Integrated Analysis of Hydraulic Fracture, Microseismic & Pressure-Interference Test in a Dynamic Simulator to Optimize Well Spacing

Abstract It is challenging to simulate unconventional reservoirs efficiently and accurately because of uncertainty in fracture geometry, geomechanics, reservoir parameters, and a lack of holistic physics to integrate data from these three disciplines. We present a holistic approach to accurately predict the pad performance of hydraulically fractured wells. This involves extensive calibration of a frac model to Diagnostic Fracture Injection Test (DFIT) and microseismic data, which is validated by Rate Transient Analysis (RTA) and pressure interference test. A single stage of a multistage fracture horizontal wells was calibrated with DFIT using a hydraulic fracture model. Simultaneously, the hydraulic fracture length (xf) was calibrated to align with microseismic events. This extensively calibrated stage was then replicated across other stages in the pad. Chow Pressure Group Analysis (CPG) was conducted on the four wells on the pad to measure the magnitude of the pressure interference. Results of the fracture model were passed into an in-house reservoir simulator for history matching. This method serves as a way for frac and simulation engineers to create an accurate, calibrated model that can be used for frac, completion and well spacing optimization, technical and business decisions in areas of fields with similar petrophysics and geomechanical properties.