BGP Achieves Breakthrough in EM Fracture Monitoring: From Single-Well to Multi-Well "Zipper" Operations

[Key Projects]

• Dingbian Tight Gas (Shaanxi)
• Qinshui CBM (Shanxi)
• Luzhou Shale Gas (Sichuan)

BGP's Integrated Geophysics Division has successfully completed electromagnetic (EM) fracture monitoring projects across three critical unconventional plays, marking the technology's evolution from single-well, stage-by-stage monitoring to synchronized multi-well zipper operations—a transformative advancement for unconventional resource development.

The Critical Role of Hydraulic Fracture Monitoring

In today's energy landscape, unconventional resources like shale gas, shale oil, and coalbed methane (CBM) are becoming increasingly vital. These resources often reside in low-permeability, low-porosity formations, making hydraulic fracturing essential for economic extraction.

However, fracturing is inherently complex. Without precise monitoring:

• Fracture networks may deviate from intended paths, reducing well productivity.
• Suboptimal reservoir stimulation leaves significant resources untapped.
• Repeated fracturing attempts drive up costs unnecessarily.

From an environmental perspective, effective monitoring prevents groundwater contamination and formation damage. As unconventional development intensifies, so does the demand for advanced monitoring solutions.

Innovative Solutions for Complex Challenges

BGP's team adopted a "problem-solution-validation" approach, leveraging EM technology's unique advantages:

1. High sensitivity to electrical property changes during fracture propagation.
2. Smart monitoring system integrating:
   • 5G wireless data acquisition
   • Cloud-based big data analytics
   • AI-powered processing

Through continuous R&D optimization, the team developed tailored solutions for diverse geological conditions, addressing the industry's need for high precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

10-Minute 3D Imaging: A Game-Changer

The system's core achievements:
✔ Real-time 3D fracture imaging every 10 minutes
✔ Precision fracture mapping for optimized completions
✔ Proven field results:

• Luzhou Shale Gas Project: Detected abnormal fracture growth, enabling immediate parameter adjustments that saved millions in wasted operations.
• Qinshui CBM Project: Guided production strategy changes that boosted recovery rates by 15%.

Currently deployed across 8 unconventional resource types, the technology is transforming operations at major fields like Changqing and Southwest Oil & Gas.

Future Roadmap

BGP plans to:
🔧 Expand monitoring applications
🤝 Strengthen partnerships with operators
📊 Co-develop industry standards

This technology solidifies BGP's leadership in unconventional resource monitoring while paving the way for smarter, more sustainable energy development.

*(Translation Notes:

1. Technical terms standardized (e.g., "压裂"→"fracturing", "致密油"→"tight oil")
2. Project names localized with province references for global clarity
3. Active voice used for impact (e.g., "团队优化"→"the team optimized")
4. Key metrics retained (10-minute imaging, 15% recovery boost)
5. Industry jargon appropriately translated ("拉链式"→"zipper operations")*