Improving Hydraulic Fracture Geometry Characterization: Integrating Advanced Acoustic Measurement and Geomechanics with Hydraulic Fracturing Field Data

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Van Steene ◽  
Magdalena Povstyanova ◽  
Mahmoud Gamal Semary ◽  
Anil Kumar Mathur ◽  
Aziza Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Hydraulic Fracture ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Acoustic Measurement ◽  
Fracture Geometry

Some Effects of Stress, Friction, and Fluid Flow on Hydraulic Fracturing

1982 ◽  
Vol 22 (03) ◽  
pp. 321-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.E. Hanson ◽  
G.D. Anderson ◽  
R.J. Shaffer ◽  
L.D. Thorson
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Flow ◽  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Hydraulic Fracture ◽  
Research Program ◽  
In Situ Stress ◽  
Material Interfaces ◽  
Fracture Geometry ◽  
Funded Research ◽  
Fracturing Process

Abstract We are conducting a U.S. DOE-funded research program aimed at understanding the hydraulic fracturing process, especially those phenomena and parameters that strongly affect or control fracture geometry. Our theoretical and experimental studies consistently confirm the well-known fact that in-situ stress has a primary effect on fracture geometry, and that fractures propagate perpendicular to the least principal stress. In addition, we find that frictional interfaces in reservoirs can affect fracturing. We also have quantified some effects on fracture geometry caused by frictional slippage along interfaces. We found that variation of friction along an interface can result in abrupt steps in the fracture path. These effects have been seen in the mineback of emplaced fractures and are demonstrated both theoretically and in the laboratory. Further experiments and calculations indicate possible control of fracture height by vertical change in horizontal stresses. Preliminary results from an analysis of fluid flow in small apertures are discussed also. Introduction Hydraulic fracturing and massive hydraulic fracturing (MHF) are the primary candidates for stimulating production from tight gas reservoirs. MHF can provide large drainage surfaces to produce gas from the low- permeability formation if the fracture surfaces remain in the productive parts of the reservoir. To determine whether it is possibleto contain these fractures in the productive formations andto design the treatment to accomplish this requires a much broader knowledge of the hydraulic fracturing process. Identification of the parameters controlling fracture geometry and the application of this information in designing and performing the hydraulic stimulation treatment is a principal technical problem. Additionally, current measurement technology may not be adequate to provide the required data. and new techniques may have to be devised. Lawrence Livermore Natl. Laboratory has been conducting a DOE-funded research program whose ultimate goal is to develop models that predict created hydraulic fracture geometry within the reservoir. Our approach has been to analyze the phenomenology of the fracturing process to son out and identify those parameters influencing hydraulic fracture geometry. Subsequent model development will incorporate this information. Current theoretical and stimulation design models are based primarily on conservation of mass and provide little insight into the fracturing process. Fracture geometry is implied in the application of these models. Additionally, pressure and flow initiation in the fractures and their interjection with the fracturing process is not predicted adequately with these models. We have reported previously on some rock-mechanics aspects of the fracturing process. For example, we have studied, theoretically and experimentally, pressurized fracture propagation in the neighborhood of material interfaces. Results of interface studies showed that natural fractures in the interfacial region negate any barrier effect when the fracture is propagating from a lower modulus material toward a higher modulus material. On the other hand, some fracture containment could occur when the fracture is propagating from a higher modulus into a lower modulus material. Effect of moduli changes on the in-situ stress field have to be taken into consideration to evaluate fracture containment by material interfaces. Some preliminary analyses have been performed to evaluate how stress changes when material properties change, but we have not evaluated this problem fully. SPEJ P. 321^

Technology for Determining the Inflow from Near and Far Zones of Fractures During Hydraulic Fracturing by Chemical Tracers in a Production Well

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maksim Filev ◽  
Vadim Soldatov ◽  
Igor Novikov ◽  
Jianhua Xu ◽  
Kirill Ovchinnikov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Hydraulic Fracture ◽  
Production Optimization ◽  
Fracture Geometry ◽  
Flow Cytofluorometry ◽  
Chemical Tracers ◽  
Well Production ◽  
Reservoir Fluid ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Oil Flow

