How can you prevent induced seismicity from hydraulic fracturing?

1 Know the geology

Before you start fracking, you need to understand the geology of the area you are working in. You should identify the locations, orientations, and properties of existing faults and fractures, as well as the natural seismicity and stress regime. You can use various methods, such as seismic surveys, borehole logging, and geomechanical modeling, to map and characterize the subsurface structures and conditions. Knowing the geology can help you avoid fracking near active or critically stressed faults, which are more likely to slip and generate earthquakes.

2 Monitor the pressure

During fracking, you should monitor the pressure and volume of the injected fluid, as well as the pressure and flow rate of the produced fluid. You should also measure the microseismic events that occur as the rock fractures, using surface or downhole sensors. These data can help you control the pressure and prevent overpressurization of the formation, which can increase the risk of induced seismicity. You can also use the data to optimize the fracture design and spacing, and to avoid hydraulic communication between adjacent wells or zones.

4 Mitigate the effects

Even if you follow the above steps, you may not be able to eliminate induced seismicity completely. Therefore, you should also take measures to mitigate the effects of any potential earthquakes on the environment and the community. You can install seismic-resistant equipment and infrastructure, such as well casings, pipelines, and buildings, to prevent damage and leakage. You can also conduct risk assessments and emergency plans, and communicate with the stakeholders and regulators about the risks and benefits of fracking. You can also participate in research and innovation projects that aim to develop safer and more efficient fracking technologies.

5 Learn from others

Finally, you can prevent induced seismicity from hydraulic fracturing by learning from others who have experience and expertise in this field. You can consult with other petroleum engineers, geoscientists, and seismologists, who can provide guidance and advice on how to design and conduct fracking operations. You can also follow the industry standards and best practices, such as the ones developed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) or the American Petroleum Institute (API), which outline the principles and recommendations for managing induced seismicity. You can also review the case studies and lessons learned from other regions or countries that have faced similar challenges, such as Oklahoma, Texas, or Canada.