Hydraulic fracturing optimization framework based on PKN and Cinco-Ley methods

Abstract

In an era of decreasing number of discoveries of conventional hydrocarbon reservoirs, in the global oil and gas industry we can observe growing interest in unconventional resources. Conducting effective production from this type of reservoirs is associated with carrying out the intensification processes of production, among which hydraulic fracturing is the most popular. Several technological parameters are crucial in case of process effectiveness. The shape of the fracture is difficult to predict due to the local inhomogeneity of the reservoir. In the development projects of unconventional resources, characterized by the presence of significant contrasts of reservoir parameters, the geometry of the fracture can be successfully described by simplified mathematical models, and evaluate the effectiveness of fracturing can be based on analytical methods [13]. Production intensification treatments significantly effect on the physical properties of the near well zone, thereby increasing the productivity of the well. The effectiveness of such treatments can be assessed by analyzing the basic production parameters and compare the production capacity before and after treatment. Methods of determination of the effectiveness of the stimulation treatment include analytical and numerical methods [14]. Numerical methods required high quality and quantity data, therefore simple analytical methods like Cinco–Lay equivalent skin calculation can be successful used. Until the 90s of the twentieth century, 2D models were used in modeling of hydraulic