Diagnostic Techniques To Understand Hydraulic Fracturing: What? Why? and How?

Abstract

Summary In recent years, there have been numerous advances in fracture mapping/diagnostic technologies. This paper details the state of the art technologies in applying both conventional and advanced methods to better understand hydraulic fracturing and improve treatment designs. The initial portion of the paper describes the application and limitations of various diagnostic tools and methods, including well testing, net pressure analysis (fracture modeling), techniques that employ open-and cased-hole logs, surface-and downhole-tilt fracture mapping, microseismic fracture mapping, and production-data analysis. The bulk of the paper is dedicated to case histories that illustrate the application of these fracture-diagnostic technologies. The case histories include examples of how several fracture diagnostics can be used in concert to provide more reliable estimates of fracture dimensions and allow better economic decisions.