Hydraulic Fracturing Monitoring via Microseismic Moment Tensor Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing in reservoirs is challenging due to the difficulty in predicting the behavior of underground formations, and existing methods lack effective monitoring and modeling techniques to optimize the process, especially in low-permeability rock formations like shale.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for monitoring and modeling hydraulic fracturing using microseismic data, which involves generating source radius data, determining seismic moment tensors, and creating discrete fracture network models to understand the mechanisms and extent of fracturing, allowing for the generation of stimulated reservoir volume and surface area models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydraulic fracturing is performed in low-permeability rock formations, then reservoir permeability is enhanced and production is improved, but the ability to predict and monitor fracture behavior is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring microseismic events during hydraulic fracturing operations. Sensors detect seismic signals generated by fracture propagation, and this data is fed back to operators to monitor fracture behavior, adjust injection parameters, and optimize treatment effectiveness in low-permeability formations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical observation of fractures with indirect seismic detection. Instead of attempting to directly observe or measure fracture mechanics in the formation, the system uses microseismic monitoring to detect and characterize fracture events through acoustic wave propagation, enabling remote sensing of subsurface fracture behavior.
2Measurement precision
If microseismic monitoring is implemented to track fracture events, then fracture behavior becomes visible and measurable, but system complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is designed to serve multiple functions: detecting microseismic events, locating fracture hypocenters, characterizing fracture mechanisms through moment tensor analysis, and providing real-time feedback for treatment optimization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems while achieving comprehensive fracture monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses microseismic waves as an intermediary to indirectly observe fracture events. Rather than requiring direct contact or complex downhole instrumentation at the fracture site, acoustic waves propagate through the formation carrying information about fracture events to surface or wellbore sensors, simplifying the measurement system while maintaining detection precision.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive microseismic data collection is performed using multiple sensor arrays, then complete fracture network modeling is achieved, but data processing complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of microseismic data during acquisition, including event detection, preliminary location, and quality filtering. By pre-processing data as it is collected from multiple sensor arrays, the system reduces the burden on post-processing operations and enables faster generation of complete fracture network models.
Solution Approach 2:
The fracture network modeling process is divided into discrete steps: microseismic event detection, hypocenter location, moment tensor calculation, fracture characterization, and network assembly. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different event datasets and enables incremental model building, reducing overall processing time while maintaining completeness.
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 enables accurate monitoring and modeling of hydraulic fracturing, optimizing the process by determining the effectiveness of fracture creation and identifying points of diminishing returns, thereby enhancing reservoir permeability and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
microseismic data collected during hydraulic fracturing
Data Source
AI summary
The method and system describes monitoring and modeling the hydraulic fracturing of a reservoir. The microseismic events caused by hydraulic fracturing on a reservoir are captured by sensor arrays. The data captured by the sensor arrays are then analyzed to determine the source radius, and seismic moment tensor of microseismic events caused by the hydraulic fracturing. This information is then combined with a seismic velocity model to arrive at a discrete fracture network showing at least the orientation, source radius, and source mechanism of each microseismic event. This discrete fracture network is then used to determine the stimulated surface area, stimulated volume, and point of diminishing returns for the hydraulic fracturing process. Hydraulic fracturing engineers can use the algorithms to monitor the well and/or determine well completion.