In order to better understand the process of fracturing tight gas sands, a comprehensive data set was gathered and analyzed for the Bossier formation in the Dowdy Ranch field. The dataset collected on the APC Anderson #2 well represents one of the most comprehensive datasets ever collected for a commercial gas well. The entire interval was cored, and a complete set of core analysis was performed across the sands. Stress profiles derived from dipole sonic logs across the pay zone and in the shales below were calibrated with stress tests. The frac jobs were micro-seismically monitored with downhole geophones and included breakdown and mini-frac stages. Post fracture data collection included pressure buildup testing, production logs with multiple passes, and tracer logs with multiple isotopes. Additional data was collected on five offset wells in the field. Results from these wells will be presented in a companion paper.

The bottomhole treating pressures were found to be higher than expected based on the measured stress profiles. However, the higher treating pressures encountered did not result in excessive fracture height growth. This may be partially attributed to unexpected faulting providing a conduit for fluid leak-off, resulting in low efficiency and narrow fractures. Propped or effective fracture lengths derived from pressure buildup analysis and history matching production data were significantly shorter than designed frac lengths (or those predicted from uncalibrated frac models). The net pressure plots showed some evidence of proppant bridging even at low proppant concentrations, again indicating only limited fracture widths were being achieved. The data collected and analyzed provide valuable insight into the performance of water and hybrid fracs in tight gas formations. Recommendations for the design of future fracture treatments are made based on the findings.