The University of Baghdad, College of Engineering, conducted a thesis debate for MSc student Amani Ihsan Aliwi from the Department of Petroleum Engineering on Monday, May 13, 2024. The thesis, titled “Determining the Highest Production Capacity Area for Hydraulic Fractures for the East Baghdad Field,” was presented in the postgraduate hall of the Department of Petroleum Engineering. The debate committee consisted of:
1. Asst. Prof. Dr. Samira Mohammed Hamdallah, University of Baghdad – College of Engineering – Department of Petroleum Engineering, Chairwoman.
2. Prof. Dr. Ghanim Madih Farman, University of Baghdad – College of Engineering – Department of Petroleum Engineering, Member.
3. Dr. Wissam Issa Taher, Ministry of Oil – Department of Reservoirs and Field Development, Member.
4. Asst. Prof. Dr. Nagham Jassim Fayyad, University of Baghdad – College of Engineering – Department of Petroleum Engineering, Member and Supervisor.
Thesis Summary
Amani Ihsan Aliwi’s thesis addresses a critical problem in reservoirs with high storage capacity but low production capacity: the sharp decline in well productivity within a short period. The main solution explored is the creation of hydraulic fractures to increase formation permeability and maintain high production rates. The study focuses on understanding the geomechanical behavior of reservoirs to ensure successful hydraulic fracturing.
Key aspects of the study include:
– Magnitude and direction of rock stress.
– Rock elasticity and strength until fracturing begins.
– Petrophysical properties and their impact on fracturing success.
The thesis involves integrated modeling of reservoirs, including geomechanical evaluations using one-dimensional and three-dimensional mechanical ground models to select the ideal layer for hydraulic fracturing. Experimental evaluations, including energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thin section imaging, were conducted on core samples. A static reservoir model was created to identify high-potential areas.
The study aimed to:
– Estimate the petrophysical properties of the studied reservoir.
– Create mechanical ground models to determine the appropriate layer for development.
– Conduct experimental evaluations of petrophysical and mechanical rock properties.
– Analyze the impact of petrophysical and geomechanical properties on layer selection for hydraulic fracturing.
– Build geological models for the Saadi, Tanumah, and Al-Khasib formations.
– Suggest optimal well locations for future development.
Recommendations
The study provided several recommendations:
– Conduct laboratory tests on core samples to measure mechanical rock properties.
– Use 3D seismic data to enhance reservoir models.
– Design hydraulic fractures to maximize coverage after building dynamic models.
– Perform economic evaluations for the proposed reservoir development.
– Study the impact of facies on geomechanical properties.
Outcome
After thorough evaluation by the debate committee and listening to the researcher’s defense, Amani Ihsan Aliwi was awarded a master’s degree in petroleum engineering with an excellent grade.
