Numerical Simulations of Fluid Induced Seismicity in Hydraulically Heterogeneous Media

Since the global demand of energy increases rapidly, unconventionals have become a valuable energy source. Predicting the fracture behavior during fluid injection, i.e. hydraulic fracturing of unconventional reservoirs, is essential for production optimization. Here, we analyze the influence of hydraulically heterogeneous fractal media on the pore pressure diffusion. An increasing complexity of heterogeneity with increasing fractal dimension significantly changes the pore pressure diffusion and the fracture behaviour of our medium in terms of induced seismicity. Moreover, we observe pore pressure differences up to 30 % and the generation of interconnected permeable channels in comparison to hydraulically homogeneous media.