MicroSeismic Shows Improved Drainage and Increased NPV With Six Wells Per Section In The Permian Basin
The Challenge
Microseismic analysis for a horizontal well completed in the San Andres in Cochran County was used to measure the geometry of the created fracture network, evaluate optimization potential for the treatment design, and understand wellbore density for highest capital efficiency.
The Solution
Acoustic data were acquired with an 11-arm star-shaped surface array during the treatment and used to image microseismic events and the created fracture network. Analysis showed a hydraulic half-length of about 300 ft with a propped half-length of about 80 ft. While a significant amount of activity was observed above and below the target interval, the total propped height was only 140 ft. Microseismic activity was fairly symmetrical about the wellbore with fracture planes oriented mostly at 93° and some failure between 100-130°. Maximum horizontal stress direction was determined at around 40°. Horizontal stress anisotropy was observed to be low.
Predictive Completions Evaluation
San Andres, Central Basin Platform
5,145 ft TVD (KB)