Rigging up for MHF

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Drilling; (United States)

OSTI ID:6555852

Matson, B; Hannah, R R; Worley, D

Massive hydraulic fracturing, or MHF as it is more commonly called, has received extensive publicity during the past 2 yr and is rapidly becoming a very popular technique, particularly in the extremely low permeability gas sands of the Rocky Mt. The theory of improved productivity by stimulation has always indicated that very tight reservoirs required deeply penetrating fractures for adequate response. Many reservoirs with permeabilities as low as 0.1 md have been successfully developed by using relatively large fracturing treatments. In many areas of the Rockies, gas-bearing sands are encountered with permeabilities ranging from 0.01 to 0.001 md. The theory of fracturing indicates that fracture lengths of 1,500 to 3,000 ft are necessary for successful stimulation of reservoirs with this type of permeability. In these areas, gross fracture heights can reach 150 ft or more. These requirements for success forced a reassessment of what constituted a large stimulation treatment. Theoretical studies showed that fracturing fluid requirements could run as high as one million gallons and proppant requirements could exceed one million pounds. Current practices, systems approach, hardware development, and base facilities and personnel are discussed.

• Research Organization: Western Co North America
• OSTI ID: 6555852
• Journal Information: Drilling; (United States), Journal Name: Drilling; (United States) Vol. 37:5; ISSN DRILA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
030900* -- Natural Gas-- Artificial Stimulation
Plowshare-- (-1989)
COMMINUTION
ECONOMICS
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FRACTURE MECHANICS
FRACTURING
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
MANAGEMENT
MECHANICS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OIL WELLS
PERMEABILITY
POROSITY
PRODUCTIVITY
RECOVERY
RESERVOIR ROCK
STIMULATION
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS