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Integrating core lithofacies and rock properties to inform mechanical stratigraphy: Wolfcamp XY, central Delaware Basin, Texas
Jaramillo, Israel
Jaramillo, Israel
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2024
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This research used a core in the Delaware Basin, where hydraulic stimulation is standard. Hydraulic stimulation fractures a rock; thus, understanding the data type and how data resolution impacts the characterization of geomechanics, and brittleness is essential. Typically, elastic properties from wireline logs define brittleness where fine-scale brittleness heterogeneity is poorly resolved. This research examines the impact of three data resolution scales on brittleness curves created using core-collected rebound hardness (0.5 ft), X-ray fluorescence (0.4 inches), and wireline log data (0.5 ft). The brittleness curves from the rebound hardness data and X-ray fluorescence data better resolved large-scale brittle versus ductile interfaces, which were almost indistinguishable in the brittleness curve derived from the wireline logs. Seven lithofacies were described and analyzed across the core at 2 feet per inch, tracking sedimentological variability, which is linked to geomechanical properties (Young’s modulus, closure stress, and rock strength). To show that the mechanical properties of lithofacies are unique enough to use as inputs for models, the lithofacies geomechanical properties and brittleness uniqueness was quantified using a pairplot. This work adds to the understanding of clay content characterization by highlighting that some research has stated that low UCS is preferable to hydraulic stimulation (typically found in high clay content rocks); however, in the Wolfcamp XY, low UCS is disadvantageous since it is indicative of low brittleness, low Young’s modulus, higher clay content, and higher closure stress on average. This work has applications in geocellular modeling and the energy industries, where a better understanding of the mechanical quality of rock helps with well placement.
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