What are the best ways to measure hydraulic fracturing's impact on well productivity?

1 Decline curve analysis

One of the most common ways to measure hydraulic fracturing's impact on well productivity is to use decline curve analysis (DCA). DCA is a method of estimating the future performance of a well based on its historical production data. DCA can be used to compare the productivity of fractured and unfractured wells, or to evaluate the effectiveness of different fracturing designs and treatments. DCA can also be used to estimate the ultimate recovery, the decline rate, and the economic life of a well. However, DCA has some limitations, such as assuming a constant reservoir pressure, ignoring the effects of interference and depletion, and requiring a sufficient amount of production data.

2 Rate transient analysis

Another way to measure hydraulic fracturing's impact on well productivity is to use rate transient analysis (RTA). RTA is a method of interpreting the pressure and rate behavior of a well during production or testing. RTA can be used to estimate the reservoir properties, such as permeability, porosity, and pressure, as well as the fracture properties, such as length, width, conductivity, and orientation. RTA can also be used to identify the flow regimes, such as linear, radial, or bilinear flow, that indicate the contribution of fractures to the well performance. However, RTA requires accurate and frequent pressure and rate measurements, as well as a suitable mathematical model that matches the reservoir and fracture characteristics.

3 Production logging

A third way to measure hydraulic fracturing's impact on well productivity is to use production logging. Production logging is a method of measuring the flow profile and composition of fluids along the wellbore using various sensors and tools. Production logging can be used to evaluate the distribution and contribution of fractures to the well production, as well as to identify any issues or anomalies, such as water breakthrough, crossflow, or plugging. Production logging can also be used to optimize the well completion and stimulation, such as by adjusting the choke size, perforation intervals, or injection rates. However, production logging is expensive and complex, and may not be feasible for horizontal or multistage fractured wells.

4 Microseismic monitoring

A fourth way to measure hydraulic fracturing's impact on well productivity is to use microseismic monitoring. Microseismic monitoring is a method of detecting and locating the acoustic signals generated by the fracture propagation and closure during hydraulic fracturing. Microseismic monitoring can be used to estimate the geometry and extent of the fracture network, as well as the fracture complexity and connectivity. Microseismic monitoring can also be used to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the hydraulic fracturing process, such as by monitoring the fluid volume, injection pressure, and fracture closure. However, microseismic monitoring is also expensive and challenging, and may not capture the actual fracture conductivity and flow behavior.

5 Numerical simulation

A fifth way to measure hydraulic fracturing's impact on well productivity is to use numerical simulation. Numerical simulation is a method of modeling the fluid flow and transport in the reservoir and the wellbore using mathematical equations and numerical methods. Numerical simulation can be used to predict the well performance and recovery under different scenarios and conditions, such as varying the reservoir properties, fracture properties, well completion, and operational parameters. Numerical simulation can also be used to calibrate and validate the results of other methods, such as DCA, RTA, production logging, or microseismic monitoring. However, numerical simulation is dependent on the quality and accuracy of the input data and assumptions, and may not account for all the uncertainties and complexities involved in hydraulic fracturing.

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?