Microseismic Density Mapping for SRV Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The economic success of hydrocarbon extraction is hindered by the uncertainty in estimating the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) due to the complexity of measuring it in heterogeneous formations, leading to high uncertainty in decisions related to the economic feasibility of extraction.
Innovation Solution
Microseismic density mapping methods and systems that involve deploying fiber optic cables and sensors in boreholes to collect and process microseismic data, using techniques like semblance and cross-correlation to determine the location and attributes of microseismic events, and creating density maps to refine SRV estimates by weighting and filtering events based on additional attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If microseismic detection is used to gather data for models, then information about chemical, hydraulic, and mechanical processes can be obtained, but the uncertainty in SRV estimates remains high due to complexity in heterogeneous formations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the microseismic event data into multiple subsets based on additional attributes (amplitude, frequency, location error, volume change, energy, mode of failure). Each subset is then processed separately to create density maps, allowing for more precise SRV estimation by considering different characteristics of microseismic events rather than treating them uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating density maps that show the distribution of microseismic events with respect to additional attributes at different locations and depths. This allows the SRV estimation to account for spatial variations in fracture characteristics and formation heterogeneity, improving measurement precision while maintaining information about the chemical, hydraulic, and mechanical processes.
2Loss of information
If fiber optic cables and sensors are deployed in boreholes to collect microseismic data, then detailed insights into fracture geometry and permeable rock volumes can be obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fiber optic cables that serve multiple functions: they act as sensors for detecting microseismic events, provide a medium for transmitting data, and can be used for other downhole measurements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while obtaining detailed insights into fracture geometry and permeable rock volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic cable acts as an intermediary between the microseismic events in the formation and the surface equipment. It transmits the microseismic signal and additional attribute data without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex sensor arrays in the borehole, simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining high information quality.
3Measurement precision
If microseismic events are weighted and filtered based on additional attributes, then SRV estimate uncertainty is reduced, but processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing by pre-defining the additional attributes to be measured (amplitude, frequency, location error, volume change, energy, mode of failure) and pre-establishing the weighting and filtering criteria. This allows for efficient processing during the actual SRV estimation, reducing real-time computational complexity while maintaining high precision in the SRV estimate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for analyzing microseismic events by introducing additional attributes beyond traditional location and timing data. By weighting and filtering events based on these additional parameters, the system improves SRV estimate precision while managing processing time through targeted analysis of specific attribute combinations rather than processing all possible parameters equally.
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 reduces the uncertainty in SRV estimates, allowing for more precise identification of productive regions and lower-risk decisions by providing detailed insights into fracture geometry and permeable rock volumes connected to the borehole.
Implementation Method 1
Microseismic events from the hydraulic fracturing operation cause pressure and/or shear waves to propagate outward in all directions away from the events. Receivers up to a kilometer away have been used to detect and locate such microseismic events in rock types such as unconsolidated sands, chalks, and crystalline rocks by sensing the waves.
Implementation Method 2
Receivers up to a kilometer away have been used to detect and locate such microseismic events in rock types such as unconsolidated sands, chalks, and crystalline rocks by sensing the waves.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and mediums for estimating stimulated reservoir volumes are disclosed. Some method embodiments may include obtaining microseismic event data acquired during a hydraulic fracturing treatment of the formation, the data including event location and at least one additional attribute for each microseismic event within the formation; filtering the microseismic events based on the at least one additional attribute; determining a density of filtered microseismic events; weighting the filtered microseismic events based on the density; and determining a stimulated reservoir volume estimate based on filtered and weighted microseismic events.