The fracturing treatment design process follows a systematic sequence of steps:
- Data Collection
Gather all relevant reservoir data, including geological and geophysical descriptions, stress measurements, and petrophysical and mechanical properties obtained from logs and well tests.
- Define Treatment Objectives
Establish the goals of the treatment, such as maximizing fracture area, controlling vertical fracture growth, and limiting fracture length based on operational or reservoir constraints.
- Build Geological Model
Develop a representative geologic profile using the collected data. Calibrate this model using injection tests and treatment data from nearby or existing wells.
- Economic Evaluation (NPV Analysis)
Perform a net-present-value (NPV) analysis to determine optimal design parameters, including:
- Injection rate
- Fluid type and volume
- Proppant type and amount
- Maximum proppant concentration
- Pumping Schedule Design
Create the pumping schedule based on design principles and operational limits. Ensure that the defined objectives are met and determine the required treatment pressure.
- Production Forecasting
Predict post-treatment production and compare it with results from offset wells to validate the design. Adjust the design if needed.
- Post-Treatment Evaluation
Conduct a pressure history match using treatment data, followed by a production history match once production stabilizes. Refine the model to reduce differences between predicted and observed fracture behavior.
- Continuous Improvement
Incorporate lessons learned from previous treatments into future designs to improve performance for the field or project.