Abstract The tracer-based production logging technology can be used to obtain the well production data continuously for several years without the need for risky well interventions and expensive equipment. The paper examines the case of placing polymer-coated tracers dopped proppant in a horizontal well with ten multi-stage frac intervals and using two different tracers dopped proppant codes for two frac ports (the first and the last ones) to identify the performance of the far and near zones of a hydraulic fracture. Upon the completion of the hydraulic fracturing operations, the collected reservoir fluid samples were studied in the laboratory. Chemical tracers contained in the samples were detected by flow cytofluorometry using custom-tailored machine learning-based software. The studies helped identify the productivity of each frac port, calculate the contribution of each port in percentage points, and also evaluate the productivity of the near and far hydraulic fracture zones in the first and the last intervals. The analysis provided data on the exact content of oil and water in the production profile for each frac interval. The results of tracer-based logging in the well in question revealed that the interval productivity is changing in the course of several months of surveillance. The most productive ports and those showing increasing oil flow rate were identified during quantitative analysis. The use of tracer dopped proppant with different codes within one multi-stage frac interval enabled detecting a peak release of chemical tracers from the far fracture zone in the initial periods of well operation followed by a consistent smoothing of the far and near zones’ production profiles. Laboratory analysis of reservoir fluid samples and hydraulic fracturing simulations proved the uniform distribution of proppant across the entire reservoir pay zone and laid the foundation for further research required to better understand the fracture geometry and reduce uncertainties in production optimization operations.

scholarly journals The Experimental Investigation of Hydraulic Fracture Propagation Characteristics in Glutenite Formation

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhihong Zhao ◽  
Jianchun Guo ◽  
Shou Ma
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Investigation ◽  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Hydraulic Fracture ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fracture Propagation ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Propagation Characteristics ◽  
Fracture Geometry ◽  
Hydraulic Fracture Propagation ◽  
Fracturing Experiments

Hydraulic fracture propagation characteristics in glutenite formation are studied by a series of servo-controlled triaxial large-scale fracturing experiments. The experimental results show that the fractures extend along the gravel and sandstone cementing face, and fracture geometry in glutenite formation is complex, which is similar to network fractures. The phenomenon of the gravel being split has not been observed. In the process of the fracture extension, the extension pressure is fluctuating, and the degree of fluctuation is more drastic with the gravel diameter increase. This paper suggests that using large rate and multislug technology would increase the flow ability of the carrying fluid. The conclusions are significant to hydraulic fracturing in glutenite formation.

Tiltmeter Mapping of Measured Nonsymmetric Hydraulic-Fracture Growth in a Conglomerate/Sandstone Formation Using the Implicit Level-Set Algorithm and the Extended Kalman Filter

SPE Journal ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (01) ◽  
pp. 172-185
Author(s):  
V.. Pandurangan ◽  
A.. Peirce ◽  
Z. R. Chen ◽  
R. G. Jeffrey
Keyword(s):  
Kalman Filter ◽  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Dynamic Model ◽  
Extended Kalman Filter ◽  
Level Set ◽  
Hydraulic Fracture ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Fracture Propagation ◽  
Physical Processes ◽  
Fracture Growth

Summary A novel method to map asymmetric hydraulic-fracture propagation using tiltmeter measurements is presented. Hydraulic fracturing is primarily used for oil-and-gas well stimulation, and is also applied to precondition rock before mining. The geometry of the developing fracture is often remotely monitored with tiltmeters—instruments that are able to remotely measure the fracture-induced deformations. However, conventional analysis of tiltmeter data is limited to determining the fracture orientation and volume. The objective of this work is to detect asymmetric fracture growth during a hydraulic-fracturing treatment, which will yield height-growth information for vertical fracture growth and horizontal asymmetry for lateral fracture growth or detect low preconditioning-treatment efficiency in mining. The technique proposed here uses the extended Kalman filter (EKF) to assimilate tilt data into a hydraulic-fracture model to track the geometry of the fracture front. The EKF uses the implicit level set algorithm (ILSA) as the dynamic model to locate the boundary of the fracture by solving the coupled fluid-flow/fracture-propagation equations, and uses the Okada half-space solution as the observation model (forward model) to relate the fracture geometry to the measured tilts. The 3D fracture model uses the Okada analytical expressions for the displacements and tilts caused by piecewise constant-displacement discontinuity elements to discretize the fracture area. The proposed technique is first validated by a numerical example in which synthetic tilt data are generated by assuming a confining-stress gradient to generate asymmetric fracture growth. The inversion is carried in a two-step process in which the fracture dip and dip direction are first obtained with an elliptical fracture-forward model, and then the ILSA-EKF model is used to obtain the fracture footprint by fixing the dip and dip direction to the values obtained in the first step. Finally, the ILSA-EKF scheme is used to predict the fracture width and geometry evolution from real field data, which are compared with intersection data obtained by temperature and pressure monitoring in offset boreholes. The results show that the procedure is able to satisfactorily capture fracture growth and asymmetry even though the field data contain significant noise, the tiltmeters are relatively far from the fracture, and the dynamic model contains significant “unmodeled dynamics” such as stress anisotropy, material heterogeneity, fluid leakoff into the formation, and other physical processes that have not been explicitly accounted for in the dynamic ILSA model. However, all the physical processes that affect the tilt signal are incorporated by the EKF when the tilt measurements are used to obtain the maximum likelihood estimates of the fracture widths and geometry.

