In 2016, RN-Yuganskneftegas LLC performed numerous surveys of various types in the areas developed by horizontal wells with multi-stage fracturing (MSF HW) including a series of downhole microseismic monitoring studies. Fracture propagation information obtained from downhole microseismic monitoring is of great interest due to the lack of alternate direct fracturing monitoring methods, and lack of similar studies in Russia. This paper presents the results of three microseismic investigations at Prirazlomnoye and Priobskoye fields. It demonstrates effectiveness and feasibility of commercial application of microseismic monitoring during fracturing aimed at optimization of horizontal drilling, fracturing designs and field development in general. Microseismic monitoring of fracturing operations in horizontal wells of Priobskoye and Prirazlomnoye fields enabled the determination of the actual directions of fracture propagation, achievable fracture sizes and interaction of fractures developing from neighboring frac ports. The first in Russia successful fracturing monitoring in two observation wells simultaneously was performed at Prirazlomnoye field, which enabled to increase the fracture mapping area and determine the significant influence of offset wells on the fracture pattern symmetry. Fracturing monitoring operations at Priobskoye field were record-breaking for Russia: over 1,200 microseismic events were registered and located during 5 fracturing stages. The paper also provides recommendations on the selection of optimum candidate wells, well preparation, and noise reduction for improved seismic data quality.
References
1. Aki K., Richards P.G., Quantitative Seismology: Theory and Methods,
W.H. Freeman and Co., New York, 1980.
2. Kazbulatov I.G., Rubtsova A.V., Yunusov R.R., Veremko N.A.,
Volyanskaya V.V., Multistage horizontal wells treatment in combination with
microseismic monitoring and cross-dipole acoustic logging (In Russ.), Neftyanoe
khozyaystvo = Oil Industry, 2014, no. 9, pp. 93–95.
3. Konopel'ko A., Sukovatyy V., Mitin A., Rubtsova A., Microseismic monitoring
of multistage hydraulic fracturing in complex reservoirs of the Volgo-Urals Region
of Russia, SPE-176710-RU, 2015.
4. Economides M., Oligney R., Valko P., Unified fracture design. Bridging the
gap between theory and practice, Orsa Press, Alvin, Texas, 2002, 262 p.
5. Zinno R.J., Microseismic monitoring to image hydraulic fracture growth, Proceedings
of AAPG Geosciences Technology Workshop, June 28–30, Rome,
Italy, 2010.
6. Zinno R.J., Mutlu U., Microseismic data analysis, interpretation compared
with geomechanical modeling, Proceedings of EAGE Workshop on Borehole
Geophysics: Unlocking the Potential, Athens, Greece, 19–22 April, 2015.
