Calibrating Fracture Geometry via Microseismic Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for simulating complex fracture networks in subterranean formations during hydraulic fracturing operations lack accuracy in modeling fracture propagation and interaction with natural fractures, leading to inefficient resource recovery and incomplete characterization of fracture geometries.
Innovation Solution
The development of a complex fracture model that incorporates the stress shadow effect and enhanced Displacement Discontinuity Method (DDM) to simulate hydraulic fracture propagation, accounting for interactions between fractures and natural fractures, and uses microseismic data for calibration to refine fracture network geometry and stress field analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fracture simulation methods are used, then the modeling process is simple, but the accuracy of fracture propagation modeling is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fracture network is segmented into discrete fracture elements that can be individually modeled and analyzed. Each fracture segment is treated as a separate entity with its own geometric and mechanical properties, allowing for precise tracking of propagation paths and interactions while maintaining computational efficiency through modular processing.
Solution Approach 2:
A stress shadow field is introduced as an intermediary mechanism to mediate the interaction between adjacent hydraulic fractures. This stress shadow effect serves as a mediator that captures the complex mechanical interactions between fractures without requiring direct coupling of all fracture elements, thereby improving accuracy while managing model complexity.
2Loss of information
If complex fracture networks with natural fractures are modeled, then the characterization of fracture geometry is improved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The model incorporates preliminary characterization of natural fracture networks before hydraulic fracturing simulation. Pre-existing natural fractures are identified and characterized in advance, with their geometric properties and mechanical strengths established beforehand. This preliminary action allows the hydraulic fracture propagation to be simulated against a pre-defined structural backdrop, improving completeness without proportionally increasing computational complexity during the simulation phase.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fracture network are modeled with locally appropriate complexity. Areas with dense natural fracture intersections receive more detailed modeling attention, while regions with simpler fracture patterns use coarser representations. This local quality approach ensures complete characterization where needed while reducing overall computational burden through selective detail distribution.
3Measurement precision
If stress shadow effects are included in the simulation, then the accuracy of stress field analysis is improved, but the computational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stress shadow effect is applied selectively to fracture elements that are in close proximity or expected to interact significantly. Rather than computing stress shadows for all fracture elements in the network, the method applies the effect only where it materially influences propagation behavior. This partial action approach maintains accuracy in critical regions while reducing overall computational time by excluding negligible interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
Stress shadow calculations are performed periodically at key stages of fracture propagation rather than continuously. The model updates stress shadow fields at discrete time steps corresponding to significant propagation events or when fracture configurations change substantially. This periodic updating maintains accurate stress field analysis while minimizing computational overhead by avoiding redundant calculations during intermediate propagation phases.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy of fracture network modeling, improves resource recovery by optimizing fracture geometry and proppant placement, and reduces uncertainties in fracture characterization, leading to more effective hydraulic fracturing operations.
Implementation Method 1
enhanced Displacement Discontinuity Method (DDM) to simulate hydraulic fracture propagation
Implementation Method 2
incorporates the stress shadow effect to simulate hydraulic fracture propagation
Implementation Method 3
obtains measurements of microseismic events of the subterranean formation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing a fracture operation is provided at a wellsite. The wellsite is positioned about a subterranean formation having a wellbore therethrough and a complex fracture network therein. The complex fracture network includes natural fractures, and the wellsite stimulated by injection of an injection fluid with proppant into the complex fracture network. The method involves generating wellsite data comprising measurements of microseismic events of the subterranean formation, modeling a hydraulic fracture network and a discrete fracture network of the complex fracture network based on the wellsite data, and performing a seismic moment operation. The method involves determining an actual seismic moment density based on the wellsite data and a predicted seismic moment density based on shear and tensile components of the simulated hydraulic fracture network, and calibrating the discrete fracture network based on a comparison of the predicted moment density and the actual moment density.