The First Implementation of Hydraulic Fracturing With Microseismic Fracture Propagation Monitoring in Northeast Thailand

Abstract

Low-permeability sandstone formations in deviated exploration wells were drilled and completed in 2013 in northeast Thailand. Reservoir simulation modeling indicated that a well would not produce as a result of the tight formation. Hydraulic fracturing was then considered, and a plan was adopted to use this method to improve the well's production using reservoir simulations. Microseismic fracture monitoring was implemented to correlate data with actual fracture propagation to understand the formation's geomechanics. The fracture design methods were combined with completion and cleanout strategies to help improve well performance. The fracturing design was incorporated into a complete operational procedure, along with contingency plans, a decision tree, and an integrated communication plan, to allow for possible contingencies. Careful planning, fluid testing, and a fit-for-purpose completion design resulted in a successful hydraulic fracturing operation. The microseismic equipment was installed and monitored during the fracturing operation to provide actual fracturing propagation noise signals. This paper presents the well fracturing technology, operational procedures, and microseismic technology used to better understand reservoir behavior and geomechanics characteristics. The geophone installation and surrounding control on location provided minimum noise interference for more accurate actual fracture propagation data. The computer program then forecasted fracture propagation. Comparisons between actual fracture propagation and the simulated fracture design allowed the operator to better understand subsurface parameters and characteristics for building the reservoir database. The operator was also able to forecast fracturing dimensions to help prevent water production zones. This significant reservoir information can be used for field development to maximize hydrocarbon production. Fracturing technology and seismic technology were combined to improve the probability of successful hydrocarbon production. Microseismic results demonstrated the actual fracturing plane dimensions and dynamic fracture propagation, and the fracturing computer program provided fracture simulation dimensions and direction. Combining these technologies allowed the operator to obtain more reservoir data for future field development.