A Data-Driven Workflow Approach to Optimization of Fracture Spacing in Multi-Fractured Shale Oil Wells

Xu Yang and Boyun Guo
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Xu Yang: School of Oil & Gas Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China
Boyun Guo: Department of Petroleum Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 10, 1-14

Abstract: A data-driven workflow approach is presented in this study for optimizing fracture spacing of multifractured horizontal wells (MFHW) in shale oil reservoirs. The workflow employs a simple well productivity model for the initial design of hydraulic fracturing well completions. This provides a transparent approach to the identification of key fracturing parameters affecting well productivity. The workflow uses transient pressure or production data to identify fracture interference. This offers a reliable and cost-effective means for assessment of well production potential in terms of optimization of fracture spacing in the MFHW. Result of a field case study indicated that three wells were drilled in an area with dense natural fractures, and the fracture spacing of MFHW in this area was short enough to effectively drain the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV), while the other three wells were drilled in an area with less natural fractures, and the fracture spacing of MFHW in this area could be shortened to double well productivity.

Keywords: unconventional; shale oil; well; fracturing; optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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