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Mark D. Zoback
and
Arjun H. Kohli
The production of hydrocarbons from extremely low permeability unconventional reservoirs through horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing has transformed the global energy landscape. Although hundreds of thousands of wells have been drilled and completed, recovery factors remain low in both tight oil (2-10%) and shale gas (15-25%) reservoirs. This course, designed for both geoscientists and engineers, covers topics ranging from the physical properties of reservoir rocks at the nanometer- to centimeter-scale to the state of stress on fractures and faults at the basin-scale. The course follows the textbook Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics by Mark Zoback and Arjun Kohli, available in print or electronic versions.
Read more
The production of hydrocarbons from extremely low permeability unconventional reservoirs through horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing has transformed the global energy landscape. Although hundreds of thousands of wells have been drilled and completed, recovery factors remain low in both tight oil (2-10%) and shale gas (15-25%) reservoirs. This course, designed for both geoscientists and engineers, covers topics ranging from the physical properties of reservoir rocks at the nanometer- to centimeter-scale to the state of stress on fractures and faults at the basin-scale. The course follows the textbook Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics by Mark Zoback and Arjun Kohli, available in print or electronic versions.
Read more
The production of hydrocarbons from extremely low permeability unconventional reservoirs through horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing has transformed the global energy landscape. Although hundreds of thousands of wells have been drilled and completed, recovery factors remain low in both tight oil (2-10%) and shale gas (15-25%) reservoirs. This course, designed for both geoscientists and engineers, covers topics ranging from the physical properties of reservoir rocks at the nanometer- to centimeter-scale to the state of stress on fractures and faults at the basin-scale. The course follows the textbook Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics by Mark Zoback and Arjun Kohli, available in print or electronic versions.
Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics, Cambridge University Press 2019
https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/unconventional-reservoir-geomechanics/39665444034A2EF143D749DF48A5E5DC
The first part of the course covers topics that become progressively broader in scale, starting with laboratory studies of the microstructural, mechanical, and flow properties of reservoir rocks and concluding with field observations of fractures, faults, and the state of stress in unconventional basins. The second part of the course focuses on the process of stimulating production using horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing. Important engineering concepts will be reviewed, including microseismic monitoring, production and depletion, well-to-well interactions, and hydraulic fracture propagation. The final part of the course addresses the environmental impacts of unconventional oil and gas development, in particular the occurrence and management of induced seismicity.
Two units will be released each week on edX. Each unit will be comprised of 3-5 video modules 10-20 minutes in length. Videos can be accessed at any time before the end of the course. Grading will be based entirely on 6 homework assignments. Homeworks are due on edX at the start of each week at 07:00 UTC (00:00 PST). Students who select the verified enrollment option and earn at least 70% on the homeworks will receive a certificate from edX.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/vnf8l4/unconventional
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What's inside
Learning objectives
- Definition, formation, and extent of unconventional reservoirs
- Physical properties of unconventional reservoir rocks
- State of stress in unconventional reservoirs
- Horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing
- Reservoir seismology and microseismic monitoring
- Environmental impacts of unconventional reservoir development
- Managing risk of induced seismicity
- Definition, formation, and extent of unconventional reservoirs
- Physical properties of unconventional reservoir rocks
- State of stress in unconventional reservoirs
- Horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing
- Reservoir seismology and microseismic monitoring
- Environmental impacts of unconventional reservoir development
- Managing risk of induced seismicity
