The Application of Practical Pressure-Transient Models to Interpret Multi-Fractured Horizontal Wells in Unconventional Shale Reservoirs
Abstract
Modern development of hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs in the United States is largely focused in heterogeneous, ultra-low permeability rock. In developing these reservoirs, horizontal wells with multiple hydraulic fractures are preferred. Resulting complex flow behaviors due to field development design can make field data interpretations and productivity assessments challenging. Pressure-transient analysis (PTA) can provide insightful information related to reservoir flow behavior and hydraulic fracture efficiency.
In this work, approaches are presented to evaluate field development strategies using a practical pressure-transient model and auxiliary plotting functions. Using a trilinear flow model, we show how different regions within a reservoir contribute to pressure depletion, and thus, productivity. We illustrate the flow regimes that can be expected when natural fractures are present in a reservoir. We incorporate a power-law derivative formulation to evaluate pressure diagnostics during different periods of linear flow. We evaluate how production interference events can be detected through the use of pressure derivative plotting functions.
Ultimately, the purpose of this work is to outline practical applications that pressure-transient analysis (PTA) methods can provide in the development of unconventional shale reservoirs.
Citation
Jimenez, Fabian Anthony (2022). The Application of Practical Pressure-Transient Models to Interpret Multi-Fractured Horizontal Wells in Unconventional Shale Reservoirs. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /198112.