Microseismic Stimulated Reservoir Volume Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing stimulated reservoir volumes using microseismic data lack accuracy and efficiency, particularly in real-time monitoring and visualization, which hinders the optimization of hydraulic fracturing treatments and hydrocarbon productivity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves calculating microseismic supported stimulated reservoir volumes (μSRVs) by filtering and analyzing microseismic data to identify fracture planes, determining confidence values, and constructing geometric representations, allowing for real-time visualization and dynamic assessment of stimulated reservoir geometry and treatment efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional microseismic data analysis methods are used, then the analysis process is simpler, but the accuracy and reliability of stimulated reservoir volume estimation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments microseismic data analysis into distinct processing stages: event detection, location calculation, fracture plane identification, and μSRV construction. Each stage processes specific data features independently, improving accuracy while managing complexity through modular computation pipelines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D microseismic event locations to 3D fracture plane representations and volumetric μSRV models. By adding spatial dimensions and creating geometric constructs (planes, volumes, intersections), the system achieves more accurate reservoir volume estimation while providing comprehensive treatment characterization.
2Productivity
If real-time microseismic data processing is implemented, then treatment optimization is improved, but data processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of microseismic events during acquisition, including initial location calculation and event clustering. Fracture planes are identified incrementally as events accumulate, allowing real-time treatment monitoring without waiting for complete datasets, thus reducing overall processing time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where processed microseismic data immediately informs treatment decisions. The μSRV calculations and fracture plane visualizations provide continuous feedback on treatment progress, enabling dynamic adjustment of injection parameters to optimize reservoir stimulation while minimizing processing delays.
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 reliable and direct tool for evaluating hydraulic fracturing treatments, optimizing injection strategies, and enhancing hydrocarbon productivity by accurately estimating stimulated reservoir volumes and fluid communication between stages, thereby improving treatment efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
Pressures generated by a stimulation treatment may induce low-amplitude or low-energy seismic events in the subterranean formation, and events may be detected by sensors and collected for analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of modeling a downhole drilling tool is disclosed. The method may include obtaining microseismic data corresponding to a treatment of a subterranean region, the microseismic data including a microseismic event time for each of a plurality of microseismic events, and a microseismic event location for each of the plurality of microseismic events. The method may additionally include calculating a plurality of fracture planes based upon the microseismic event times, and calculating a closed boundary enclosing a first subset of the plurality of fracture planes. The method may further include identifying a microseismic supported stimulated reservoir volume (μSRN) for the treatment based on the closed boundary.