Nuances and Frequently Asked Questions in Field-Scale Hydraulic Fracture Modeling

Abstract

Abstract Hydraulic fracturing and reservoir simulation are used by operators in shale to optimize design parameters such as well spacing, cluster spacing, and injection schedule. In this paper, we address ‘freqently asked questions’ that we encounter when working on hydraulic fracture modeling projects with operators. First, we discuss three high-level topics: (1) data-driven and physics-based models, (2) the modeling workflow, and (3) planar-fracture modeling versus ‘complex fracture network’ modeling. Next, we address specific technical topics related to modeling and the overall physics of hydraulic fracturing: (1) interrelationships between cluster spacing and other design parameters, (2) processes affecting fracture size, (3) fracture symmetry/asymmetry, (4) proppant settling versus trapping, (5) applications of Rate-Transient Analysis (RTA), (6) net pressure matching, (7) Initial Shut-In Pressure (ISIP) trends along the wellbore, and (8) the effect of understressed/underpressured layers. We discuss practical modeling decisions in the context of field observations.