The objective of this study is to validate the concept of using a seismically derived discrete fracture network (DFN) calibrated with borehole measurements, for complex-hydraulic-fracture modeling. This study was applied successfully on a two‑well horizontal pad in the Avalon Shale located in the Delaware Basin, New Mexico. The work flow presented in this paper shows the successful application of seismic data in creating DFNs required to model hydraulic fractures in unconventional reservoirs.
Introduction
In the past, hydraulic-fracture modeling was limited to planar models for conventional reservoirs, with the absence of natural fractures. In unconventional reservoirs, planar models are highly limited in properly simulating complex fracture geometries.
