Natural Fracture Networks in Unconventional Reservoirs for Improved Development Strategies: Niobrara Play Case Study

Heterogeneity of an unconventional reservoir is one of the main factors affecting production. Well performance depends on the size and efficiency of the interconnected fracture “plumbing system”, as influenced by multistage hydraulic fracturing. A complex, interconnected natural fracture network can significantly increase the size of stimulated reservoir volume, provide additional surface area contact and enhance permeability. The purpose of this study was to characterize the natural fracture patterns occurring in the unconventional Niobrara reservoir and to determine the drivers that influenced fracture trends and distributions. Highly fractured areas/fracture swarm corridors were identified and integrated into a reservoir model though DFN (Discrete Fracture Network) application for further prediction of reservoir performance using reservoir simulations. The predictive capability of DFN models can aid in improved reservoir performance and hydrocarbon production through optimized well spacing, re-frac stage locations planning for existing wells as well as completion strategies design for new wells.