Imaging hydraulic fractures using temperature transients in the Belridge Diatomite
Results of a temperature transient analysis of Shell`s Phase 1 and Phase 2 Diatomite Steamdrive Pilots are used to image hydraulic injection fracture lengths, angles, and heat injectivities into the low-permeability formation. The Phase 1 Pilot is a limited-interval injection test. In Phase 2, steam is injected into two 350 ft upper and lower zones through separate hydraulic fractures. Temperature response of both pilots is monitored with sixteen logging observation wells. A perturbation analysis of the non-linear pressure diffusion and heat transport equations indicates that at a permeability of about 0.1 md or less, heat transport in the Diatomite tends to be dominated by thermal diffusivity, and pressure diffusion is dominated by the ratio of thermal expansion to fluid compressibility. Under these conditions, the temperature observed at a logging observation well is governed by a dimensionless quantity that depends on the perpendicular distance between the observation well and the hydraulic fracture, divided by the square root of time. Using this dependence, a novel method is developed for imaging hydraulic fracture geometry and relative heat injectivity from the temperature history of the pilot.
- OSTI ID:
- 403044
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9603154-; TRN: IM9651%%79
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 65. Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) western regional meeting, Bakersfield, CA (United States), 8-10 Mar 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of 65. western regional meeting: Proceedings; PB: 637 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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