Integrated Reservoir, Geology and Geomechanical Characterization for Unconventional Development: Application to the Diyab Play

Abstract The Diyab Formation is an organic-rich carbonate rock with low permeabilities and is one of the first unconventional targets to emerge in the Middle East. Vertical and horizontal exploration wells were drilled during the past years with proven productivity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Coupled geomechanical and reservoir characterizations of the Diyab formation are crucial for the successfulness of Stimulated Rock Volume (SRV) Creation and hydraulic fracturing operations which can have a direct impact on production performance. The objective of this study was to perform a full characterization of the Diyab formation based on extensive datasets that include logs and cores. The outcome of this integrated characterization work is used to assess the behavior of the Diyab formation across the concession block. First, we present the geology and general context of the studied area. Next, we detail the current understanding of the structural lineaments and natural fractures across the block. Then, based on full characterization work originating from data acquired on exploration and appraisal wells, we show how the results of geomechanical characterization together with the analysis of reservoirs quality/geological data allow us to suggest a vertical sub-division for Diyab formation. We explain further how the reservoir/geology, geomechanical parameters and natural fractures change laterally between wells. Reservoir characterization work concluded that there are some lateral variabilities in Diyab formation such as the change in the thickness/mineralogy of the carbonate bench and thickness of the porous wackestone. Some lateral variations in geomechanical/SRV parameters are observed within the block, resulted mainly from change in natural fractures density and properties of the carbonate bench and porous wackestone. This work is the first result of the integration of the current available data and the knowledge on Diyab formation, which could potentially evolve with the acquisition of new data and analyses. The combination of a full geomechanical characterization with a reservoir quality and structural geology study allows to propose a detailed reservoir and geomechanical sub-division for the Diyab formation. This approach will aid to better understand the lateral variability of facies, reservoir quality and geomechanical properties within the block which are crucial for successful development of this unconventional play.