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Abstract
In unconventional reservoirs, the biggest challenge is establishing conduits from the far reaches of the reservoir to the wellbore. By far, the most practical and economical approach to the problem has been to stimulate the formations using hydraulic fracturing. Now, fracture geometry can be directly measured in real time through a new diagnostic service, StimMAP. By mapping hydraulic fracture systems as they are created, diverters and isolation devices can help "steer" the fracture to its desired target. To obtain the microseismic data, downhole monitoring is conducted in nearby offset wells. All data can be processed on location to generate a 3-D image of the fracture system, providing the opportunity to resume pumping to extend the fracture or re-engineer subsequent stages to reach untreated sections of the reservoir.