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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database
Houston Geological Society Bulletin
Abstract
Abstract: Geomechanical and Flow Simulation of Hydraulic Fractures Using High-Resolution Passive
Seismic
Images
Successful hydraulic fracture treatments require sound frac designs based on reservoir geomechanics and geology. This paper demonstrates a workflow that integrates Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) simulation with Tomographic Fracture ImagingTM (TFI), a passive seismic
monitoring method (Geiser et al, 2012; Lacazette et al, 2013). DFN models are built at the level of detail of individual fractures using information resolved using the TFI approach. These DFN models are then used to understand reservoir production and geomechanics.
This paper shows examples of DFN simulations that predict frac propagation and reactivation of natural fractures by hydro-shearing and hydrojacking. By tracking fracture propagation and reactivation, the simulator produced hydraulic fracture fields that can be compared to and calibrated with observed TFIs. This process provides confidence in both the Stimulated Rock Volume (SRV) and Tributary Drainage Volume (TDV) determined for the fracture treatment. The distinction between SRV and TDV is important, because induced hydraulic fractures and natural fracture reactivation can produce seismic
activity in a larger volume than actually contributes production. Also, natural fractures can contribute to production from regions outside the SRV if hydraulic fractures effectively connect the well to the natural fracture network. The calibrated simulations of TDVs provide a basis for improved frac designs, well-test analyses and production forecasts.
Biographical Sketch
Mr. Knitter is a Principal Geologist with Golder Associates Inc. He has been with Golder’s Seattle office for 30 years and is working with clients worldwide on fractured reservoirs as part of Golder’s FracMan Technology Group. His practice involves characterizing and modeling
unconventional resource plays and unconventional fractured carbonate reservoirs. Recent work has included resource plays in several of the United States shale basins and northern Europe and fractured carbonate reservoirs in Far East Asia and the Middle East/Central Asia. He received his B.S. degree in Geology from Western Washington University and his M.Sc. degree in Geology from the University of Calgary.
References
Geiser, P., Lacazette, A. and J. Vermilye, 2012. Beyond “dots in a box”, First Break, Vol. 30, p. 63 – 69.
Lacazette, A., Vermilye, J., Fereja, S., and C. Sicking, 2013. Ambient fracture imaging: A new passive seismic
method: SPE 168849 / URTeC 1582380. Proceedings, First Unconventional Resources Technology Conference. Society of Petroleum Engineers.
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