Integrating Fracture-Mapping Technologies To Improve Stimulations in the Barnett Shale

摘要

A large hydraulic-fracture diagnostic project was undertaken in the summer of 2001 that integrated fracture-diagnostic technologies, including tiltmeter (i.e., surface and downhole) and microseismic mapping. The extensive data gathered resulted in a much clearer understanding of the highly complex fracture behavior in the Barnett shale of north Texas. The detailed fracture-mapping results allowed construction of a calibrated 3D fracture simulator that better reflects the observed mechanics of fracturing in this frac-tured-shale reservoir. More than just simple calibration was required. Indeed, a whole new understanding of fracture growth was developed. The Barnett shale has seen a rebirth of drilling and refracturing activity in recent years because of the success of waterfracture, or "light-sand," fracturing treatments. This extremely low-permeability reservoir benefits from fracture treatments that establish long and wide fracture "fairways," which result in connecting very large surface areas of the formation with an extremely complex fracture network.