Probabilistic Fracture Modeling via Microseismic Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for enhancing oil and gas production from subterranean formations struggle to accurately predict and manage complex fracture patterns in DIANE rock formations, leading to inefficiencies in fracture treatments and resource extraction.
Innovation Solution
The system generates probabilistic information on fracture properties using microseismic data to create fitted fracture models, which are used to simulate fracture propagation and optimize injection treatments, including fluid injection flow rates, pressures, and proppant distribution, based on refined probability distributions of fracture parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fracture treatment methods are used in DIANE rock formations, then fracture treatments can be performed, but accurate prediction and management of complex fracture patterns cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex fracture treatment process into distinct phases: microseismic event detection, clustering analysis, fracture model generation, and simulation. By dividing the overall process into manageable segments, the system can accurately predict complex fracture patterns without being overwhelmed by the overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by generating fitted fracture models and probability distributions before actual fracture treatment. Microseismic events are detected and analyzed in advance to create predictive models that guide the actual treatment process, enabling accurate prediction before complex patterns fully develop
2Measurement precision
If probabilistic information generation using microseismic data is implemented, then prediction accuracy of fracture properties is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fitted fracture models as intermediary elements that bridge raw microseismic data and final fracture predictions. These models serve as mediators that process complex data relationships, generating probability distributions for fracture parameters without requiring direct complex analysis of all microseismic events
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of fracture patterns through fitted models that replicate the essential characteristics of complex fracture networks. These model copies capture the probabilistic behavior of fractures without requiring complete replication of the full complexity of actual fracture patterns
3Reliability
If fitted fracture models are generated for multiple clusters of microseismic events, then comprehensive fracture network prediction is achieved, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the microseismic event data into multiple clusters, generating fitted fracture models for each cluster separately. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the entire fracture network while reducing computational burden by processing smaller clustered datasets rather than one large comprehensive dataset
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by generating fitted models for representative clusters of microseismic events rather than processing every single event. By selecting and processing key clusters that represent the overall fracture pattern, the system achieves reliable comprehensive prediction with reduced computational energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and instructions encoded in a computer-readable medium can perform operations related to generating probabilistic information on characteristics of natural fractures of a subterranean formation. Fitted fracture models are generated based on microseismic event data for a subterranean region. The fitted fracture models represent estimated locations of fractures in the subterranean region. A distribution of fracture parameter values is generated based on the fitted fracture models. The distribution includes fracture parameter values and a probability associated with each fracture parameter value. Generating the fitted fracture models may include, for example, fitting a plane, a line or another type of equation to the measured locations of microseismic events. In some implementations, an injection treatment may be simulated and/or designed based on the probability distribution.