Geological and Geomechanical Model of the Verkhnekamsk Potash Deposit Site

Abstract

Major accidents at OJSC Uralkali raised the question of the need for a detailed study of the geological structure of the Verkhnekamskoye potassium salt deposit, the identification of anomalous complex zones in the oversalt rocks and, above all, in the water-blocking layer (WBL). The article proposes a method for isolating weakened zones in the WBL and potash reservoirs, based on the combined use of geomechanical (laboratory core tests) and geophysical (acoustic broadband logging in wells and surface seismic exploration) studies. It also describes the method of zoning of WBLand potash reservoirs on the physical and mechanical properties to obtain their specific values. This technique will help solve the most urgent problem of ensuring industrial safety in the development of the Verkhnekamskoye potassium salt deposit (the safety of the WBL). The implementation of the proposed method is considered for the Romanovsky site of the Verkhnekamskoye deposits of potassium and magnesium salts. The research included 2D seismic explorations, physical and mechanical properties testing, and finding statistical dependencies between static and dynamic geomechanical parameters. Based on the processing of seismic materials and the obtained dependencies, a geological and geomechanical model of this area was created, and zones with different physicomechanical properties were identified.