Services

Questions/Comments

Hydraulic Fracture Mapping

The Value of Frac Monitoring

Microseismic monitoring is the practice of listening to passive, microseismic activity caused by hydraulic fracturing, reservoir subsidence, and water, steam, or CO2 injection or sequestration. Passive microseismic activity is recorded over time producing 4-D images. Successful development of unconventional reservoirs is dependent on a better understanding of the fracture geometry, and improving the reservoirs stimulated volume, both of which can be achieved through microseismic monitoring and mapping.

MSI’s monitoring, mapping and analysis services and expertise provide a better understanding of the fracture geometry, azimuth, connectivity, density, and length, which allows for improvements to the frac program by modifying the pump pressure, pump rate, proppant mesh and placement. In addition, operators can also identify patterns of fluid movement, fracture development, connectivity and compaction, and if the fracing and proppant are staying “in zone” or travelling “out of zone”. This critical insight can result in the refinement of the well spacing plan, the well design, the completion design, as well as the design of the hydraulic stimulation treatment program. A stimulated reservoir volume allows for improved production rates and bookable reserves.

Acquisition Options:

Surface Monitoring with FracStar^®

MicroSeismic invented and perfected the surfaced-based array for microseismic monitoring known as FracStar^®. The array is customized for each project to ensure the highest level of results. It features a patented design, a proprietary processing technology, PSET^®, and is ideal frac strategies. Unlike, downhole monitoring, an observation well is not required when using the FracStar^® array so it also ideal for wells that do not include a monitoring well or where the cost of removing the production string is prohibitive. In addition, the FracStar^® works well in areas with high temperature challenges (such as the Haynesville Shale for example), where downhole monitoring may not be ideal or even an option.

FracStar^® is a surface-based microseismic monitoring method developed by MicroSeismic, Inc., The FracStar^® array, which is used to monitor hydraulic fracturing operations, provides accurate and comprehensive results, is easily deployable, and does not require the use of monitor well.

Key Points:

Utilizes 1-C Geophone strings
Radial array, 8-16 arms 1000 channels
PSET^® Processing

Very high lateral resolution
Vertical resolution determined by event size and depth

Flexible and rapid acquisition
First break processing
PSET^® processing "beam steers" the output from the array to identify microseismic activity in the zone of interest
Data is stacked for individual cells and scanned for events
Works well for small area of interest

Near-Surface Monitoring with a Buried Array

MicroSeismic, Inc., also invented and perfected the near-surface array for microseismic monitoring known as the Buried Array. The Buried Array option, which is unique to MSI, is ideal for operators who have multiple development wells that they wish to monitor over a larger areal extent, and over a longer period of time enabling more strategic development of the field. Our Buried Arrays are specially designed for each project to maximize coverage and on average, cover anywhere from 15-25 square miles depending on the well locations and required spacing. Like the FracStar^® surface array, the Buried Array does not require a monitor well. Geophones are buried below the surface of the earth to avoid the surface noise that is problematic when recording seismic data. In addition, the Buried Array is also used for Life of Field (LOF) studies, "Heavy oil production"/Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD), CO2 sequestration monitoring, and the monitoring of geothermal projects, reservoir subsidence, and steam and water injection programs.

Key Points:

Most cost-effective method for long-term and large area monitoring
3-C Geophones buried 100’-500’
100 Geophones per array
PSET^® processing
Extremely high resolution
Large areal coverage
Best commercial and technical option for long-term monitoring

Downhole Monitoring

Downhole monitoring is of one of three different acquisition methods offered by MicroSeismic, Inc. It is typically the most economical option of the acquisition methods, however, it does require the utilization of a monitor well and the monitor well must be located close to the treatment well (within 300 meters/1000 feet) for optimal results. It is relatively easy and quick to deploy and works best for monitoring a small area of interest. When it is to be used for lateral wells, the entire volume of the treatment zones must be located within this range for the monitoring to be effective. In all other cases, a surface array (FracStar^®) or a Buried Array system should be utilized.

Key Points: