Holistic Fracture Diagnostics: Consistent Interpretation of Prefrac Injection Tests Using Multiple Analysis Methods

Abstract

Summary Since the introduction of the G-function derivative analysis, prefrac diagnostic injection tests have become a valuable and commonly used technique. Unfortunately, the technique is frequently misapplied or misinterpreted, leading to confusion and misdiagnosis of fracturing parameters. This paper presents a consistent method of analysis of the G-function, its derivatives, and its relationship to other diagnostic techniques including square-root(time) and log(∆pwf)-log(∆t) plots and their appropriate diagnostic derivatives. Four field test examples are given for the most common diagnostic curve signatures. These show how multiple analysis methods can be applied to consistently interpret closure pressure and time, as well as pre- and post-closure flow regimes and reservoir properties from the test data. The cases include normal constant-area and constant permeability leakoff, pressure dependent fissure leakoff, fracture tip extension, and variable fracture storage. In some cases conventionally accepted analysis methods, such as the Sqrt(time) plot, can lead to misleading interpretations. A single consistent approach to analysis is described for each case. The example cases can be used to build a foundation for consistent and less ambiguous analysis of any complex fracture injection/falloff test.