Syllabus
Syllabus
4/6 Week 1
Unit 1: Introduction and Course Overview
Unit 2: Unconventional Reservoirs
Read more
Syllabus
Syllabus
4/6 Week 1
Unit 1: Introduction and Course Overview
Unit 2: Unconventional Reservoirs
Read more
4/13 Week 2
Homework 1 – State of Stress in Unconventional Reservoirs ****
Unit 3: Stress, Fractures and Faults I
Unit 4: Horizontal Drilling and Hydraulic Fracturing
4/20 Week 3
Homework 1 Due
Homework 2 – Composition and Elastic Properties
Unit 5: Composition, Fabric, Elastic Properties and Anisotropy
Unit 6: Rock Strength and Ductility
4/27 Week 4
Homework 2 Due
Homework 3 – Ductility, Friction, and Stress Magnitudes ****
Unit 7: Ductility and Stress Magnitudes
Unit 8: Frictional Properties
5/4 Week 5
Homework 3 Due
Homework 4 – Flow and Sorption
Unit 9: Pore Networks and Pore Fluids
Unit 10: Flow and Sorption ****
5/11 Week 6
Homework 4 Due
Homework 5 – Stress, Faults, and Reservoir Seismology ****
Unit 11: Stress, Fractures, and Faults II
Unit 12: Reservoir Seismology
5/18 Week 7
Homework 5 Due
Homework 6 – Induced Shear Slip on Faults
Unit 13: Shear Stimulation and Depletion
Unit 14: Stimulation Optimization
5/25 Week 8
Homework 6 Due
Unit 15: Production and Depletion
Unit 16: Environmental Impacts
6/1 Week 9
Unit 17: Induced Seismic and Unconventional Reservoir Development
Unit 18: Managing Risk of Induced Seismicity
6/8 Week 10
Unit 19: Discussion and Wrap-up
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches fundamental and advanced concepts in unconventional reservoir geomechanics, which are essential for understanding and optimizing hydrocarbon recovery from these reservoirs
Provides real-time updates on research developments with video modules featuring renowned experts in the field of unconventional reservoir geomechanics, including Mark D. Zoback and Arjun H. Kohli
Strong alignment with the energy industry's shift towards unconventional reservoir development, making it highly relevant for professionals in the field
Develops a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of unconventional reservoir geomechanics, preparing learners for industry challenges
Provides a comprehensive understanding of the topic through a combination of video lectures, homework assignments, and discussion forums
Requires completion of homework assignments to earn a certificate, ensuring active engagement and comprehension of course material
Save this course
Save Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics with these
activities:
Compile a collection of resources on unconventional reservoir geomechanics
Show steps
Organize and expand your knowledge base by gathering a comprehensive collection of resources on unconventional reservoir geomechanics.
Show steps
-
Search for journal articles, conference proceedings, and other resources on unconventional reservoir geomechanics.
-
Use a reference management tool to organize the resources you find.
-
Create a bibliography or annotated bibliography of the resources.
Learn how to use the software used in the course
Show steps
Gain proficiency with the software tools used in the course, which will enhance your ability to analyze and interpret data.
Show steps
-
Watch the tutorial videos provided by the course instructors.
-
Follow along with the hands-on exercises in the tutorials.
-
Practice using the software on your own data.
Participate in a peer-led discussion group
Show steps
Engage with classmates in discussions and activities to enhance your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
-
Join or form a peer-led discussion group with other students in the course.
-
Meet regularly to discuss the course material, work on problems together, and share your insights.
-
Take turns leading the discussion and presenting your findings to the group.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice solving problems related to stress and fractures
Show steps
Enhance your problem-solving skills by working through exercises that focus on stress and fractures, which are critical concepts in unconventional reservoir geomechanics.
Browse courses on
Stress Analysis
Show steps
-
Work through the practice problems in the textbook for this course.
-
Find additional practice problems online or in other textbooks.
-
Form a study group with other students to work on problems together.
Attend a workshop on unconventional reservoir geomechanics
Show steps
Gain exposure to the latest research and best practices in unconventional reservoir geomechanics by attending a workshop or conference.
Show steps
-
Research upcoming workshops and conferences on unconventional reservoir geomechanics.
-
Register for a workshop or conference that aligns with your interests.
-
Attend the workshop or conference and take notes on the presentations.
