The use of microseismic technology to optimize fracture connectivity in unconventional reservoirs

The use of microseismic technology to optimize fracture connectivity in  unconventional reservoirs

Mahmoud Mowafi, Ibrahim Alhilali, Ali AlEid, Mohammed Hamza, Sherif Allam and SanLinn Kaka

College of Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals

Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia

 

Unconventional reservoirs represent a challenging scenario to optimize the subsurface connectivity and production efficiencies. Heterogeneity is one of the main factors impacting well capability. Furthermore, the size and quality of the interconnected fracture network consequently enhance reservoir stimulation and permeability. We undertake this study to review the impact and efficiency of microseismic monitoring technology in  1) determining the growth of hydraulic fracture, 2) enhancing the understanding of fracture networks,  3) evaluating risks, and  4) estimating the production values of unconventional resources.  We subsequently develop a workflow to predict the possible range of stimulated reservoir volume using available data compiled from various literature. Our data were mainly from   North American and  China. The data were processed and analyzed considering the variations in rock properties and the hydraulic fracturing designs. Fracture heights and growth geometry were identified. No significant variations within the fracture heights were noticed among different plays. The workflow developed in this study enables us to predict stimulated reservoir volume in order to optimize the fracturing design which plays an important role in improving the recovery ratio of unconventional reservoirs.