Weatherford implemented the first microseismic monitoring operation during a frac job at CJSC LUKOIL-AIK asset. It was performed during the four-stage hydraulic fracturing in a horizontal well at Kogalymskoe field.

 

Microseismic monitoring was carried out by Weatherford’s Wireline PL during intensification operation with the help of 8 digital three-component geophones installed in an offset directional well. The velocity model was obtained from the cross-dipole acoustic logs taken in the well prior to monitoring. Further tool positioning was carried out on the basis of seismic waves registered during seating the frac balls into circulation valves in the process of the stimulation job. The waveform data was processed, studied and interpreted by Weatherford’s Petroleum Consulting PL.

 

It should be mentioned that microseismic monitoring performed by Weatherford’s specialists became one of the first successful operations in Russia; and it was the first time in the world when a three-core logging cable has been used to do it. Project’s implementation helped testing and proving the new survey method, and allowed planning the application of such a technology for positioning and dimensioning the fractures created. LUKOIL-AIK’s commitment to innovations and increasing the operational efficiency allowed to confirm the effectiveness of new method and give the green light to its further application in Russia.

 

Weatherford is a Swiss-based, multi-national oilfield service company. The company is one of the largest global providers of innovative mechanical solutions, technology and services for the drilling and production sectors of the oil and gas industry. Weatherford operates in over 100 countries and employs over 70,000 people worldwide.