Research and Application of Dynamic Monitoring Technology for Fracture Stimulation Optimization in Unconventional Reservoirs of the Sichuan Basin Using the Wide-Field Electromagnetic Method

This study addresses the key technical challenges in monitoring hydraulic fracturing within unconventional reservoirs through an innovative wide-field electromagnetic (WEM) monitoring technique. The method employs a 5A AC-excited wellbore-fracturing fluid system to establish a conductor antenna effect, coupled with a surface electrode array (100–250 m offset) to detect millivolt-level time-lapse potential anomalies, enabling real-time dynamic monitoring of 142 fracturing stages. A line current source integral model was developed to achieve quantitative fracture network inversion with less than 12% error, attaining 10 m spatial resolution and dynamic updates every 10 min (80% faster than conventional methods). Optimal engineering parameters were identified, including fluid intensity ranges of 25–30 m³/m for tight sandstone and 30–35 m³/m for shale, with particulate diverters achieving 93.1% diversion efficiency (significantly outperforming chemical diverters at 35%). Application in deep reservoirs maintained signal attenuation rates below 5% per kilometer. Theoretically, a nonlinear relationship model between fluid intensity and stimulated area was established, while practical implementation through real-time adjustments in 142 stages enhanced single-well production by 15–20% and reduced diverter costs, advancing the paradigm shift from empirical to scientific fracturing in unconventional reservoir development.