Geologic and engineering parameters used in stimulating tight gas-bearing sandstones by modified hydraulic fracturing techniques: North Douglas Creek Arch field, Colorado
Laboratory and field efforts have been made to improve stimulation treatments in the Mancos B formation within the North Douglas Creek Arch field near Rangely, Colorado. To evaluate these efforts, a combination of core analyses and in-situ stress measurements was used in developing a modified hydraulic fracturing program. Whole core samples were taken from upper and lower boundary lithologies as well as within the Mancos B pay zone for special core tests including gas permeabilities, static elastic moduli, fracture toughness, and fluid compatibility tests measured at simulated in-situ conditions. Reservoir quality within pay zones was determined by a combination of petrography, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. In-situ minimal horizontal stress was determined in the field from instantaneous shut-in pressure (ISIP) data which were measured in all three lithologies. One modified hydraulic fracturing technique that has been field tested and shows promising results is based on fracture initiation placement (perforation placement). A second technique to be tested in the near future will use lightweight additives in fracturing fluids to help seal vertical propagation of hydraulically induced fractures, thereby insuring a deep penetrating fracture into the pay zone.
- Research Organization:
- Terra Tek, Salt Lake City, UT
- OSTI ID:
- 5535311
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8408161-
- Journal Information:
- Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Vol. 68:7; ISSN AAPGB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
030200* -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
COLORADO
COMMINUTION
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
FEDERAL REGION VIII
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
FRACTURING
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
LITHOLOGY
MICROSCOPY
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
NATURAL GAS FIELDS
NORTH AMERICA
PERMEABILITY
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESOURCES
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
USA