Interpretation of Microseismicity from Hydraulic Fracture Modelling

We have presented a finite-element based model for simulation of hydraulic fracturing. Each element is assigned strength in terms of a strain limit, and each element may have its individual strength. The element fractures when the strength limit is exceeded. One or more elements may break in one event. We show a 2D example of hydraulic fracturing of a low-permeable rock, where the fracture geometry is obtained. The bottom hole pressure is computed, which shows the pressure drops that follows each event. Finally, the magnitude of the fracture events is plotted in both space and time, which can be compared with the data from micro-seismic monitoring. A calibration of the model may provide effective parameter values for the rock. The presented formalism can also be coupled to reservoir simulators and calibrated against rupture propagation theories.