Mark Hoel & Vithal Pai, The Western Company of North America
The recent trends in the use of on-site computers to calculate bottom hole treating pressure has created a need for a better understanding of insitu fracturing pressures and treating fluid friction properties. This paper discusses several Permian Basin fracturing operations with special emphasis on optimum pressure monitoring procedures. The theories of critical pressure, height growth, closure pressure and formation heterogeneity are discussed in an effort to provide techniques for on-the-job interpretations. Actual job examples have been presented with analysis and discussions. The analysis of net pressure frequently presents several problems unique to the formations and fields of the Permian Basin area. This paper analyzes those problems and provides on-the-job solutions and alternatives.