Abnormal treating pressures in MHF (massive hydraulic fracturing) treatments

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

OSTI ID:5766453

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 3 widely separated wells and in several zones per well all show a pressure increase during MHF treatments, called 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. One possible cause of pressure growth is fracture branching. Pressure growth seems to be dependent on both pumping rate and fluid viscosity. 16 references.

• OSTI ID: 5766453
• Report Number(s): CONF-8310121-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Journal Volume: SPE-12108
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
COMMINUTION
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID FLOW
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FRACTURE PROPERTIES
FRACTURING
FRACTURING FLUIDS
FUELS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM
PICEANCE CREEK BASIN
RECOVERY
RESERVOIR PRESSURE
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SHALES
VISCOSITY
WELL PRESSURE
WELLS