Fracture Network Mapping Using Integrated Micro-Seismic Events Inverse with Rate-Transient Analysis

Wang, Wendong; Zhang, Kaijie; Su, Yuliang; Tang, Meirong; Zhang, Qi; Sheng, Guanglong

doi:10.2523/19445-ms

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…Its technical characteristics are paramount for achieving optimal production rates in efficient oil and gas resource development [3]. Microseismic monitoring techniques indicate that the complex network of fractures formed during the process of multicluster hydraulic fracturing in horizontal wells determines the enhanced reservoir volume and influences the recovery factor of the target reservoir [4,5]. Natural fissures, as typical features of shale reservoirs, significantly impact the propagation path of hydraulic fractures, thereby governing the formation of the intricate fracture network.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of Natural Weak Interface Properties and Their Impact on Fracture Propagation in Shale Reservoirs

Chen,

Huang,

Ling

et al. 2023

Processes

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Horizontal well multi-cluster fracturing technology is crucial for the economic development of fractured shale reservoirs. The abundance of natural fractures in shale reservoirs significantly influences the propagation path of hydraulic fractures and determines the formation of complex fracture networks. To investigate the impact of natural weak planes on the geometric parameters of fractures in shale reservoirs, we first conducted tests on the mechanical characteristics of core samples from outcropping shale in the Weiyuan area using the indoor three-point bending method and digital image correlation (DIC) technology, providing data validation for subsequent numerical models. Secondly, considering the interaction between hydraulic and natural weak planes in three-dimensional space, we established a three-dimensional numerical model for horizontal well fracturing to simulate the synchronous competition and expansion of fractures in multi-cluster fracturing. Based on this foundation, we analyzed the influence of formation parameters and engineering parameters on the formation patterns of complex fracture networks. The results indicate that the difference in in situ stress is a significant factor affecting the selection of fracture propagation paths. As the in situ stress difference increases, it becomes more challenging to open natural fractures, leading to a reduced probability of activation of natural weak interfaces. When the cohesive strength of natural fractures is smaller, they are more likely to open and capture hydraulic fractures, thereby increasing shear slip length and fracture network area. Each fracturing stage has an optimal perforation density combination, where a higher density of perforations leads to reduced perforation pressure drop and weaker ability to mitigate inter-cluster stress interference. To achieve a comprehensive and balanced development of multi-clusters, the inter-cluster stress interference can be alleviated by increasing the perforation pressure drop. For dense perforation clusters, higher injection rates and viscosity can be employed to ensure the uniform development of multiple perforation clusters. This study provides new insights into predicting the formation of complex fracture networks in shale reservoirs and offers valuable guidance for optimizing hydraulic fracturing designs.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of Natural Weak Interface Properties and Their Impact on Fracture Propagation in Shale Reservoirs

Chen,

Huang,

Ling

et al. 2023

Processes

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“…However, due to shale reservoirs' complexity, it is still challenging to quantify the subsurface uncertainty-associated hydraulic and natural fractures [9,10]. Several methods, including the microseismic method, well test method, and rate-transient analysis (RTA) method, have applied to capture the uncertain parameters [11][12][13][14]. Nevertheless, the high data requirement of these methods makes it not easy to be performed in new wells.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Application of Integrated Assisted History Matching and Embedded Discrete Fracture Model Workflow for Well Spacing Optimization in Shale Gas Reservoirs with Complex Natural Fractures

Chang

et al. 2021

Geofluids

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An appropriate well spacing plan is critical for the economic development of shale gas reservoirs. The biggest challenge for well spacing optimization is interpreting the subsurface uncertainties associated with hydraulic and natural fractures. Another challenge is the existence of complex natural fractures. This work applied an integrated well spacing optimization workflow in shale gas reservoirs of the Sichuan Basin in China with both hydraulic and natural fractures. The workflow consists of five components: data preparation, reservoir simulation, estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) analysis, economic calculation, and well spacing optimization. Firstly, the multiple realizations of thirteen uncertain parameters of matrix and fractures, including matrix permeability and porosity, three relative permeability parameters, hydraulic fracture height, half-length, width, conductivity, water saturation, and natural fracture number, length, and conductivity, were captured by the assisted history matching (AHM). The fractures were modeled by the embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM) accurately and efficiently. Then, 84 AHM solutions combining with five well spacing scenarios from 517 ft to 1550 ft would generate 420 simulation cases. After reservoir simulation of these 420 cases, we forecasted the long-term gas production for each well spacing scenario. Gas EUR degradation and well interference would imply the critical well spacing. The net present value (NPV) for all scenarios would be calculated and trained by K -nearest neighbors (KNN) proxy to better understand the relationship between well spacing and NPV. In this study, the optimum well spacing was determined as 793 ft, corresponding with a maximum NPV of 18 million USD, with the contribution of hydraulic fractures and natural fractures.

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Fracture Network Mapping Using Integrated Micro-Seismic Events Inverse with Rate-Transient Analysis

Cited by 2 publications

References 35 publications

Investigation of Natural Weak Interface Properties and Their Impact on Fracture Propagation in Shale Reservoirs

Investigation of Natural Weak Interface Properties and Their Impact on Fracture Propagation in Shale Reservoirs

The Application of Integrated Assisted History Matching and Embedded Discrete Fracture Model Workflow for Well Spacing Optimization in Shale Gas Reservoirs with Complex Natural Fractures

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