Robust technique for real-time closure stress determination

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · SPE Production and Facilities

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/30503-PA· OSTI ID:276199

Wright, C A; Weijers, L ^[1]; Minner, W A ^[2]; Snow, D M

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1. Pinnacle Technologies Inc., San Francisco, CA (United States)
2. Pinnacle Technologies, Inc., Bakersfield, CA (United States)

To achieve credible engineering estimates of fracture geometry, fluid efficiency, and potential risks of premature screen-out, the engineer must reliably history match the observed net-fracturing pressure. Measurement of net-fracturing pressure requires first, and foremost, a reliable estimate of the formation closure stress, to which the net pressure is referred. This paper documents both the theory and several example field applications of a novel flow-pulse closure stress determination method. The flow-pulse technique requires only small changes in fracture treatment pumping schedule that can be accomplished at little to no extra cost, yet it allows a robust estimation of formation closure stress in real time. The flow-pulse technique involves pumping a small minifrac (usually with water) and then pumping small pulses (of about 5 bbl) of fluid during the pressure decline. There is a dramatic change in pressure response when flow pulses are pumped into an open fracture vs. a fracture that is already closed.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 276199
• Journal Information: SPE Production and Facilities, Journal Name: SPE Production and Facilities Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 11; ISSN 1064-668X; ISSN SPRFEZ
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FRACTURE MECHANICS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OIL WELLS
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
WELL STIMULATION