Advancements in Geomechanical and Digital Core Analysis for Reservoir Characterization

This article explores recent advancements in geomechanical testing and digital core analysis for reservoir characterization. It highlights the influence of stress conditions on rock deformation, filtration properties, and sand production processes. The study reviews various laboratory techniques, including uniaxial and triaxial compression tests, as well as true triaxial loading apparatus (TTLA), which enable a more comprehensive understanding of rock behavior under complex stress conditions. Additionally, the integration of digital technologies, such as computed X-ray tomography, machine learning for core analysis, and numerical simulations, is discussed in relation to improving the accuracy of reservoir modeling and wellbore stability assessments. Special attention is given to Russian and global research efforts, emphasizing the need for further development of integrated geomechanical and digital approaches for optimizing hydrocarbon recovery. The results of recent research conducted in the geomechanics laboratory of IPMech RAS are presented. The presented results of comprehensive studies allowed to determine optimal parameters for safe and efficient operation of specific fields, including determination of permissible drawdowns in wells and characteristics of downhole equipment. The conducted research forms the basis for an integrated approach to studying reservoir properties to determine well operation parameters based on computer tomography, digital core analysis, laboratory experiments, and unique mechanical tests. The findings suggest that a combined use of experimental and digital methods provides deeper insights into reservoir heterogeneity, stress-dependent permeability changes, and long-term rock behavior, which are critical for sustainable resource extraction.