Integration of Dynamic Microseismic Data With a True 3D Modeling of Hydraulic-Fracture Propagation in the Vaca Muerta Shale
- Authors
- Mahdi Haddad (The University of Texas at Austin) | Jing Du (Total E&P) | Sandrine Vidal-Gilbert (Total E&P)
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.2118/179164-PA
- Document ID
- SPE-179164-PA
- Publisher
- Society of Petroleum Engineers
- Source
- SPE Journal
- Volume
- 22
- Issue
- 06
- Publication Date
- December 2017
- Document Type
- Journal Paper
- Pages
- 1,714 - 1,738
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 1086-055X
- Copyright
- 2017.Society of Petroleum Engineers
- Disciplines
- Keywords
- hydraulic-natural fracture interaction and intersection, microseismic, pore pressure cohesive zone model, the Vaca Muerta Shale, 3D fully-coupled poroelastic-fracturing analysis
- Downloads
- 11 in the last 30 days
- 542 since 2007
- Show more detail
- View rights & permissions
| SPE Member Price: | USD 12.00 |
| SPE Non-Member Price: | USD 35.00 |
Summary
Microseismic mapping during the hydraulic-fracturing processes in the Vaca Muerta (VM) Shale in Argentina shows a group of microseismic events occurring at shallower depth and at later injection time, and they clearly deviate from the growing planar hydraulic fracture. This spatial and temporal behavior of these shallow microseismic events incurs some questions regarding the nature of these events and their connectivity to the hydraulic fracture. To answer these questions, in this article, we investigate these phenomena by use of a true 3D fracture-propagation-modeling tool along with statistical analysis on the properties of microseismic events.
First, we propose a novel technique in Abaqus incorporating fracture intersections in true 3D hydraulic-fracture-propagation simulations by use of a pore-pressure cohesive zone model (CZM), which is validated by comparing our numerical results with the Khristianovic-Geertsma-de Klerk (KGD) solution (Khristianovic and Zheltov 1955; Geertsma and de Klerk 1969). The simulations fully couple slot flow in the fracture with poroelasticity in the matrix and continuum-based leakoff on the fracture walls, and honor the fracture-tip effects in quasibrittle shales. By use of this model, we quantify vertical-natural-fracture activation and fluid infiltration depending on reservoir depth, fracturing-fluid viscosity, mechanical properties of the natural-fracture cohesive layer, natural-fracture conductivity, and horizontal stress contrast. The modeling results demonstrate this natural-fracture activation in coincidence with the hydraulic-fracture-growth complexities at the intersection, such as height throttling, sharp aperture reduction after the intersection, and multibranching at various heights and directions.
Finally, we investigate the hydraulic-fracture intersection with a natural fracture in the multilayer VM Shale. We infer the natural-fracture location and orientation from the microseismic-events map and formation microimager log in a nearby vertical well, respectively. We integrate the other field information such as mechanical, geological, and operational data to provide a realistic hydraulic-fracturing simulation in the presence of a natural fracture. Our 3D fracturing simulations equipped with the new fracture-intersection model rigorously simulate the growth of a realistic hydraulic-connection path toward the natural fracture at shallower depths, which was in agreement with our microseismic observations.
| File Size | 3 MB | Number of Pages | 25 |
References
Adachi, J., Siebrits, E., Peirce, A. et al. 2007. Computer Simulation of Hydraulic Fractures. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. 44 (5): 739–757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2006.11.006.
Benzeggagh, M. L. and Kenane, M. 1996. Measurement of Mixed-Mode Delamination Fracture Toughness of Unidirectional Glass/Epoxy Composites with Mixed-Mode Bending Apparatus. Composites Science and Technology 56: 439–449. https://doi.org/10.1016/0266-3538(96)00005-X.
Blanton, T. L. 1986. Propagation of Hydraulically and Dynamically Induced Fractures in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs. Presented at the SPE Unconventional Gas Technology Symposium, Louisville, Kentucky, 18–21 May. SPE-15261-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/15261-MS.
Chen, Z. 2012. Finite Element Modelling of Viscosity-Dominated Hydraulic Fractures. J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 88–89 (June): 136–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2011.12.021.
Chen, Z., Jeffrey, R. G., Zhang, X. et al. 2016. Finite-Element Simulation of a Hydraulic Fracture Interacting with a Natural Fracture. SPE J. SPE-176970-PA (in press; posted July 2016).
