Understanding Rock Fabric Heterogeneity for Hydraulic Fracturing In the Montney Shale Gas-pouce Coupe

Understanding the lateral heterogeneity of unconventional plays prior to hydraulic fracturing is important for hydrocarbon production and recovery. This study shows a consistent methodology to predict areas of better rock quality and their correlation with microseismicity following the hydraulic fracturing of two horizontal wells in Units C and D of the Montney shale in Pouce Coupe area of Alberta, Canada. Lateral and vertical heterogeneity of rock fabric was estimated using multi-attribute analysis of well logs integrated with post-stack and pre-stack inversions of a baseline multicomponent seismic survey. The two horizontal wells were monitored by two downhole arrays in nearby wells in order to record the microseismicity associated with the completions. The integration of this analysis with the production profile of the two horizontal wells in the area shows that the lithology has a major influence on the rock quality of the Montney interval. The combined interpretation of this work with an understanding of the natural fracture system and the stress state of the reservoir can provide a rock quality index (RQI). This RQI can aid in future exploration and operational development of the Montney play and other shale reservoirs worldwide.