Case Study of Implementing Various Hydraulic Fracturing Software in the Challenging Operational Conditions of Saudi Arabia

Abstract A multitude of pseudo 3D and advanced 3D modeling software solutions are available for hydraulic fracturing optimization. These tools serve as indispensable aides for predicting fracture behavior, optimizing performance, and making informed decisions. This paper provides an overview and comparative analysis of the existing fracturing simulation techniques available and concludes practices for simulating the fracturing that helps achieving the optimum fracturing job execution. The comparative analyses were performed by using pseudo 3D and advanced 3D modelling software packages. All simulations were conducted in unconventional (<0.01 mD) and tight gas sandstone (0.1 – 1.0 mD). Each simulation revealed fracture behavior nuances specific to these reservoirs, providing valuable insights for informed decision. For the execution and data acquisition study, reliability and troubleshooting efficiency were used among the main criteria. Applications were grouped by geological and operational conditions. For the first-time users and experts, the selection process can be daunting. Each software package comes with its own algorithms, assumptions, and limitations. Understanding these nuances is crucial for accurate predictions and effective decision-making, as even experts face dilemmas. As they need to delve into complex reservoir scenarios, and grapple with questions like: Which simulator accounts for geomechanical effects most accurately? How does each tool handle fluid flow in heterogeneous formations? What computational trade-offs exist between pseudo 3D and advanced 3D models? Current research endeavors to bridge the knowledge or understanding gap. By meticulously comparing various fracturing software tools, aiming to: quantify performance, by evaluating predictive accuracy, computational efficiency, and scalability; probe assumptions, by uncovering hidden assumptions within each model; benchmark against field data, by validating simulations against more realistic fracture behavior; recommendations, by providing evidence-based recommendations for tool selection based on reservoir characteristics, operational constraints, and user expertise. This paper offers the readers a comparative analyses study that seeks to empower engineers, geoscientists, and decision-makers by unraveling the intricacies of fracturing software tools. Through rigorous analyses, it paves the way from raw data to informed decisions.