Completion Optimization Using a Microseismically Calibrated Geomechanical Hydraulic Fracturing Simulation in a Naturally Fractured Formation

摘要

A 3D geomechanical model of a hydraulic fracture treatment in the Horn River Basin was calibrated by comparing synthetic microseismic events to field data. Using this calibrated model, sensitivity studies were performed to determine the effect of geological parameters and operational variables on the resulting fracture geometry and microseismic response. Microseismic geomechanics was shown to be a reliable calibration methodology for this model because changes in hydraulic fracture geometry were reflected by changes in the microseismic calibration. The results show that the orientation of the DFN is a key parameter driving the microseismic response. When hydraulic fractures intersect natural fractures at high angles, the pre-existing fractures are stimulated more and exhibit a greater microseismic response. Application of the calibrated model to optimize completion changes is demonstrated by investigating the effect of several potential changes on fracture geometry.