DFIT: An Interdisciplinary Validation of Fracture Closure Pressure Interpretation Across Multiple Basins

Abstract

Recent papers on pre-frac tests have proposed fracture closure pressure interpretation methodologies that lead to an earlier, higher stress estimation than the ones estimated from well-established practices. These early time estimations based on the fracture compliance method lead the practitioner to utilize unrealistic permeability, stress, and fracture pressure models. This, in turn, has a severe impact on the modeled fracture geometries which hinders the hydraulic fracture optimization process. A multi-basin analysis of pre-frac tests from the North Sea, Europe, Russia, North Africa and South America is presented to support traditional closure estimation techniques. The validity of traditional minimum stress interpretation techniques will be reinforced through multiple case histories by comparing permeability estimates from the time required for the fracture to achieve closure during diagnostic injections, after-closure analysis, core, pressure build up and rate transient analysis. Results will be supported further by fiber optics and production logging tool (PLT) driven flow allocation, fracture geometry assessment through micro seismic and sonic anisotropy, and diagnostic injections numerical inversions.