Impact of High Resolution 3D Geomechanics on Well Optimization in the Southern Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Abstract

Optimizing the number of casing strings has a direct impact on cost of drilling a well. The objective of the case study presented in this paper is the demonstration of reducing cost through integration of data. This paper shows the impact of high-resolution 3D geomechanical modeling on well cost optimization for the GS327 Oil field. The field is located in the Sothern Gulf of Suez basin and has been developed by 20 wells The conventional casing design in the field included three sections. In this mature field, especially with the challenge of reducing production cost, it is imperative to look for opportunites to optimize cost in drilling new wells to sustain ptoduction. 3D geomechanics is crucial for such cases in order to optimize the cost per barrel at the same time help to drill new wells safely. An old wellbore stability study did not support the decision-maker to merge any hole sections. However, there was not geomechanics-related problems recorded during the drilling the drilling of different mud weights. In this study, a 3D geomechanical model was developed and the new mud weight calculations positively affected the casing design for two new wells. The cost optimization will be useful for any future wells to be drilled in this area. This study documents how a 3D geomechanical model helped in the successful delivery of objectives (guided by an understanding of pore pressure and rock properties) through revision of mud weight window calculations that helped in optimizing the casing design and eliminate the need for an intermediate casing. This study reveals that the new calculated pore pressure in the GS327 field is predominantly hydrostatic with a minor decline in the reservoir pressure. In addition, rock strength of the shale is moderately high and nearly homogeneous, which helped in achieving a new casing design for the last two drilled wells in the field.