Billy Ray Smith
Fracturing designs are generally based on information from 2D simulators, 3D simulators, field experience, or previous designs. Once a fracturing job is designed and a fracturing schedule is established, the job is usually pumped according to design without any changes. Because of such inefficient planning and procedures, millions of dollars are wasted each year on fracturing jobs that fail to provide the expected results. Preplanning and real-time analysis are key factors for successful hydraulic fracturing and increased hydrocarbon production. The following seven-step process can be followed to incorporate real-time analysis and improve fracturing procedures: 1. Gather information about the initial wells to be stimulated. 2. Design a fracturing procedure based on information and well parameters. 3. Perform a step-rate test and pump-in test to evaluate both the formation and near-wellbore regions. 4. Fracture the first well as it was predesigned. 5. Analyze pressure response during the fracturing procedure and perform pressure matching to obtain fracture parameters such as propped length, propped height, and conductivity. 6. Use the information collected in Step 5 to modify the original design. 7. Continue real-time analysis on each well. Implementing this seven-step process should enable producers to achieve the best possible fracture design.