The Evolution of an Applied Hydraulic Fracture Project, Frontier Formation Moxa Arch, Wyoming

Abstract

This paper demonstrates a methodical approach in the implementation of current hydraulic fracturing technologies. Specific examples illustrating the evolution of a consistent reservoir/hydraulic fracturing interpretation are presented in a case history of three GRI-Industry Technology Transfer wells. Detailed modeling of these project wells provided an overall reservoir and hydraulic fracture description that was consistent with respect to all observations. Based on identification of the fracturing mechanisms occurring, the second and third project wells show the capabilities of real- time diagnostics in the implementation of hydraulic fracture treatments. By optimizing the pad volume and fluid integrity to avoid premature screenouts, significant cost savings and improved proppant placement were achieved. The production and pressure build-up response in the first project well verifies the overall interpretation of the reservoir/hydraulic fracture model and provides the basis for eliminating the use of moderate strength/higher cost proppant over sand in low permeability/higher closure stress environments. Introduction The successful implementation of an applied hydraulic fracturing project requires a balanced mix of data acquisition combined with applied field implementation projects. What results from a project of this type is a reservoir and hydraulic fracturing interpretation that matches what actually occurs both during the fracture treatment and also during the actual production response. Once this type of interpretation is achieved, significant optimization can occur to provide the minimum cost for the best economic results. Ideally, the data acquisition is mixed with the field implementation efforts in order to high grade the interpretation and quality of the data and minimize cost resulting from impractical applications, unnecessary data or an overkill of data acquisition efforts. Each step of a project should be pursued by methodically weighing the cost/benefit of each data acquisition and field implementation effort. The basic framework for an applied hydraulic fracturing project consists of the following phases: P. 85