Develop a presentation on a topic related to unconventional reservoir geomechanics
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of a specific topic by researching and creating a presentation that shares your knowledge with others.
Show steps
-
Choose a topic related to unconventional reservoir geomechanics that you are interested in.
-
Research the topic thoroughly using the course materials, textbooks, and other resources.
-
Create a presentation that includes an overview of the topic, key findings, and your own insights.
-
Practice your presentation and get feedback from your peers or instructors.
-
Deliver your presentation to the class or a group of interested individuals.
Design and simulate a hydraulic fracturing operation
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of unconventional reservoir geomechanics to a real-world problem by designing and simulating a hydraulic fracturing operation.
Show steps
-
Choose a reservoir and wellbore geometry for your simulation.
-
Develop a hydraulic fracturing model using appropriate software.
-
Run the simulation and analyze the results.
-
Optimize the hydraulic fracturing design to maximize production.
Compile a collection of resources on unconventional reservoir geomechanics
Show steps
Organize and expand your knowledge base by gathering a comprehensive collection of resources on unconventional reservoir geomechanics.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for journal articles, conference proceedings, and other resources on unconventional reservoir geomechanics.
- Use a reference management tool to organize the resources you find.
- Create a bibliography or annotated bibliography of the resources.
Learn how to use the software used in the course
Show steps
Gain proficiency with the software tools used in the course, which will enhance your ability to analyze and interpret data.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Watch the tutorial videos provided by the course instructors.
- Follow along with the hands-on exercises in the tutorials.
- Practice using the software on your own data.
Participate in a peer-led discussion group
Show steps
Engage with classmates in discussions and activities to enhance your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join or form a peer-led discussion group with other students in the course.
- Meet regularly to discuss the course material, work on problems together, and share your insights.
- Take turns leading the discussion and presenting your findings to the group.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice solving problems related to stress and fractures
Show steps
Enhance your problem-solving skills by working through exercises that focus on stress and fractures, which are critical concepts in unconventional reservoir geomechanics.
Browse courses on
Stress Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Work through the practice problems in the textbook for this course.
- Find additional practice problems online or in other textbooks.
- Form a study group with other students to work on problems together.
Attend a workshop on unconventional reservoir geomechanics
Show steps
Gain exposure to the latest research and best practices in unconventional reservoir geomechanics by attending a workshop or conference.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research upcoming workshops and conferences on unconventional reservoir geomechanics.
- Register for a workshop or conference that aligns with your interests.
- Attend the workshop or conference and take notes on the presentations.
Develop a presentation on a topic related to unconventional reservoir geomechanics
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of a specific topic by researching and creating a presentation that shares your knowledge with others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic related to unconventional reservoir geomechanics that you are interested in.
- Research the topic thoroughly using the course materials, textbooks, and other resources.
- Create a presentation that includes an overview of the topic, key findings, and your own insights.
- Practice your presentation and get feedback from your peers or instructors.
- Deliver your presentation to the class or a group of interested individuals.
Design and simulate a hydraulic fracturing operation
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of unconventional reservoir geomechanics to a real-world problem by designing and simulating a hydraulic fracturing operation.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a reservoir and wellbore geometry for your simulation.
- Develop a hydraulic fracturing model using appropriate software.
- Run the simulation and analyze the results.
- Optimize the hydraulic fracturing design to maximize production.
Career center
Learners who complete Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineers are involved in a range of projects related to sourcing, producing, and distributing oil and natural gas. They collaborate with teams to find suitable drilling locations, optimize recovery processes, and monitor reservoirs. Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics can help Petroleum Engineers build a foundation in critical topics such as drilling, fracturing, and recovery. The course introduces state-of-the-art practices for maximizing reservoir yield, and it provides an overview of the environmental impacts of harvesting from unconventional reservoirs.
