Description
This presentation deals with the integration of microseismic fracture mapping with numerical production modeling of fracture networks in the Barnett Shale. An approach is presented in which the fracture network measured with microseismic mapping is approximated with a numerical production simulator that discretely models the network structure in both vertical and horizontal wells.
The results of this work illustrate how different fracture network characteristics impact well performance, information critical for improving future horizontal well completion and fracturing strategies in the Barnett Shale. Some of these fracture network characteristics include the number of fracture stages along the lateral, length of the lateral, treatment sizes, perforation strategies, and fracture network conductivity. It will be demonstrated that the integration of microseismic mapping results with production modeling can be a very useful tool for optimizing well placement in the Barnett Shale or similar types of reservoirs.