Fracture Cluster Mapping via Borehole-Inclined Seismic Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mapping fractures in the oil and gas industry are prone to error due to the inability to accurately detect discrete fractures using 3D seismic data, which is not recorded at a coarse enough resolution, leading to inaccuracies in discrete fracture network models.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes borehole data to determine the inclination and strike azimuth of fracture clusters, combined with Discontinuity Extraction Software (DES) processing of seismic data to extract 3D volumes of fracture clusters, allowing for the creation of comprehensive discrete fracture network models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If 3D seismic data is used for fracture mapping, then the coverage area is increased, but the measurement precision deteriorates because seismic data is not recorded at a coarse enough resolution to detect discrete fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fracture detection task into two parts: using high-precision borehole data to determine fracture cluster characteristics (strike, dip, orientation) and using seismic data to locate the spatial distribution of fracture clusters. This segmentation allows each data type to be used for what it does best, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fracture clusters as an intermediary concept that bridges borehole data and seismic data. Fracture clusters serve as the link between the high-resolution borehole observations and the regional seismic data, enabling the integration of both data sources to achieve both precision and coverage.
2Ease of manufacture
If discrete fracture networks are modeled using theoretical models and statistical methods, then the model construction is simplified, but the reliability deteriorates because the methods may not be accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of borehole data to determine the mode of occurrence, strike, dip, and orientation of fractures before constructing the DFN model. This preliminary characterization of fracture geometry from actual borehole observations provides reliable input parameters for the statistical modeling, improving both reliability and ease of model construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used in DFN modeling from generic statistical assumptions to specific parameters derived from borehole data (fracture strike, dip, orientation, and mode of occurrence). This parameter transformation maintains the simplicity of statistical modeling while significantly improving the reliability of the fracture network representation.
3Ease of operation
If vertical and horizontal extents of fractures are estimated based on structural or geo-statistical models, then the 3D model is completed, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates because the estimates may not be accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D borehole observations to 3D fracture cluster modeling by incorporating the vertical extent (height) as a third dimension. Fracture clusters are defined with length, width, and height, allowing the DFN model to represent the three-dimensional geometry of fractures more accurately while maintaining ease of model construction through systematic estimation methods.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for identifying one or more fracture clusters in an area of interest. In one implementation, the method may include determining a first inclination of each fracture cluster using borehole data. The first inclination refers to a first average angle with respect to horizontal. The method may further include extracting a first set of fracture clusters from seismic data using a filter based on the first inclination and a strike azimuth of each fracture cluster.