Geomechanical Engineer
Geomechanical Engineer
Geomechanical Engineers are involved in subsurface projects, such as the development of natural resources, optimization of infrastructure, and management of environmental risks. They design and implement solutions to solve geological problems, which may include the analysis of stress, strain, and temperature on geological formations. Understanding the principles of Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics can help Geomechanical Engineers develop a deeper understanding of the behavior of geological formations. The course can help in areas such as evaluating the potential for induced seismic activity and mitigating risks associated with wellbore stability.
Reservoir Engineer
Reservoir Engineer
Reservoir Engineers evaluate and develop processes for extracting oil and gas from reservoirs. They consider factors such as reservoir pressure, temperature, permeability, porosity, and fluid properties in order to maximize oil and gas recovery. A course in Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics can provide Reservoir Engineers with a comprehensive understanding of critical topics such as reservoir characterization, wellbore stability analysis, and enhanced recovery techniques. The course can help Reservoir Engineers understand the specific challenges of unconventional reservoirs and develop optimal practices for their exploitation.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants provide expert advice and solutions to businesses, governments, and organizations on environmental issues. They assess potential environmental impacts of projects, develop and implement environmental management plans, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The topics covered in Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics, such as induced seismicity and the environmental impacts of unconventional reservoir development, can be highly valuable to Environmental Consultants. The course can help them gain a deeper understanding of the potential environmental risks associated with unconventional oil and gas development and develop effective strategies for mitigating these risks.
Geologist
Geologist
Geologists study the Earth's physical structure and history, including the composition, structure, and properties of the Earth's crust. They use their knowledge to locate and develop natural resources, such as oil, gas, and minerals, and to assess geological hazards, such as earthquakes and landslides. A course in Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics may be helpful for Geologists who are interested in specializing in the field of unconventional oil and gas development. The course can provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the geological characteristics of unconventional reservoirs and the challenges associated with their exploration and production.
Drilling Engineer
Drilling Engineer
Drilling Engineers are responsible for planning and executing drilling operations. They select the appropriate drilling equipment and techniques, and monitor drilling progress to ensure that it is carried out safely and efficiently. They also evaluate drilling data to identify potential problems and develop solutions. Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics can help Drilling Engineers build a foundation in topics such as drilling fluid properties, wellbore stability, and the design of drilling programs. The course can help Drilling Engineers understand the specific challenges of drilling in unconventional reservoirs and develop optimal practices for these operations.
Production Engineer
Production Engineer
Production Engineers design and implement strategies to optimize the production of oil and gas from reservoirs. They consider factors such as reservoir pressure, temperature, permeability, porosity, and fluid properties in order to maximize recovery. A course in Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics can provide Production Engineers with a comprehensive understanding of critical topics such as reservoir characterization, wellbore stability analysis, and enhanced recovery techniques. The course can help Production Engineers understand the specific challenges of unconventional reservoirs and develop optimal practices for their exploitation.
Geophysicist
Geophysicist
Geophysicists use geophysical methods to study the Earth's structure and properties. They use seismic waves, gravity, and magnetic fields to create images of the Earth's interior and to understand the processes that shape it. A course in Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics may be helpful for Geophysicists who are interested in specializing in the field of unconventional oil and gas development. The course can provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the geological characteristics of unconventional reservoirs and the challenges associated with their exploration and production.
Mining Engineer
Mining Engineer
Mining Engineers design and manage mines, which are used to extract valuable minerals from the Earth. They consider factors such as the location and size of the ore deposit, the type of mining method, and the environmental impact of the operation. A course in Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics may be helpful for Mining Engineers who are interested in specializing in the field of unconventional oil and gas development. The course can provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the geological characteristics of unconventional reservoirs and the challenges associated with their exploration and production.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, and buildings. They consider factors such as the type of structure, the materials used, and the environmental impact of the project. A course in Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics may be helpful for Civil Engineers who are interested in specializing in the field of unconventional oil and gas development. The course can provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the geological characteristics of unconventional reservoirs and the challenges associated with their exploration and production.
