Developments in Diagnostic Tools for Hydraulic Fracture Geometry Analysis

Abstract

Summary URTeC 1619968 In this paper we examine diagnostic tools for hydraulic fracture stimulation (HFS) that can help determine the geometry, reach, and effectiveness of the created fracture(s). In particular we focus on using the combination of micro-seismic and Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology to gain a more complete understanding of the resulting stimulation treatment and identify further optimization opportunities. DAS has many applications, and this paper will consider two particular cases in combination with micro-seismic data acquired by geophones in an observation well: When DAS is recorded in a treatment well, it can be used to determine and quantify which stages and perforations take fluid. When this is combined with micro-seismic data we can establish a relationship between the micro-seismic events and the fracture fluid itself. This can help determine the overall effectiveness of the fracture design and resulting treatment. When DAS is recorded in an offset well (developed in the same pad as the treatment well), it can be used to determine when hydraulic fracture fluid (initiated from the neighboring treatment well in the same pad) intersects that well. We can then establish how the micro-seismic events relate to actual fluid placement and interference from neighboring wells. It can also provide an exact location and timing where fractures intercept offset wells and are linking up, and are a direct measurement of a conductive fracture. In both cases micro-seismic combined with DAS data provides an opportunity for further completion optimization, well spacing optimization, and/or pad design and/or well spacing.