Reservoir Engineering Aspects of Fracturing High Permeability Formations

Abstract High permeability formations are not usually the realm of hydraulic fracturing. However, recently there has been a resurgence of interest in stimulating these reservoirs. Reasons for the interest include fracturing past damaged zones, controlling and preventing sand production, and generally providing better control over the wellbore. In studying this problem, several factors need to be considered. One factor is the productivity improvement aspect of the fracturing treatment. Under certain conditions, fracturing can provide a significant production increase even in a very highly permeable formation. Therefore, production versus time is important. A second consideration is pressure as a function of distance. This factor is important in the sand production aspect. Fracturing can decrease the pressure drop and gradient within the formation and thus sand production can be controlled or even prevented. This paper presents results of a study performed to investigate the effect of various parameters on well and fracture performance in a high permeability reservoir. These parameters include formation permeability, degree and depth of damage, fracture length, fracture conductivity, and fracture face damage. Conclusions from the study provide guidelines for candidate selection and fracture design as well as insight into the effect of stimulation of high permeability reservoirs.