Don't let noise dominate the data: Mitigation of oilfield noise affecting surface-based controlled source electromagnetic monitoring during hydraulic fracturing operations

Noise mitigation techniques and preferred practices are presented for surface-based controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) monitoring of hydraulic fracturing operations. Distinct forms of noise encountered in oilfields that degrade the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be caused by the presence of infrastructure within these environments. The techniques applied to improve SNR include methods previously described in the CSEM literature that can be adapted for hydraulic monitoring, as well as new methods specific to hydraulic fracturing cases. Noise mitigation should be consistent throughout the fracture monitoring process, from the layout configuration to data processing and analysis of frac stages.