scholarly journals Hydraulic Fracture Geometry Modeling Techniques for Extracting Unconventional Reservoirs

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ali Khalil ◽  
Abdunaser Omar Susi
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Hydraulic Fracture ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Unconventional Reservoirs ◽  
Fracture Geometry ◽  
Geometry Modeling ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Modeling Techniques ◽  
Enhance Oil Recovery

This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of all hydraulic fracture geometry modeling techniques available in the conventional and unconventional reservoirs. We are introducing a comparison study between major available hydraulic fracture modeling techniques, advantages, and disadvantages of each one according to the latest related studies. The study includes the three general families of models: 2D models, pseudo-3D models, and fully 3D models. Consequently, the results of this work can be used for selecting the proper model to simulate or stimulate the reservoir to enhance oil recovery using hydraulic fracturing. Also, these results can be used for any future updates related to hydraulic fracturing stimulation based on the comparisons that were conducted.

Multi-Well Pressure History Matching in Delaware Play Helps Optimizing Fracturing for Subsequent Pads

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Suarez-Rivera ◽  
Rohit Panse ◽  
Javad Sovizi ◽  
Egor Dontsov ◽  
Heather LaReau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
History Matching ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Global Optimum ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Well Placement ◽  
Fracture Geometry ◽  
Conduct Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Fracture Models

Abstract Predicting fracture behavior is important for well placement design and for optimizing multi-well development production. This requires the use of fracturing models that are calibrated to represent field measurements. However, because hydraulic fracture models include complex physics and uncertainties and have many variables defining these, the problem of calibrating modeling results with field responses is ill-posed. There are more model variables than can be changed than field observations to constrain these. It is always possible to find a calibrated model that reproduces the field data. However, the model is not unique and multiple matching solutions exist. The objective and scope of this work is to define a workflow for constraining these solutions and obtaining a more representative model for forecasting and optimization. We used field data from a multi-pad project in the Delaware play, with actual pump schedules, frac sequence, and time delays as used in the field, for all stages and all wells. We constructed a hydraulic fracturing model using high-confidence rock properties data and calibrated the model to field stimulation treatment data varying the two model variables with highest uncertainty: tectonic strain and average leak-off coefficient, while keeping all other model variables fixed. By reducing the number of adjusting model variables for calibration, we significantly lower the potential for over-fitting. Using an ultra-fast hydraulic fracturing simulator, we solved a global optimization problem to minimize the mismatch between the ISIPs and treatment pressures measured in the field and simulated by the model, for all the stages and all wells. This workflow helps us match the dominant ISIP trends in the field data and delivers higher confidence predictions in the regional stress. However, the uncertainty in the fracture geometry is still large. We also compared these results with traditional workflows that rely on selecting representative stages for calibration to field data. Results show that our workflow defines a better global optimum that best represents the behavior of all stages on all wells, and allows us to provide higher-confidence predictions of fracturing results for subsequent pads. We then used this higher confidence model to conduct sensitivity analysis for improving the well placement in subsequent pads and compared the results of the model predictions with the actual pad results.

