Hydraulic Fracturing Volume Prediction via Microseismic Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and optimizing hydraulic fracturing in geologic environments lack comprehensive and accurate tools for predicting fracture geometry, microseismicity, and permeability changes, which are crucial for enhancing resource recovery and reducing operational risks.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that integrates seismic data analysis, microseismic event monitoring, and mechanical earth modeling to simulate and predict fracture geometry, microseismicity, and reactivated fracture volumes, using a multidimensional mechanical earth model and discrete fracture network to calibrate hydraulic fracturing processes and forecast production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional hydraulic fracturing monitoring methods are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability of fracture geometry prediction are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple monitoring technologies (seismic sensors, microseismic event detection, mechanical earth modeling) into an integrated system. This merging of previously separate monitoring approaches enables comprehensive fracture geometry prediction while maintaining operational coherence through unified data processing workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: detecting microseismic events, characterizing fracture geometry, predicting permeability changes, and evaluating resource recovery potential. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address various aspects of hydraulic fracturing monitoring without requiring separate specialized devices for each measurement.
2Reliability
If comprehensive seismic data analysis and mechanical earth modeling are integrated, then prediction accuracy of permeability changes is improved, but computational complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mechanical earth modeling and fracture network characterization before hydraulic fracturing operations. By pre-establishing baseline models of the geologic environment and natural fracture systems, the monitoring process can focus on detecting changes from these predetermined references, reducing the complexity of real-time comprehensive analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system continuously compares observed microseismic events and seismic data against predicted models, providing feedback that refines permeability change predictions. This iterative feedback mechanism improves reliability by constantly validating and adjusting models based on actual monitoring data, while the automated feedback loops manage computational complexity through systematic processing protocols.
3Measurement precision
If microseismic event monitoring is used to characterize fracture networks, then stimulated volume assessment is improved, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses seismic waves as intermediaries to detect and characterize microseismic events associated with hydraulic fracturing. Rather than directly observing fracture formation, the system detects the seismic signals generated by microseismic events, which serve as indirect indicators of fracture development and stimulated volume expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical observation of fracture networks with seismic wave-based detection. Instead of physically measuring fracture geometry, the system uses acoustic/seismic field measurements to infer fracture characteristics, transforming a mechanical measurement problem into a wave propagation analysis problem that can be solved remotely through sensor arrays.
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 provides a more accurate and efficient way to predict and optimize hydraulic fracturing outcomes, enhancing resource recovery and reducing operational risks by better understanding fracture geometry and permeability changes.
Implementation Method 1
The microseismic events caused by hydraulic fracturing on a reservoir are captured by sensor arrays
Implementation Method 2
Fracturing of a geologic environment can increase permeability of the geologic environment
Data Source
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AI summary
A method can include receiving mechanical information of a geologic environment and location information of natural fractures of the geologic environment; using a model of the geologic environment, calculating at least strain associated with hydraulic fracturing in the geologic environment; calculating at least microseismicity event locations based at least in part on the calculated strain; calibrating the model based at least in part on the calculated microseismicity event locations and based at least in part on measured microseismicity information associated with the geologic environment to provide a calibrated model; and, using the calibrated model, determining an increase in reactivated fracture volume associated with hydraulic fracturing in the geologic environment.