Fractured well performance: Key to fracture treatment success

Best production practice requires the optimum production rate from a well w ith maximum bottomhole flowing pressure (BHFP). This can he engineered only by reducing pressure losses in the reservoir-flow conduit that comprises t he reservoir rock and the near-wellbore completion at or near the perforati on. Under most producing conditions, an induced fracture with appropriate g eometry minimizes near-wellbore pressure losses very efficiently. This pape r explores this role of the hydraulic fracture, which results in many appli cations under different reservoir conditions. Problems concerning placement of an optimally designed hydraulic fracture and common solutions also are discussed.