How can you improve horizontal well and hydraulic fracturing design?

1 Choose the right well orientation

The orientation of the horizontal well relative to the natural fractures and stress field of the reservoir can affect the performance and efficiency of the hydraulic fracturing treatment. Ideally, you want to drill your well perpendicular to the minimum horizontal stress direction, which will create more complex fracture networks and enhance the connectivity between the well and the reservoir. However, this may not always be feasible or optimal, depending on the geological and operational factors. Therefore, you need to conduct a thorough geomechanical analysis and use appropriate software tools to determine the best well orientation for your specific case.

2 Optimize the well spacing and completion design

The spacing and completion design of the horizontal wells can have a significant impact on the drainage area, interference, and recovery factor of the reservoir. Too close or too far spacing can result in inefficient use of resources, reduced productivity, and lower recovery. Similarly, the number, length, and distribution of the fracture stages along the wellbore can affect the stimulation and drainage of the reservoir. To optimize the well spacing and completion design, you need to consider the reservoir properties, fluid characteristics, fracture geometry, and economic factors. You can also use numerical simulation and data analytics to test different scenarios and evaluate the results.

3 Monitor and evaluate the fracturing performance

The performance of the hydraulic fracturing treatment can vary depending on the reservoir conditions, fluid properties, fracture design, and operational parameters. Therefore, it is important to monitor and evaluate the fracturing performance using various methods, such as pressure data, microseismic data, tracer data, and production data. These methods can help you to understand the fracture propagation, geometry, conductivity, and effectiveness, as well as to identify any issues or problems that may occur during or after the fracturing process. By monitoring and evaluating the fracturing performance, you can also calibrate your models, adjust your design, and improve your future operations.

4 Implement integrated reservoir management

The development of unconventional resources requires an integrated reservoir management approach that considers the interactions and interdependencies between the horizontal wells, hydraulic fractures, and reservoir. This approach can help you to optimize the reservoir performance, maximize the recovery, and minimize the environmental impact. To implement integrated reservoir management, you need to integrate data from various sources, such as geology, geophysics, petrophysics, engineering, and economics. You also need to apply multidisciplinary techniques, such as reservoir characterization, modeling, simulation, optimization, and monitoring. By implementing integrated reservoir management, you can enhance your decision making and planning for your horizontal well and hydraulic fracturing project.

5 Keep up with the latest technologies and innovations

The horizontal well and hydraulic fracturing industry is constantly evolving and innovating to overcome the challenges and improve the outcomes of unconventional resource development. Therefore, you need to keep up with the latest technologies and innovations that can help you to improve your horizontal well and hydraulic fracturing design. Some of the emerging technologies and innovations include smart well completions, intelligent fracture diagnostics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and digital transformation. By keeping up with the latest technologies and innovations, you can gain a competitive edge and achieve better results for your horizontal well and hydraulic fracturing project.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?