The Best Practices and Workflow of Tight Reservoir Fracturing Diagnosis, Optimization, and Productivity Evaluation

Abstract Hydraulic fracturing (HF) is an effective technology to develop tight oil & gas reservoirs, which is expected to achieve ideal production in reservoirs that would otherwise achieve little or no production. However, it is not uncommon that many of these fractured wells are not able to achieve the expected enhancement. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the best practices and workflow to make post-fracturing diagnosis, fracturing design optimization and pre-fracturing and post-fracturing productivity assessment. This is a model-based approach, and the workflow is based on comprehensive understanding of geological characteristics of the reservoir. Following the general HF feasibility study, 1D geomechanical (GM) model of single well is established, then a fracturing model is built for fracturing simulation. Post-fracturing diagnosis and fracturing effect evaluation will be based on simulation results. Finally, a well flow model is established to predict productivity and conduct sensitivity analysis. In this way, the main factors affecting fracturing effectiveness can be identified and the relevant engineering parameters can be optimized.