Information received from GRP and resin suppliers supported the same. Apart from cost reduction, GRP can help reducing iron contamination of amines, which is well known to catalyze amine degradation in a post combustion environment. Impact of exposure of GRP to an amine formulation at temperatures up to 100°C on its properties were measured. Changes in glass transition temperature (Tg), tensile properties, Barcol hardness, weight and visual appearance were recorded. The Plastic Design Library (PDL) guided chemical resistance of the GRP material was calculated. No significant impact was observed during this study, indicating suitability of the GRP material for application in amine-based processes up to a certain temperature limit.