Integrated Hydraulic Fracture Geometry Evaluation Based on Pre-Cambrian Tight Silicylate Reservoir in South Oman Salt Basin

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dmitrii Smirnov ◽  
Omar AL Isaee ◽  
Alexey Moiseenkov ◽  
Abdullah Al Hadhrami ◽  
Hilal Shabibi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Hydraulic Fracture ◽  
Hydraulic Fractures ◽  
Bond Quality ◽  
Fracture Geometry ◽  
Acoustic Anisotropy ◽  
Sonic Log ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Fracture Height

Abstract Pre-Cambrian South Oman tight silicilyte reservoirs are very challenging for the development due to poor permeability less than 0.1 mD and laminated texture. Successful hydraulic fracturing is a key for the long commercial production. One of the main parameter for frac planning and optimization is fracture geometry. The objective of this study was summarizing results comparison from different logging methods and recommended best practices for logging program targeting fracture geometry evaluation. The novel method in the region for hydraulic fracture height and orientation evaluation is cross-dipole cased hole acoustic logging. The method allows to evaluate fracture geometry based on the acoustic anisotropy changes after frac operations in the near wellbore area. The memory sonic log combined with the Gyro was acquired before and after frac operations in the cased hole. The acoustic data was compared with Spectral Noise log, Chemical and Radioactive tracers, Production Logging and pre-frac model. Extensive logging program allow to complete integrated evaluation, define methods limitations and advantages, summarize best practices and optimum logging program for the future wells. The challenges in combining memory cross-dipole sonic log and gyro in cased hole were effectively resolved. The acoustic anisotropy analysis successfully confirms stresses and predominant hydraulic fractures orientation. Fracture height was confirmed based on results from different logging methods. Tracers are well known method for the fracture height evaluation after hydraulic frac operations. The Spectral Noise log is perfect tool to evaluate hydraulically active fracture height in the near wellbore area. The combination of cased hole acoustic and noise logging methods is a powerful complex for hydraulic fracture geometry evaluation. The main limitations and challenges for sonic log are cement bond quality and hole conditions after frac operations. Noise log has limited depth of investigation. However, in combination with production and temperature logging provides reliable fit for purpose capabilities. The abilities of sonic anisotropy analysis for fracture height and hydraulic fracture orientation were confirmed. The optimum logging program for fracture geometry evaluation was defined and recommended for replication in projects were fracture geometry evaluation is required for hydraulic fracturing optimization.

Data Analytics to Help Improve Hydraulic Fracture Geometry Prediction Using Support Vector Regression: Case Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avinash Wesley ◽  
Bharat Mantha ◽  
Ajay Rajeev ◽  
Aimee Taylor ◽  
Mohit Dholi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Support Vector Regression ◽  
Hydraulic Fracture ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Fracture Geometry

scholarly journals Numerical simulation of the laws of fracture propagation of multi-hole linear co-directional hydraulic fracturing

2021 ◽  
pp. 014459872198899
Author(s):  
Weiyong Lu ◽  
Changchun He
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Hydraulic Fracture ◽  
Minimum Principle ◽  
Fracture Propagation ◽  
Axial Direction ◽  
Rock Breaking ◽  
Hydraulic Fractures ◽  
Directional Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Fracture Intersection ◽  
Expansion Stage

Directional rupture is one of the most important and most common problems related to rock breaking. The goal of directional rock breaking can be effectively achieved via multi-hole linear co-directional hydraulic fracturing. In this paper, the XSite software was utilized to verify the experimental results of multi-hole linear co-directional hydraulic fracturing., and its basic law is studied. The results indicate that the process of multi-hole linear co-directional hydraulic fracturing can be divided into four stages: water injection boost, hydraulic fracture initiation, and the unstable and stable propagation of hydraulic fracture. The stable expansion stage lasts longer and produces more microcracks than the unstable expansion stage. Due to the existence of the borehole-sealing device, the three-dimensional hydraulic fracture first initiates and expands along the axial direction in the bare borehole section, then extends along the axial direction in the non-bare hole section and finally expands along the axial direction in the rock mass without the borehole. The network formed by hydraulic fracture in rock is not a pure plane, but rather a curved spatial surface. The curved spatial surface passes through both the centre of the borehole and the axial direction relative to the borehole. Due to the boundary effect, the curved spatial surface goes toward the plane in which the maximum principal stress occurs. The local ground stress field is changed due to the initiation and propagation of hydraulic fractures. The propagation direction of the fractures between the fracturing boreholes will be deflected. A fracture propagation pressure that is greater than the minimum principle stress and a tension field that is induced in the leading edge of the fracture end, will aid to fracture intersection; as a result, the possibility of connecting the boreholes will increase.

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