A Simple and Accurate Model for Well Productivity for Hydraulically Fractured Wells

TitleA Simple and Accurate Model for Well Productivity for Hydraulically Fractured Wells
Publication TypeConference Paper
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsFriehauf, K. E., A. Suri, and M. M. Sharma
Conference NameSPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference
Date Published01/2009
PublisherSociety of Petroleum Engineers
Conference LocationThe Woodlands, Texas, U.S.A., January 19-21, 2009
ISBN Number978-1-55563-208-3
Other NumbersSPE 199264-MS
KeywordsFracture modeling, Hydraulic Fracturing
Abstract

A new model is developed that calculates the productivity of a hydraulically fractured well, including the effect of damage of the fracture face from fluid leak-off.  Results of the new model are compared with three previous models (McGuire, Prats and Raymond).  The existing models assume either elliptical or radial flow around the well with permeability varying azimuthally.  Significant differences in the calculated well productivity indicate that earlier assumptions made about the flow geometry can lead to significant overestimates of well PI.  Agreement with Prats analytical solution is achieved for finite conductivity fractures and no fracture damage.  It is shown that the use of either McGuire and Sikora's or Raymond's model to estimate improvement in well PI in fractured wells can lead to a significant over-estimation of the well PI. The new model provides a useful tool to quickly calculate the productivity of wells that have both a finite-conductivity fracture and damage in the invaded zone.  The simple and discrete nature of the model makes it ideal for implementation in spreadsheets and to connect to fracture performance models.

Clean-up of the damage in the invaded zone depends on the capillary properties of the formation and the drawdown pressure applied across the damaged zone during production.  If capillary forces are small, and drawdown pressure is high, the water will be recovered, resulting in negligible damage.  It is found that the invaded zone will cause significant damage when the permeability of the damaged zone is reduced by over 90%.  For low permeability, depleted formations, where water recovery is poor, the fracturing fluid should be energized with a gas component so that the relative permeability damage to gas inflow can be minimized.

DOI10.2118/119264-MS