ESG Solutions completes microseismic fracture mapping programme

ESG Solutions has completed an intensive microseismic fracture mapping program in the Horn River Basin for Nexen Energy ULC.  The programme represents the largest microseismic programme undertaken by the company to date, comprising 136 monitored stages over 10 wells.  Data for over 100 000 microseismic events were recorded over the three-week program simultaneously on time synchronised multiple downhole arrays and a near-surface seismic array.

The monitoring programme successfully combined and integrated downhole and near-surface acquisition using ESG's Hybrid sensor array configuration. "The opportunity to simultaneously record and integrate surface and downhole microseismic data ensures that we are accurately capturing the full spectrum of seismic signals," says Dr. Ted Urbancic, Executive Vice President of Energy Services at ESG Solutions. "Accurately measuring the source characteristics of seismic events using the right equipment is critical to gaining meaningful interpretation of microseismic results."

In addition to standard real time microseismic deliverables such as fracture geometry, additional near real time analysis was also provided following each stage that enabled the clients to track the effectiveness of the stimulation in various lithological units and interpret any influences on under- and over-lying formations. "Operators want more in-depth microseismic information in real time than just event locations," says Sheri Bowman, Manager of Analytics and Technical Sales at ESG. "ESG routinely works with clients to provide custom reporting to ensure that they receive the maximum value from their monitoring programme."  ESG plans to perform advanced microseismic analysis on the data to help Nexen Energy ULC gain further understanding of the stimulation effectiveness, proppant placement and drainage volume using its proprietary SMTI Production Suite™.

Adapted from a press release by David Bizley

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/exploration/24092013/esg_solutions-_completes_microsesimic_fracture_mapping_programme/