3D Hydraulic-Fracture Simulation Integrated With 4D Time-Lapse Multicomponent Seismic and Microseismic Interpretations, Wattenberg Field, Colorado

The 3D hydraulic-fracture-simulation modeling was integrated with 4D time-lapse seismic and microseismic data to evaluate the efficiency of hydraulic-fracture treatments within a 1 sq mile well-spacing test of Wattenberg Field, Colorado. Eleven wells were drilled, stimulated, and produced from the Niobrara and Codell unconventional reservoirs. Seismic monitoring through 4D time-lapse multi-component seismic data was acquired by prehydraulic fracturing, post-hydraulic fracturing, and after 2 years of production. The results from the simulation modeling and seismic monitoring show the significant effect of reservoir heterogeneity on hydraulic-fracture stimulation and hydrocarbon production. A hydraulic-fracture-simulation model using a 3D numerical simulator was generated and analyzed for hydraulic-fracturing efficiency and interwell fracture interference between the 11 wells. The 3D hydraulic-fracture simulation is validated using observations from microseismic and 4D multicomponent [compressional-wave (P-wave) and shear-wave (S-wave)] seismic interpretations. The validated 3D simulation results reveal that variations in reservoir properties (faults, rock-strength parameters, and in-situ stress conditions) influence and control hydraulic-fracturing geometry and stimulation efficiency. The integrated results are used to optimize the development of the Niobrara Formation within Wattenberg Field. The valuable insight obtained from the integration is used to optimize well spacing, increase reserves recovery, and improve production performance by highlighting intervals with bypassed potential within the Niobrara. The methods used within the case study can be applied to any unconventional reservoir.