Chuprakov, D., Melchaeva, O., and Prioul, R. 2013. Hydraulic Fracture Propagation Across a Weak Discontinuity Controlled by Fluid Injection. In Effective and Sustainable Hydraulic Fracturing, ed. A. P. Bunger, J. McLennan, and R. Jeffrey, Chap. 8. Rijeka, Croatia: InTech. https://doi.org/10.5772/55941.
Cipolla, C. L. and Wright, C. A. 2000. State-of-the-Art in Hydraulic Fracture Diagnostics. Presented at the SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, Brisbane, Australia, 16–18 October. SPE-64434-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/64434-MS.
Cipolla, C. L., Mack, M. G., Maxwell, S. C. et al. 2011. A Practical Guide to Interpreting Microseismic Measurements. Presented at theNorth American Unconventional Gas Conference and Exhibition, The Woodlands, Texas, 14–16 June. SPE-144067-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/144067-MS.
Committee on Fracture Characterization and Fluid Flow at National Research Council (U.S.). 1996. Rock Fractures and Fluid Flow: Contemporary Understanding and Applications. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
Damjanac, B., Detournay, C., Cundall, P. A. et al. 2013. Three-Dimensional Numerical Model of Hydraulic Fracturing in Fractured Rock Masses. In Effective and Sustainable Hydraulic Fracturing, ed. A. P. Bunger, J. McLennan, and R. Jeffrey, Chap. 41. Rijeka, Croatia: InTech. https://doi.org/10.5772/56313.
Dassault Syste`mes. 2014. Abaqus Analysis User’s Guide, Vol. 6.14-2. Waltham, Massachusetts: Dassault Systèmes.
Fisher, M. K., Heinze, J. R., Harris, C. D. et al. 2004. Optimizing Horizontal Completion Techniques in the Barnett Shale Using Microseismic Fracture Mapping. Presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston, 26–29 September. SPE-90051-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/90051-MS.
Fisher, M. K., Wright, C. A., Davidson, B. M. et al. 2002. Integrating Fracture Mapping Technologies to Optimize Stimulations in the Barnett Shale. Presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, 29 September–2 October. SPE-77441-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/77441-MS.
Fu, P., Johnson, S. M., and Carrigan, C. R. 2012. An Explicitly Coupled Hydro-Geomechanical Model for Simulating Hydraulic Fracturing in Arbitrary Discrete Fracture Networks. Int. J. Numer. Anal. Met. 37 (14): 2278–2300. https://doi.org/10.1002/nag.2135.
Fu, W., Ames, B. C., Bunger, A. P. et al. 2015. An Experimental Study on Interaction between Hydraulic Fractures and Partially-Cemented Natural Fractures. Presented at the 49th US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, San Francisco, 28 June–1 July. ARMA-2015-132.
Gale, J. F. W., and Holder, J. 2008. Natural Fractures in the Barnett Shale: Constraints on Spatial Organization and Tensile Strength with Implications for Hydraulic Fracture Treatment in Shale Gas Reservoirs. Presented at the 42nd US Rock Mechanics Symposium, San Francisco, 29 June–2 July. ARMA-08-096.
Gale, J. F. W., Reed, R. M., and Holder, J. 2007. Natural Fractures in the Barnett Shale and Their Importance for Hydraulic Fracture Treatments. AAPG Bull. 91 (4): 603–622. https://doi.org/10.1306/11010606061.
Geertsma, J., and de Klerk, F. 1969. A Rapid Method of Predicting Width and Extent of Hydraulically Induced Fractures. J Pet Technol 21 (12):1571–1581. SPE-2458-PA. https://doi.org/10.2118/2458-PA.
Gonzalez-Chavez, M., Dahi Taleghani, A., and Olson, J. E. 2015. A Cohesive Model for Modeling Hydraulic Fractures in Naturally Fractured Formations. Presented at the SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference, The Woodlands, Texas, 3–5 February. SPE-173384-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/173384-MS.
Gutenberg, B. and Richter, C. F. 1944. Frequency of Earthquakes in California. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America 34 (4): 185–188.
Haddad, M. and Sepehrnoori, K. 2014. Cohesive Fracture Analysis to Model Multiple-Stage Fracturing in Quasibrittle Shale Formations. Oral presentation given at the SIMULIA Community Conference, Providence, Rhode Island, 19–21 May.
Haddad, M. and Sepehrnoori, K. 2015a. Simulation of Hydraulic Fracturing in Quasi-brittle Shale Formations Using Characterized Cohesive Layer: Stimulation Controlling Factors. J. Unconven. Gas. Resour. 9 (March): 65–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.juogr.2014.10.001.
