Abnormal treating pressures in MHF treatments

Conference · Sat Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5361692

Medlin, W L; Fitch, J L

Abnormal treating pressures are observed during massive hydraulic fracturing (MHF) treatments in the Mesa Verde formation of the Piceance Basin, Colorado. Data from three widely separated wells and in several zones per well all show a pressure increase during MHF treatments which the authors call ''pressure growth''. This pressure growth is at least semi-permanent. The elevated instantaneous shut-in pressures do not return to initial values over periods of several days. The magnitude of this pressure growth is highly variable. When its value is less than about 2300 psi the MHF treatments are usually completed and results are obtained which are within normal expectations. When its value exceeds 2300 psi, sandout occurs and the fracture length estimated from production data is much less than that calculated using crack propagation models. Temperature logs indicate little or only modest vertical extension of the fractures above the perforations. These data, along with sandouts, point to a large increase in width of the fractures in response to pressure growth. One possible cause of pressure growth is fracture branching. A multiplicity of branches could produce a plastic-like effect. Laboratory measurements have ruled out plasticity as the cause. The stress-strain behavior of the rock is similar to that of rocks where no pressure growth occurs. Pressure growth seems to be dependent on both pumping rate and fluid viscosity. Thus, there is some hope for its mitigation through treatment design. Also, pressure growth appears to correlate negatively with pay zone quality. This suggests that the phenomenon can be exploited as a fluid diversion technique.

• Research Organization: Mobil R and D Corp.
• OSTI ID: 5361692
• Report Number(s): CONF-8310121-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Journal Volume: SPE12108
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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COLORADO
COMMINUTION
CRACK PROPAGATION
DRILLING FLUIDS
FEDERAL REGION VIII
FLUID FLOW
FLUID MECHANICS
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NORTH AMERICA
OIL FIELDS
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PRESSURE DEPENDENCE
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RESERVOIR PRESSURE
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ROCK MECHANICS
STIMULATION
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