Keynote Presentation: Microseismic Data Integration: How Connecting the Dots can Help Solve the Unconventionals Puzzle

Unconventional reservoirs are generally developed using hydraulic fracturing. Having a good understanding of the hydraulic fracture characteristics helps in optimally and efficiently developing the reservoir. Microseismic monitoring has proven to be a valuable technique to monitor hydraulic fracturing operations. During the hydraulic fracture treatment fluid is injected in the reservoir and cracks form, which results in the occurrence of microseismic events. The monitoring and interpretation of this microseismic events can lead to a better understanding of the hydraulic fracture characteristics. Microseismic monitoring of hydraulic fracturing is generally used to assess the fracture parameters like hydraulic fracture height, length, orientation, and complexity. However, it is a challenge to retrieve information like effective (producing) fracture parameters and hydraulic fracturing efficiency. Besides, the value of information from microseismic would become larger when it can be used to go beyond retrospective analysis, and can help to facilitate the prediction of the hydraulic fracture behavior. In order to solve this unconventional puzzle and to maximize the learnings from microseismic data, it is required to evaluate this microseismic data along with other sources of data.