Microseismic Singularity Spectrum Analysis for Fracture Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic analysis methods are inadequate in accurately identifying and characterizing microseismic events associated with fracturing operations in geologic environments, which hinders the precise modeling and optimization of resource extraction processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine individual correlation exponents for microseismic events based on distances between event locations, allowing for the association of these events with fractures generated or activated by fracturing operations, utilizing processor-executable instructions and computer-readable storage media to process and analyze microseismic data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional seismic analysis methods are used to process microseismic data, then the analysis process is simple, but the accuracy of identifying and characterizing microseismic events is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments microseismic event characterization into multiple independent parameters including location coordinates, depth, magnitude, and correlation exponent. Each parameter is calculated and analyzed separately, allowing for precise identification of fracture-related events without requiring overly complex integrated models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the correlation exponent as an additional dimensional parameter beyond traditional location and magnitude data. By calculating the correlation exponent for each microseismic event based on its spatial relationship with other events, the method adds a new dimension of analysis that improves fracture identification accuracy without fundamentally complicating the overall system.
2Measurement precision
If complex analysis methods are applied to improve fracture identification accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies correlation exponent calculation selectively to microseismic events that fall within a predetermined distance threshold of the wellbore. Rather than calculating correlation exponents for all detected events, the method focuses computational resources on the subset of events most likely to be fracture-related, thereby improving fracture identification accuracy while minimizing processing time and computational overhead.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual correlation exponents are calculated for each microseismic event based on distances to other events, then fracture characterization improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the complex spatial relationship analysis into a standardized correlation exponent parameter. By converting distance relationships between microseismic events into a dimensionless correlation exponent value, the method simplifies the computational algorithm while maintaining high fracture characterization precision. The correlation exponent serves as a standardized metric that can be directly compared across different events and fracturing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method can include receiving locations of microseismic events associated with a fracturing operation performed in a geologic environment; determining an individual correlation exponent for one of the microseismic events based at least in part on distances where each of the distances is between the location of the one microseismic event and a location of another one of the microseismic events; and, based at least in part on the individual correlation exponent, associating the one of the microseismic events with a fracture generated or activated by the fracturing operation.