Haddad, M. and Sepehrnoori, K. 2015b. XFEM-Based CZM for the Simulation of 3D Multiple-Stage Hydraulic Fracturing in Quasi-Brittle Shale Formations. Presented at 49th US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, San Francisco, 28 June–1 July. ARMA-2015-070.
Haddad, M., Srinivasan, S., and Sepehrnoori, K. 2015c. Modeling Natural Fracture Network Using Object-based Simulation. Presented at the 49th US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, San Francisco, 28 June-1 July. ARMA-2015-223.
Haddad, M. and Sepehrnoori, K. 2016a. Modeling Natural Fracture Activation Using a Poro-elastic Fracture Intersection Model. Oral presentation given at the 2016 Science in the Age of Experience Conference, Boston, Massachusetts, 23–25 May.
Haddad, M. and Sepehrnoori, K. 2016b. XFEM-Based CZM for the Simulation of 3D Multiple-Cluster Hydraulic Fracturing in Quasi-Brittle Shale Formations. J. Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 49 (12): 4731–4748. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-016-1057-2.
Howard, G. C. and Fast, C. R. 1957. Optimum Fluid Characteristics for Fracture Extension. API-57-261.
Hryb, D., Archimio, A., Badessich, M. et al. 2014. Unlocking the True Potential of the Vaca Muerta Shale via an Integrated Completion Optimization Approach. Presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Amsterdam, 27–29 October. SPE-170580-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/170580-MS.
Irwin, G. R. 1957. Analysis of Stresses and Strains Near the End of a Crack Traversing a Plate. J. Appl. Mech.-Trans. ASME 24: 351–369.
Khristianovic, S. A. and Zheltov, Y. P. 1955. Formation of Vertical Fractures by Means of Highly Viscous Liquid. Presented at the 4th World Petroleum Congress, Rome, 6–15 June. WPC-6132.
Laubach, S. E. 2003. Practical Approaches to Identifying Sealed and Open Fractures. AAPG Bull. 87 (4): 561–579. https://doi.org/10.1306/11060201106.
Lee, H. P., Olson, J. E., Holder, J. et al. 2015. The Interaction of Propagating Opening Mode Fractures with Preexisting Discontinuities in Shale. J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea. 120 (1): 169–181. https://doi.org/10.1002/2014JB011358.
Maxwell, S. C., Mack, M., Zhang, F. et al. 2015. Differentiating Wet and Dry Microseismic Events Induced During Hydraulic Fracturing. Presented at the Unconventional Resources Technology Conference, San Antonio, Texas, 20–22 July. URTeC-2154344-MS. https://doi.org/10.15530/URTEC-2015-2154344.
Mignan, A. and Woessner, J. 2012. Estimating the Magnitude of Completeness for Earthquake Catalog. Community Online Resource for Statistical Seismicity Analysis. https://doi.org/10.5078/corssa-00180805.
Myers, R. and Aydin, A. 2004. The Evolution of Faults Formed by Shearing Across Joint Zones in Sandstone. J. Struct. Geol. 26 (5): 947–966. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2003.07.008.
Nolte, K. G. and Smith, M. B. 1981. Interpretation of Fracturing Pressures. J Pet Technol 33 (9): 1767–1775. SPE-8297-PA. https://doi.org/10.2118/8297-PA.
Nordgren, R. P. 1972. Propagation of a Vertical Hydraulic Fracture. SPE J. 12 (4): 306–314. https://doi.org/10.2118/3009-PA.
Ouchi, H., Katiyar, A., Foster, J. et al. 2015. A Peridynamics Model for the Propagation of Hydraulic Fractures in Heterogeneous, Naturally Fractured Reservoirs. Presented at the SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference, The Woodlands, Texas, 3–5 February. SPE 173361-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/173361-MS.
Ouenes, A., Umholtz, N. M., and Aimene, Y. E. 2016. Using Geomechanical Modeling to Quantify the Impact of Natural Fractures on Well Performance and Microseismicity: Application to the Wolfcamp, Permian Basin, Reagan County, Texas. Interpretation 4 (2): SE1–SE15. https://doi.org/10.1190/INT-2015-0134.1.
Perkins, T. K. and Kern, L. R. 1961. Widths of Hydraulic fractures. J Pet Technol 13 (9): 937–949. https://doi.org/10.2118/89-PA.
Potluri, N. K., Zhu, D., and Hill, A. D. 2005. The Effect of Natural Fractures on Hydraulic Fracture Propagation. Presented at the SPE European Formation Damage Conference, Scheveningen, The Netherlands, 25–27 May. SPE-94568-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/94568-MS.
