Curtin Petroleum Geomechanics Group (CPGG)
The Curtin Petroleum Geomechanics group (CPGG) was established in 2007 by Dr Vamegh Rasouli in the Department of Petroleum Engineering. Vamegh is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) and is a registered engineer with the National Professional Engineers Register (NPER) of Australia. Vamegh received a PhD in Rock Mechanics from Imperial College, London in 2002. Since then he has been involved in a number of university research studies and industrial projects as a consulting engineer in Petroleum Geomechanics. Vamegh is a consulting geomechanics engineer to Data and Consulting Services (DCS) of Schlumberger in their Perth office.
A number of Postgraduate students are working on different projects related to Petroleum Geomechanics. These projects cover a wide range of topics from fundamental research to industry-related problems in both drilling and reservoir geomechanics. The group has strong capabilities in fracture characterisation and modelling. Hydraulic Fracturing, Sanding prediction, and the effect of fracture surface morphology on hydro-mechanical behaviour of fractures, are some of the current topics of research.
A True Triaxial Stress Cell (TTSC) developed by Vamegh in the Geomechanics lab allows different drilling and reservoir scenarios to be simulated at a large scale while anisotropic stresses are applied. This technology should improve access to oil and gas located deep beneath the Earth's surface and in highly anisotropically stressed environments. Vertical and two horizontal stresses are applied up to 50 MPa (7,500 psi) independently on a rock cube from small core up to 30 cm while pore pressure can be separately applied up to 21 MPa (3,000 psi). A hole drilled in the centre of the sample allows fluid to be injected to simulate hydraulic fracturing. Sanding analysis can be performed by increasing the pore pressure and producing fluid and sand from the hole. Other potential applications include the ability to model formations with different geological properties by drilling through the sample both vertically and in a deviated manner during changes in orthogonal stress direction (deviatoric stresses). Fracture propagation and sanding initiation can be monitored using seismic transducers mounted around the sample.
The CPGG has strong capabilities in conducting fundamental research, carrying out advanced lab experiments specific to clients needs, and providing consultancy for resolving short and long terms industry problems. The CPGG has strong industry collaborations with both local and international companies and organisations. A number of presentations have been given at different conferences and workshops by the CPGG and group members have produced a number of conference and journal publications.
For further information contact Dr Vamegh Rasouli v.rasouli@curtin.edu.au