Oil and Gas

Oil and Gas | Geophysics and Seismic Interpretation

Improved Hydraulic Fracture Design Using Microseismic Imaging

Course Code: N409
Instructors:  Shawn Maxwell
Course Outline:  Download
Format and Duration:
2 days

Summary

This course covers the fundamentals of microseismic imaging including survey design, data processing, and the interpretation of fracture images. Participants will gain a practical understanding of hydraulic fracture stimulation, completions, and reservoir characterization to optimize field development.

Duration and Training Method

This two-day class utilizes lecture materials, exercises, and recent case history examples from tight sand and shale reservoirs.

Course Overview

Participants will learn to:

  1. Investigate fracture mechanics theory, field operations and equipment, and assess technologies and factors that can influence hydraulic fracture growth.
  2. Evaluate various microseismic monitoring configurations including vertical, horizontal, multi-well, down hole, surface, and shallow buried arrays.
  3. Examine the sequence of data processing steps required to accurately image microseismic events.
  4. Estimate the sensitivity, resolution and confidence of microseismic images, and QC the results.
  5. Integrate best industry practices when contracting for microseismic services.
Introduction and history of microseismic imaging

Basics of hydraulic fracturing

  • Theory of fracture mechanics
  • Field operations
  • Design challenges

Acquisition and pre-survey design

  • Acquisition alternatives
  • Design optimization

 

Basic data processing of microseismic data

  • Data processing workflows
  • Significance of the velocity model
  • Quality control considerations

Geomechanics of microseismic deformation

  • Microseismic source characterization
  • Microseismic responses to frac deformation

Interpretation of microseismic fracture images

  • Workflows
  • Data integration
  • Confidence assessment
  • Pitfalls

Engineering applications of microseismic imaging

  • Case studies
  • Engineering design improvement
  • Economic considerations

Engineers and geoscientists who wish to utilize microseismic data to improve their understanding of reservoir architecture and microseismic response to hydraulic fracture treatment.

Shawn Maxwell

Background
Shawn Maxwell is President and CTO for IMaGE (Itasca Microseismic and Geomechanical Evaluation) based in Calgary. Previously he provided microseismic technical direction at Schlumberger, Pinnacle/Halliburton and ESG and has been a pioneer in the introduction of commercial microseismic hydraulic-fracturing imaging services to the oil and gas industry.

Shawn was awarded a Ph.D. in microseismology from Queen’s University in Canada. He serves on various microseismic focused committees and workshops around the globe, and is currently passive seismic associate editor for Geophysics. Shawn is also a 2013 SPE Distinguished Lecturer (“What Have We Learned About Fracturing Shales After 12 Years of Microseismic Mapping?”) and the 2014 SEG Distinguished Instructor Short Course (“Microseismic Imaging of Hydraulic Fracturing: Improved Engineering of Unconventional Shale Reservoirs”).

Affiliations and Accreditation
PhD Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario - Geophysics
MSc Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario - Engineering Physics
BSc Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario - Engineering Geophysics

Courses Taught
N250: Evaluation Methods for Shale Reservoirs
N409: Improved Hydraulic Fracture Design Using Microseismic Imaging

 

 

CEU: 1.4 Continuing Education Units
PDH: 14 Professional Development Hours
Certificate: Certificate Issued Upon Completion
RPS is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. We comply with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognised internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices.
We issue a Certificate of Attendance which verifies the number of training hours attended. Our courses are generally accepted by most professional licensing boards/associations towards continuing education credits. Please check with your licensing board to determine if the courses and certificate of attendance meet their specific criteria.