Key Parameters Affecting Successful Hydraulic Fracture Design and Optimized Production in Unconventional Wells

Abstract

Abstract Multi-stage/multi-cluster hydraulic fracturing in horizontal wellbores is a key technology driving the development of unconventional resources in North America. It has been observed that complex fracture behavior can result from hydraulic fracture stimulation in these unconventional horizontal wells. Given the rapid pace of development, many operators strive to standardize their completion program to drive consistency, and efficiency, in operations and well performance. Unfortunately, the hydraulic fracture treatments may not be properly designed to maximize well deliverability, but instead focus on maximizing contacted reservoir volume (CRV). Generating fracture complexity is important in unconventional reservoirs, but maximum reservoir contact does not necessarily translate to an effectively stimulated reservoir with conductive fracture paths back to the wellbore. Hydraulic fracture modeling in resource plays is challenging and often reduced to rules of thumb and design concepts taken from other shale plays. Key parameters that should be considered to maximize production in unconventional reservoirs are not dissimilar to the key parameters proven successful time and again in conventional completion designs and fracturing treatments. The need for improved proppant pack permeability and fracture conductivity in unconventional wells has been well documented. However, there are additional completion and design considerations for unconventional wells such as natural fracture saturation, mid-field fracture complexity (MFFC), mechanical fracture interaction and transverse fracture production interference. This paper summarizes a number of important considerations and key parameters that are necessary to design successful hydraulic fracture treatments and enhance productivity in unconventional wells. Application and considerations of these parameters will help provide the operator with a systematic, engineering based design method for optimizing multistage/multi-cluster hydraulic fracture treatments in horizontal wellbores.