Engineering Fracture Geometry by Acknowledging Geological Heterogeneity to Maximize Productivity

Abstract

Completion diagnostics have been extensively utilized in hydraulically fractured horizontal wells across all major basins to determine the effectiveness of stimulation strategies and to evaluate new technologies. They have also been key in understanding factors that drive well performance and reduce completion costs. Geological heterogeneity provides unique challenges and opportunities for completion optimization. Diagnostic data provide insights into fracture characterization under various geological conditions and how they can be utilized for well design and field development. This paper demonstrates the integration of geology with completion diagnostics results. The dynamic relationship between evolving completion technologies and geology is brought to light with the help of case studies across multiple basins. The challenges studied include fracture driven interactions (frac-hits), perforation cluster design, landing zone optimization and production analysis. By incorporating geology into the diagnostic results, additional insights are obtained for enhanced reservoir characterization and future field development. The case histories illustrate how the interpretation of diagnostic data can be strengthened by a combined understanding of geology and completion technologies, instead of employing an independent approach. In one instance, a high degree of fracture driven interactions (frac-hits) from new completions to existing producers was observed. Further detailed study of geological features in the section revealed that the frac-hits were primarily due to the presence of the faults rather than by well proximity and stimulation treatment volumes. In another example, diagnostics data identify low hydrocarbon productivity across several stages within a well. The load fluid recoveries in these stages with low hydrocarbon flowback are comparable to better performing stages, indicating effective stimulation and flow capacity within the fracture. This underscores the importance of comprehensive lithology evaluation across the lateral to identify low productivity intervals, for improving future well placement and performance. The outcomes of these case studies provide examples of the barriers between engineering and geology being broken through data corroboration. Asset level decisions surrounding the integration of multiple technical teams offer an opportunity to reduce the learning curve in basin development strategies. This study releases case studies across multiple basins that leverage this integration. The approach outlined in this paper can be applied in any horizontal field development program.