Integrated Workflow for Feasibility Study of Cuttings Reinjection Based on 3D Geomechanics Analysis and Case Study

Abstract This paper presents an integrated workflow for feasibility study of cuttings reinjection (CRI) based on 3D geomechanics analysis. Solutions of various mechanical variables obtained with 3D geomechanics analysis at various level of scale are used as basis for designing parameters of CRI. Solutions of geomechanics analysis provide basis for a feasibility study and/or design of CRI: solution of 3D geostress distribution and the effective stress ratio are the essential factors for selecting the best location of injection well; solution of 1D geomechanics analysis provides basis for choice of true vertical depth (TVD) interval for injection sections; and hydraulic fracturing performed in the framework of 3D geomechanics analysis provides the most accurate solution for both the injection pressure window and fault reactivation related to CRI as well as estimation of seismic behavior. Example of feasibility study of cuttings reinjection with the integrated workflow proposed here is presented with data from a case in offshore West Africa. Solutions of geomechanics analysis are used for decision making at various stages of CRI. There are several faults in this region. The location of the injection well is chosen at a place with principal stress ratio's value at 0.68. The interval of injection well section is chosen as a 140-ft section with center at TVD = 6,700 ft. The numerical solution of injection pressure window is defined with 46 MPa as lower bound and 80 MPa as upper bound. The width of the fracture is 0.069 m, and length and height are 4,000 m and 100 m respectively. The accommodation volume of fluid with cuttings is 2.76×104 m3. The maximum magnitude of Richter scale of the seismicity corresponding to the fault reactivation is 3.15. The case study described in this paper provides an integrated workflow for feasibility study of CRI based on 3D geomechanics analysis. A best practice for this type of CRI design is also presented.