Paper: Design, Execution, and Evaluation of Mini-Fracs in the Field A Practical Approach and Case Study

Numerous technical papers have been written on the subject of analyzing the pressure-decline data from a mini-frac. Most of the publications written, however, have dealt mainly with the theoretical modeling of the pressure decline and not the practical application of performing a mini-frac in the field. The intent of this paper is not necessarily to discuss the theoretical analysis and design applications of modeling mini-fracs, but to discuss the practical steps involved to properly design, execute and evaluate a mini-frac. The basic concept of the mini-frac is presented. Guidelines are given on how to design a mini-frac, record bottomhole pressure (BHP), obtain closure and interpret the data. Field case studies are presented which illustrate the step processes involved in performing and evaluating a mini-frac.