Host: Society of Petroleum Engineers, Denver Section

Event: March 2025 Technical Happy Hour

Time: March 27th, 4-6 (HH begins at 4, Talk at 430, Social until 6)

Location:  Liberty Energy, 950 17^th St, Suite 2400, Denver, CO 80202

Sponsor: Liberty

Study Group Category: Completion

Speaker: Robert Holman, Geophysicist, Ovintiv

Title: Fracture Growth Through Microseismic Quiescent Zones: Indication Of Stealth Or Complex Fracturing?

Abstract:

Often microseismicity levels tend to vary from one lithological unit to the next, with some layers being predominantly quiet and lack any microseismicity. Since shear activated deformation associated with microseismicity will depend on the geomechanical properties and natural fabric of the formation, the lack of microseisms in certain layers may or may not be indicative of a change in the hydraulic fracture geometry. In this work, microseismic observations are integrated with strain and other observations to investigate the microseismic response in relation to the underlying hydraulic fracture geometry for different rock types. The combined conclusions allow identification of two distinct types of response for aseismic layers. The first type are ‘stealth’ homogeneous layers that behave aseismically with the lack of natural fabric to host shear activated microseisms from consistent fracture growth. The second type are interbedded shaly layers where the lack of microseismicity is associated with fracture complexity that results in compartmentalized portions of the hydraulic fracture which may not effectively drain the reservoir. Examples are described of these types from integrated monitoring of hydraulic fracture growth in Uinta Basin, Utah and Midland Basin, Texas.

Bio:

Robert Holman has been a geophysicist at Ovintiv in Denver for two years. As a member of the reservoir characterization group, he enhances the company’s understanding of the Permian Basin. In his role, he integrates seismic data into operational processes and regional characterization, as well as diagnostic interpretation, to enhance understanding of subsurface features and optimize field performance.  Before joining Ovintiv, he worked 10 years at Chesapeake Energy, now known as Expand. While working there he gained experience through his role as a geophysicist in their Eagle Ford asset and technology team, where he contributed to various projects aimed at improving operational efficiency and implementing technology. He earned his B.S at BYU-Idaho and M.S. at Oklahoma State University.

Date & Time: April 3rd, 2025 4pm – 7pm

Location: Wynkoop Brewing, 1634 18^th Street, Denver CO 80202

If you would like to join the monthly SPE Board meeting, please email [email protected] for meeting details!

Please help SPE Denver Section give back to the Denver Rescue Mission by serving breakfast at their Lawrence Street location.

Please arrive by 6:45 and plan to stay till 8:30

For more info Contact Nicolas Cosca at [email protected]

The Mines SPE golf tournament is approaching and we would love to see you there. ⛳️

Register Here

Get a team together or sponsor a student!

📍Where: The Ridge at Castle Pines North
⏱️ When: April 24th, 2025