How Mechanical Principles Affect Production from Deep and Complex Gas Reservoirs

Abstract This study aims to elucidate the mechanical principles governing gas production from deep and complex reservoirs. Focusing on geomechanics, contact mechanics, fluid flow and deformation, poromechanics, and damage mechanics, the research seeks to determine their collective impact on the efficiency and safety of gas extraction. Employing the numerical modeling approaches, the study investigates subsurface stress conditions, grain-to-grain interactions, fluid-rock interplay, and fracture development. A coupled fluid-solid interaction model is developed to simulate pressure distribution and strain on the rock matrix. The methodology integrates advanced constitutive models to address the non-linear and time-dependent behaviors of reservoir rocks under stress. The research identifies key factors influencing reservoir performance, including stress-induced permeability and porosity changes and fracture and fault reactivation. Simulations reveal that optimal gas production is contingent on maintaining structural integrity, which is influenced by effective stress adjustments and material damage thresholds. The study's novelty lies in its integrated numerical modeling approach, which synthesizes various mechanical principles within a singular predictive model. This model advances the current understanding of deep reservoir behavior by incorporating non-linear rock mechanics and real-time reservoir conditions. Concluding that a multidisciplinary mechanical approach is vital for sustainable gas extraction, the study provides a strategic framework for production optimization in deep and complex reservoirs. The resulting tool offers significant improvements in predicting and managing the challenges of gas production, fostering enhanced recovery and minimization of environmental risks.