Cl. Cipolla et Mj. Mayerhofer, Understanding fracture performance by integrating well testing and fracture modeling, SPE PROD FA, 16(4), 2001, pp. 210-218
This paper presents case histories and field data that detail the applicati
on of well test data to calibrate fracture models, understand fracture perf
ormance, and optimize treatment designs. The paper includes field results f
rom gas reservoirs in the Rocky Mountains and west Texas. The case historie
s also illustrate the application of postfracture pressure-buildup data to
identify reasons for fracture treatment problems and to confirm treatment s
uccess. The paper also includes a novel data set that illustrates fracture
performance from a liquid CO2 stimulation (no sand, no water) in west Texas
. The case histories illustrate the importance of integrating well test dat
a with fracture treatment optimization, showing how this process can improv
e our ability to reliably make multimillion-dollar decisions concerning pro
ppant selection and fracture treatment size.