Real-time monitoring and analysis of hydraulic fracturing in surface well using microseismic technology: Case insights and methodological advances

Yanan Qian; Ting Liu; Cheng Zhai; Hongda Wen; Yuebing Zhang; Menghao Zheng; Hexiang Xu; Dongyong Xing; Xinke Gan

International Journal of Mining Science and Technology (Apr 2025)

Real-time monitoring and analysis of hydraulic fracturing in surface well using microseismic technology: Case insights and methodological advances

Yanan Qian,
Ting Liu,
Cheng Zhai,
Hongda Wen,
Yuebing Zhang,
Menghao Zheng,
Hexiang Xu,
Dongyong Xing,
Xinke Gan

Affiliations

Yanan Qian: State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Prevention and Control, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Yunlong Lake Laboratory of Deep Underground Science and Engineering, Xuzhou 221003, China; Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology on Coal and Rock Dynamic Disaster Prevention and Control, National Mine Safety Administration, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Ting Liu: State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Prevention and Control, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Yunlong Lake Laboratory of Deep Underground Science and Engineering, Xuzhou 221003, China; Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology on Coal and Rock Dynamic Disaster Prevention and Control, National Mine Safety Administration, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Corresponding author.
Cheng Zhai: State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Prevention and Control, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Yunlong Lake Laboratory of Deep Underground Science and Engineering, Xuzhou 221003, China; Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology on Coal and Rock Dynamic Disaster Prevention and Control, National Mine Safety Administration, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Hongda Wen: State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Prevention and Control, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Yunlong Lake Laboratory of Deep Underground Science and Engineering, Xuzhou 221003, China; Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology on Coal and Rock Dynamic Disaster Prevention and Control, National Mine Safety Administration, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Yuebing Zhang: School of Emergency Management, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
Menghao Zheng: School of Safety Science and Engineering, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
Hexiang Xu: State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Prevention and Control, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Yunlong Lake Laboratory of Deep Underground Science and Engineering, Xuzhou 221003, China; Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology on Coal and Rock Dynamic Disaster Prevention and Control, National Mine Safety Administration, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Dongyong Xing: Xinjiang Yaxin Coalbed Methane 156 Exploration Co., Ltd., Urumqi 841100, China
Xinke Gan: Xinjiang Yaxin Coalbed Methane 156 Exploration Co., Ltd., Urumqi 841100, China

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 35, no. 4
pp. 619 – 638

Abstract

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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.

Published in International Journal of Mining Science and Technology

ISSN: 2095-2686 (Print); 2589-062X (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Technology: Mining engineering. Metallurgy
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/international-journal-of-mining-science-and-technology/vol/27/issue/6

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