Description:
The early detection of "sweet spots" for oil/gas well site selection and fracturing in shale reservoirs is a challenge for many operators. Most of the time, unique parameters are utilized (i.e. brittleness) to determine the "sweet spots" for well site placement. Additionally, the fractures are generally placed equidistantly. This may create short transverse and/or axial fractures that are problematic during hydraulic fracturing and may create sub-optimal production.
This technology utilizes an integrated approach to site selection and fracture sequencing that allows for the optimal productivity of the well. This integrated approach utilizes both petrophysics and geomechancical data to to develop a Fracturability Index to guide well site selection and fracture positioning.
Reference Number: D-1105
Market Applications:
- Oil and gas market
- Hydraulic fracturing market
Features, Benefits, and Advantages:
• Optimal well selection for hydraulic fracturing
• Optimal fracture positioning
• Enhanced productivity
Intellectual Property:
A U.S. Provisional patent 62/055,769 was filed on 09/26/14.
Development Stage:
This technology has been produced and tested.
Researchers:
Mohamed Soliman, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Keywords:
Fracture Simulators, Fracturability index, Fracture placement, hydraulic fracturing design