Riahi, A. and Damjanac, B. 2013. Numerical Study of the Interaction between Injection and the Discrete Fracture Network in Enhanced Geothermal Reservoirs. Presented at the 47th US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, San Francisco, 23–26 June. ARMA-2013-333.
Rohmer, B., Raverta, M., Boutaud de la Combe, J.-L. et al. 2015. Minifrac Analysis Using Well Test Technique as Applied to the Vaca Muerta Shale Play. Presented at the EUROPEC 2015, Madrid, Spain, 1–4 June. SPE-174380-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/174380-MS.
Shakiba, M. and Sepehrnoori, K. 2015. Using Embedded Discrete Fracture Model (EDFM) and Microseismic Monitoring Data to Characterize the Complex Hydraulic Fracture Networks. Presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston, 28–30 September. SPE-175142-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/175142-MS.
Siebrits, E. and Peirce, A. P. 2002. An Efficient Multi-Layer Planar 3D Fracture Growth Algorithm Using a Fixed Mesh Approach. Int. J. Numer. Meth. Eng. 53 (3): 691–717. https://doi.org/10.1002/nme.308.
Su, K., Onaisi, A., and Garnier, A. 2014. A Comprehensive Methodology of Evaluation of the Fracability of a Shale Gas Play. Presented at the Unconventional Resources Technology Conference, Denver, 25–27 August. https://doi.org/10.15530/urtec-2014-1932416.
Sun, T., Merletti, G., Patel, H. et al. 2015. Advanced Petrophysical, Geological, Geophysical and Geomechanical Reservoir Characterization – Key to the Successful Implementation of a Geo-Engineered Completion Optimization Program in the Eagle Ford Shale. Presented at the Unconventional Resources Technology Conference, San Antonio, Texas, 20–22 July. https://doi.org/10.15530/urtec-2015-2152246.
Valko, P. and Economides, M. J. 1995. Hydraulic Fracture Mechanics. West Sussex, England: John Wiley & Sons.
Vermeer, P. A. and Verruijt, A. 1981. An Accuracy Condition for Consolidation by Finite Elements. Int. J. Numer. Anal. Methods Geomech. 5 (1): 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1002/nag.1610050103.
Warpinski, N. R. 1991. Hydraulic Fracturing in Tight, Fissured Media. J Pet Technol 43 (2): 146–209. SPE-20154-PA. https://doi.org/10.2118/20154-PA.
Warpinski, N. R. 2013. Understanding Hydraulic Fracture Growth, Effectiveness, and Safety through Microseismic Monitoring. In Effective and Sustainable Hydraulic Fracturing, ed. A. P. Bunger, J. McLennan, and R. Jeffrey, Chap. 6. Rijeka, Croatia: InTech. https://doi.org/10.5772/55974.
Warpinski, N. R. and Teufel, L. W. 1987. Influence of Geologic Discontinuities on Hydraulic Fracture Propagation. J Pet Technol 39 (2): 209–220. SPE-13224-PA. https://doi.org/10.2118/13224-PA.
Warpinski, N. R., Du, J., and Zimmer, U. 2012. Measurements of Hydraulic-Fracture-Induced Seismicity in Gas Shales. SPE Prod & Oper 27 (3): 240–252. https://doi.org/10.2118/151597-PA.
Weng, X., Kresse, O., Cohen, C. E. et al. 2011. Modeling of Hydraulic Fracture Network Propagation in a Naturally Fractured Formation. Presented at the SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference and Exhibition, The Woodlands, Texas, 24–26 January. SPE-140253-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/140253-MS.
Wu, K. and Olson, J. E. 2014. Mechanics Analysis of Interaction between Hydraulic and Natural Fractures in Shale Reservoirs. Presented at the Unconventional Resources Technology Conference, Denver, 25–27 August. URTEC-1922946-MS. https://doi.org/10.15530/urtec-2014-1922946.
Zhang, X. and Jeffrey, R. G. 2008. Reinitiation or Termination of Fluid-Driven Fractures at Frictional Bedding Interfaces. J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea. 113 (B8): 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1029/2007JB005327.
Zoback, M. D. 2007. Reservoir Geomechanics. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Zuniga, F. R. and Wyss, M. 1995. Inadvertent Changes in Magnitude Reported in Earthquake Catalogs: Their Evaluation through b-Value Estimates. Bull. Seismol. Soc. Am. 85 (6): 1858–1866.