Petroleum Geologist
Petroleum Geologist
Petroleum Geologists study the Earth's crust to identify and evaluate potential oil and gas reservoirs. They use geological data and techniques to create maps and models of the subsurface, which can be used to guide drilling operations. A course in Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics may be helpful for Petroleum Geologists who are interested in specializing in the field of unconventional oil and gas development. The course can provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the geological characteristics of unconventional reservoirs and the challenges associated with their exploration and production.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and its components, including the air, water, land, and living organisms. They use scientific methods to identify and assess environmental problems and develop solutions to protect the environment. A course in Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics may be helpful for Environmental Scientists who are interested in specializing in the field of unconventional oil and gas development. The course can provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts of unconventional oil and gas development and the challenges associated with mitigating these impacts.
Geotechnical Engineer
Geotechnical Engineer
Geotechnical Engineers design and build structures that interact with the Earth, such as foundations, tunnels, and slopes. They consider factors such as the type of soil or rock, the groundwater conditions, and the seismic activity in the area. A course in Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics may be helpful for Geotechnical Engineers who are interested in specializing in the field of unconventional oil and gas development. The course can provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the geological characteristics of unconventional reservoirs and the challenges associated with their exploration and production.
Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineers design and build systems that generate energy from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal. They consider factors such as the type of renewable energy source, the location of the project, and the environmental impact of the project. A course in Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics may be helpful for Renewable Energy Engineers who are interested in specializing in the field of unconventional oil and gas development. The course can provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the geological characteristics of unconventional reservoirs and the challenges associated with their exploration and production.
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineers design and build nuclear power plants. They consider factors such as the type of nuclear reactor, the fuel used, and the safety of the plant. A course in Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics may be helpful for Nuclear Engineers who are interested in specializing in the field of unconventional oil and gas development. The course can provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the geological characteristics of unconventional reservoirs and the challenges associated with their exploration and production.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/vnf8l4/unconventional
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics.
This textbook is the basis for the course's curriculum and covers the entire range of topics presented in the course, including stress regimes, stimulation optimization, pore networks and pore fluids, induced shearing of faults, and much more. The text is written in an academic style appropriate for graduate students, industry professionals, and researchers.
This textbook provides a detailed treatment of numerical methods in the context of geotechnical engineering, which is closely related to rock mechanics and shares many of the same fundamental principles.
This textbook provides a detailed treatment of numerical modeling in geomechanics, with a focus on applications in rock engineering.
This advanced textbook provides a detailed treatment of fractured rock mechanics with an emphasis on applications in petroleum engineering.
This textbook provides a detailed treatment of the mechanics of jointed and faulted rock, with a focus on applications in rock engineering.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of soil mechanics, which is closely related to rock mechanics and shares many of the same fundamental principles.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of mechanics of materials, which is closely related to rock mechanics and shares many of the same fundamental principles.
For students with a strong background in mathematics, this textbook provides a detailed and rigorous treatment of continuum mechanics, including the derivation of the governing equations of fluid dynamics and elasticity.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/vnf8l4/unconventional
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Effort
6 to 8 hours per week for 10 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Stanford University
Instructors
Mark D. Zoback
Arjun H. Kohli
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Teaches fundamental and advanced concepts in unconventional reservoir geomechanics, which are essential for understanding and optimizing hydrocarbon recovery from these reservoirs
Provides real-time updates on research developments with video modules featuring renowned experts in the field of unconventional reservoir geomechanics, including Mark D. Zoback and Arjun H. Kohli
Strong alignment with the energy industry's shift towards unconventional reservoir development, making it highly relevant for professionals in the field
Develops a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of unconventional reservoir geomechanics, preparing learners for industry challenges
Provides a comprehensive understanding of the topic through a combination of video lectures, homework assignments, and discussion forums
Requires completion of homework assignments to earn a certificate, ensuring active engagement and comprehension of course material
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