Thomas Finkbeiner

Research Professor of Ali I. Al-Naimi Petroleum Engineering Research Center

Research Interests

Dr. Finkbeiner investigates how in response to pore pressure changes in a field/reservoir (i.e., injection, stimulation, or depletion) the reservoir rocks respond mechanically  and how this impacts flow (e.g., production) from the affected reservoirs. Monitoring, modeling, understanding and predictions/forecasting from these phenomena can be applied to a variety of reservoirs such as multi-scale fractured reservoirs, unconventional reservoirs, and brown fields. His other main research focus is on wellbore stability (i.e., mechanical integrity of boreholes both during drilling and production/injection) and real-time data acquisition and risk mitigation. 

Selected Publications

  • Comprehensive characterization of Arab-D reservoir equivalent outcrop well cores from upper Jubaila formation, Saudi Arabia. Chandra, V., Ramdani, A.I., Finkbeiner, T., Yalcin, B., Khanna, P., Petrovic, A., Vahrenkamp, V. 81st EAGE Conference and Exhibition, (2019).
  • Introduction to the thematic collection: Naturally fractured reservoirs. Finkbeiner, T., Bertotti, G., Geiger, S. Petroleum Geoscience, 25(4), 351-353, (2019).
  • Global vs local strain measurements in triaxial tests – Implications. Perbawa, A., Gramajo, E., Finkbeiner, T., Santamarina, J.C. 53rd U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, (2019).
  • The future of 4D subsurface modelling: Reflections from a multi-sector conference. Burridge, G., Finkbeiner, T., Herwanger, J., Hohl, W., Plumb, R., Royse, K., ...McKinley, G. 81st EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2019 Workshop Programme, (2019).
  • State of stress in exhumed basins and implications for fluid flow: Insights from the Illizi Basin, Algeria. English, J.M., Finkbeiner, T., English, K.L., Cherif, R.Y. Geological Society Special Publication, 458(1), 89-111, (2017).
  • Reservoir management of a low permeability off-shore reservoir utilizing water injection into a watered-out horizontal well under fracturing conditions. Clemens, T., Finkbeiner, T., Chiotoroiu, M.-M., Pettengell, K., Hercus, S., Suri, A., Sharma, M.M. EUROPEC 2015, 1103-1118, (2015).
  • Estimating rock strength from non-destructive strength testing (Equotip) and related benefits. Hujer, W.H., Finkbeiner, T., Persaud, M. EAGE Workshop on Geomechanics in the Oil and Gas Industry, 1-3, (2014).

Education

  • Ph.D. Geophysics, Stanford University, California, US, 1998
  • M.S. Exploration and Development, Stanford University, California, US, 1994
  • ‘Vordiplom’ Geophysics, Fridericana University, Karlsruhe, Germany, 1990
  • Abitur at Otto-Hahn-Gymnasium, Karlsruhe, Germany, 1986

Professional Profile

  • 2021 - Present: Research Professor, ANPERC, KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
  • 2016 - Present: Senior Research Scientist, ANPERC, KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
  • 2011 – 2013: Global Geomechanics Advisor, Baker Hughes, Dubai, UAE
  • 2009 – 2011: Regional Technical Advisor EAME, Baker Hughes, Dubai, UAE
  • 2000 – 2008: Director EAME, GeoMechanics International, Inc, Dubai, UAE
  • 1998 – 2000: Geophysicist, GeoMechanics International, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA​

KAUST Affiliations

  • Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering (ErPE)​
  • Ali I. Al-Naimi Petroleum Engineering Research Center (ANPERC)
  • Division of Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)