Integrating Active and Passive Seismic Data to Better Predict Hydraulic Fracturing

Abstract

Although drilling has slowed substantially from its peak in 2010, steadily improving natural gas prices coupled with the promise of demand from liquefied natural gas and gas to liquids facilities have renewed interest in the prolific Haynesville shale gas play in NW Louisiana. A consensus of opinion among operators in the field will agree that only a fraction of the Haynesville potential has been developed to date. As is the case in most shale plays, production from wells has been highly variable, leading to the use of 3D seismic reservoir characterization studies for the determination of sweet spots, well placement and completion strategies where seismic anisotropy has been proven to be an important factor in understanding the shale plays. This paper illustrates a workflow (Figure 1) integrating reservoir and geomechanical properties obtained from pre-stack seismic inversion and incorporating stress and fracture information extracted from azimuthal analysis of the seismic data. Eight wells in the area targeting the Haynesville and mid-Bossier reservoirs were used for calibration of surface seismic measurements of reservoir and geomechanical properties. A variety of seismically derived attributes are used to estimate production potential in the field. This paper shows the application of global azimuthal inversion, a technology for extracting the azimuthal anisotropy. Above all, the workflow makes quantitative use of microseismic and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) derived mineralogy data to validate the seismic-derived attributes. Figure 1 Integrated geoscience workflow for a shale play, incorporating numerous discipline to high-grade the survey area to identify ‘sweet spots’ and optimize drilling locations and completions.

Analysis of Cuttings’ Minerals for Multistage Hydraulic Fracturing Optimization in Volcanic Rocks

“…In the past few years, the multistage fracturing technique of horizontal wells has made a series of significant breakthroughs in fracturing tools, operational efficiency, and monitoring methods. Still, some problems, such as the selection of preferred fracturing intervals, tracking of pressure sweet spot, and optimization of fracturing design, were present . The multistage fracturing technique of horizontal wells aims to fracture more sections accurately.…”

“…The application of elemental-mineral transformation analysis is a comprehensive technology used in geology. − The rock cutting analysis technology (RoqScan cuttings’ analysis system) , that is based on elemental-mineral transformation has been proposed by the CGG company from the United States. This technology provides the possibility of analysis while drilling. − Using this technology, field tests have been successfully implemented in various oil fields around the world, such as Bakken Shale, , Barnett Shale, Haynesville Shale in Northwest Louisiana, Southern Powder River Basin in Wyoming, Marcellus Shale, and Cauvery Basin in Southern India …”

“…Still, some problems, such as the selection of preferred fracturing intervals, tracking of pressure sweet spot, and optimization of fracturing design, were present. 29 The multistage fracturing technique of horizontal wells aims to fracture more sections accurately. If every stage of fracturing affects the production zone, this technique will be revolutionary.…”

“…The application of elemental-mineral transformation analysis is a comprehensive technology used in geology. 30−34 The rock cutting analysis technology (RoqScan cuttings' analysis system) 29,30 that is based on elemental-mineral transformation has been proposed by the CGG company from the United States. This technology provides the possibility of analysis while drilling.…”