SPE OKC December Monthly Luncheon

When "Geo" Meets "Mechanics"

Gang Han (Distinguished Lecturer)

Aramco Americas

Abstract:

The value of geomechanics manifests when “Geo” (geosciences) meet “Mechanics” (engineering).

This talk demonstrates the value of geomechanics through integrated field cases at different scales: basin, reservoir, well, and core. From deepwater Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, Middle East, to US unconventional fields, geomechanics studies, coupled with geology and geophysics inputs, mitigate drilling risk, optimize completion, improve recovery, while reduce cost and minimize environmental impact. In the case of hydraulic fracturing, geomechanics becomes an enabler for efficient development of underground resources including hydrocarbon, geothermal, and critical minerals. It helps optimize completion designs, reduce formation breakdown pressure, maximize Stimulated Reservoir Volume (SRV), and improve cost-efficiency.

Biography:

Dr. Han is a co-founder and co-chair of the International Geomechanics Conference (IGS), jointly organized by ten professional societies including SPE. He is the 2021-2023 President of American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA) and the founder of ARMA Hydraulic Fracturing Community, representing 340 international organizations and more than 1000 members. With 25+ years of industry experience and over 60 publications, he applies geomechanics to exploration, drilling, completion, stimulation, production, and reservoir engineering in conventional and unconventional reservoirs. He is a leading author of a multi-industry book, Drilling in Extreme Environments - Penetration and Sampling on Earth and Other Planets.

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