Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Microseismic monitoring reveals significant heterogeneity in fracture propagation across different fracturing sections in surface well hydraulic fracturing. • Cumulative energy release varies widely (240–1060 J) across sections, correlating with fracture network complexity and stimulation effectiveness. • Sections No. 1 and No. 8 exhibit the best performance with high MS event density, extensive fracture networks, and significant energy release, while Sections No. 4 and No. 5 show poor connectivity. • The study provides methodological advances in real-time monitoring and analysis of hydraulic fracturing using microseismic technology, including energy scanning and SRV assessment.
Abstract
Through a case analysis, this study examines the spatiotemporal evolution of microseismic (MS) events, energy characteristics, volumetric features, and fracture network development in surface well hydraulic fracturing. A total of 349 MS events were analyzed across different fracturing sections, revealing significant heterogeneity in fracture propagation. Energy scanning results showed that cumulative energy values ranged from 240 to 1060 J across the sections, indicating notable differences. Stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) analysis demonstrated well-developed fracture networks in certain sections, with a total SRV exceeding 1540000 m3. The hydraulic fracture network analysis revealed that during the mid-fracturing stage, the density and spatial extent of MS events significantly increased, indicating rapid fracture propagation and the formation of complex networks. In the later stage, the number of secondary fractures near fracture edges decreased, and the fracture network stabilized. By comparing the branching index, fracture length, width, height, and SRV values across different fracturing sections, Sections No. 1 and No. 8 showed the best performance, with high MS event densities, extensive fracture networks, and significant energy release. However, Sections No. 4 and No. 5 exhibited sparse MS activity and poor fracture connectivity, indicating suboptimal stimulation effectiveness.
1. Introduction
As the depth of coal mining increases, the problem of gas outbursts from coal seams is becoming increasingly severe [1]. This not only poses a threat to the safe operation of coal mines but also limits the efficient utilization of coalbed methane resources. Hydraulic fracturing, as a key technology to enhance coalbed methane recovery, works by applying high-pressure fluids to induce fractures in coal and rock masses, creating complex fracture networks that significantly improve the permeability of coal seams [2,3]. However, due to the heterogeneity of coal rock masses and the complexity of natural fractures, the mechanisms of fracture propagation and the formation of fracture networks remain highly uncertain. These uncertainties have significantly hindered the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing [4–6]. Therefore, accurately monitoring and evaluating the formation and development of fractures during hydraulic fracturing, and providing scientific evidence for optimizing construction parameters, has become a major focus and challenge in current research [7–9].
In recent years, significant progress has been made by scholars both domestically and internationally in the study of hydraulic fracturing technology, primarily focusing on theoretical analysis, experimental research, and numerical simulation of the fracturing process [10–12]. Wang et al. [13] used numerical simulations to investigate the propagation of hydraulic fractures in coal seams with discontinuous natural fracture networks, establishing a model for the interaction between hydraulic fractures and these networks.
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Yanan Qian, Ting Liu, Cheng Zhai, Hongda Wen, Yuebing Zhang, Menghao Zheng, Hexiang Xu, Dongyong Xing, Xinke Gan (2025). Real-time monitoring and analysis of hydraulic fracturing in surface well using microseismic technology: Case insights and methodological advances. SinoTechIntel Verified Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2025.02.009
Research & Educational Purpose Only:The translations, structured abstracts, analytical annotations, and data reports provided by SinoTechIntel are intended exclusively for academic research, internal corporate R&D, and educational benchmarking. They do not constitute formal engineering, chemical safety, legal, or professional advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of this study?
The study aims to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of microseismic events, energy characteristics, and fracture network development during surface well hydraulic fracturing, providing insights for optimizing stimulation parameters.
How many microseismic events were analyzed?
A total of 349 microseismic events were analyzed across different fracturing sections.
What were the key findings regarding fracture network development?
The study found significant heterogeneity in fracture propagation, with some sections (No. 1 and No. 8) showing well-developed fracture networks and high energy release, while others (No. 4 and No. 5) exhibited sparse microseismic activity and poor connectivity.
What is the significance of the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) analysis?
SRV analysis demonstrated that certain sections had well-developed fracture networks, with a total SRV exceeding 1,540,000 m³, indicating effective stimulation in those areas.
How does this study contribute to hydraulic fracturing technology?
The study provides methodological advances in real-time monitoring and analysis using microseismic technology, including energy scanning and fracture network characterization, which can help optimize hydraulic fracturing operations in coalbed methane reservoirs.
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