Frac Hit Prediction and Mitigation Workflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unconventional well fracturing can lead to frac hits, causing production degradation or complete loss of production in adjacent wells due to asymmetrical fracture growth and well interference, posing challenges to Unconventional Reservoir operators as well density increases.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive dataset of frac hits has been collected and integrated into a database, with an integrated workflow combining empirical assessment, Multivariate Analysis (MVA), and mechanistic modeling to identify key trends, predict frac hit production impacts, and develop mitigation techniques such as refracturing parent wells, optimizing drilling schedules, and post-frac hit cleanouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If infill well density is increased to improve field development, then productivity increases, but the frequency of frac hit events increases causing production loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of frac hit risk before infill well completion by analyzing parent well depletion characteristics, fracture geometry, and spatial relationships. This allows operators to identify high-risk scenarios in advance and implement preventive measures such as adjusting completion design, modifying fracturing parameters, or selecting alternative well locations before the frac hit occurs, thereby maintaining both high productivity and production stability
2Productivity
If parent well depletion is increased to improve initial production, then productivity increases, but the likelihood of asymmetrical fracture growth in infill wells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes key parameters including parent-child well spacing, completion design specifications, and fracturing treatment parameters based on the degree of parent well depletion. For highly depleted parent wells, the system recommends increased spacing, modified completion designs, or adjusted fracturing parameters in infill wells to counteract the stress anisotropy and promote more symmetrical fracture growth, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while preserving productivity
3Productivity
If well spacing is reduced to increase field density, then productivity increases, but the severity of production impact from frac hits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors parent well production responses to infill fracturing activities. By analyzing pressure responses, production rate changes, and other indicators in real-time, the system provides feedback on actual frac hit impacts. This feedback is used to dynamically adjust well spacing recommendations, completion designs, and fracturing parameters for subsequent wells, thereby mitigating the severity of production impact while maintaining optimal field density
Data Source
AI summary
Infill-to-parent well frac hits or fracture driven interactions occur when infill well fractures intersect with parent well depleted fractures or parent wellbores themselves. As a result, both the parent and infill well production can be negatively impacted. Understanding and mitigating frac hits is crucial for unconventional assets since they can impact many aspects of field development. Frac hits can cause parent well production loss, making it an important consideration when it comes to well spacing-stacking, completion design, and drilling schedules optimization decisions. In cases where parent wells have been knocked offline by frac hits, well interventions are often necessary to restore production. Refracturing of parent wells has been proven to protect them from offset infill frac hits, and also presents a secondary field development opportunity.