Mini frac (DFIT)Analysis for Unconventional Reservoirs using F.A.S.T. WellTest Toll Free: 1.800.65.488 :: Phone: 403.13.400 :: Email: fast@fekete.com fekete.com
Course Outline Introduction What is a Mini frac Test? Why Perform a Mini frac Test? Mini frac Test Overview Analysis Pre Closure Analysis Leak off Types Nolte After Closure Analysis Soliman/Craig After Closure Analysis ACA Modeling Radial Flow Example Linear Flow Example Mini frac Test Design
What is a Mini frac Test? A mini frac test is an injection/falloff diagnostic test performed without proppant before a main fracture stimulation treatment The intent is to break down the formation to create a short fracture during the injection period, and then to observe closure of the fracture system during the ensuing falloff period. 3
What is a Mini frac Test? The created fracture can cut through near wellbore damage, and provide better communication between the wellbore and true formation. Amini frac test is capable of providing better results than a closed chamber test performed on a formation where fluid inflow is severely restricted by formation damage. 4
Why Perform a Mini frac Test? Determine initial formation pressure (P i ) & effective permeability (k) to: Assist production/pressure data analysis Provide initial inputs for reservoir models Assess stimulation effectiveness Help quantify reserves Estimate fracture design parameters such as: Fracture gradient Closure pressure (minimum horizontal stress) Leak off coefficients 5
Why Perform a Mini frac Test? For Shale/Tight Formations: Effective Permeability (k) is very low Matrix permeability of a few nanodarcies to a few microdarcies (when natural fractures exist) render conventional tests impractical before stimulation Horizontal Multi Frac Wells Massive hydraulic fracture treatments Multiple fracture stages Multiple perforation clusters per fracture stage Numerous fracture networks created Difficult to quantify effective formation permeability and pressure after stimulation 6
Why Perform a Mini frac Test? Shut in Time Required to Estimate P i & k (After Perforating) Based on Haynesville Shale Properties 11500 Simulated Pressure Buildup After Perforating 11000 10500 10000 Pressure (psi(a)) 9500 9000 8500 8000 7500 1000 Nanodarcies Weeks 100 Nanodarcies 5 Months 10 Nanodarcies 4 Years! 7000 6500 Skin = + 6000 5500 5000 0 500 1000 1500 000 500 3000 3500 4000 4500 Time (h) 7
Why Perform a Mini frac Test? Shut in Time Required to Estimate P i & k (After Perforating) Based on Haynesville Shale Properties Simulated PITA Derivative After Perforating Impulse Derivative ( t a ) d /d( t a ) ((10 6 psi /cp) hr) 10 7 4 10 6 4 10 5 4 10 4 4 10 3 4 10 4 10 1 4 Skin = + 1000 Nanodarcies Weeks 100 Nanodarcies 5 Months 10 Nanodarcies 4 Years! 1.0 10-1 3 4 5 6 7 8 1.0 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 4 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 5 Pseudo-Time (h) 8
Why Perform a Mini frac Test? Shut in Time Required to Estimate P i & K (After Mini frac) Based on Haynesville Shale Properties 16000 Simulated Pressure Falloff After Minifrac 15500 15000 Skin =.5 14500 14000 Pressure (psi(a)) 13500 13000 1500 1000 Nanodarcies 1 Day 100 Nanodarcies Weeks 10 Nanodarcies 5 Months 1000 11500 11000 10500 0 100 00 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 Time (h) 9
Why Perform a Mini frac Test? Shut in Time Required to Estimate Pi & K (After Mini frac) Based on Haynesville Shale Properties 10 7 Simulated PITA Derivative After Minifrac 4 Impulse Derivative ( t a ) d /d( t a ) ((10 6 psi /cp) hr) 10 6 4 10 5 4 10 4 4 10 3 4 10 4 10 1 4 Skin =.5 1000 Nanodarcies 1 Day 100 Nanodarcies Weeks 10 Nanodarcies 5 Months 1.0 10-1 3 4 5 6 7 8 1.0 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 4 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 5 Pseudo-Time (h) 10
Mini frac Test Overview 11
Mini frac Analysis Mini frac Test Analysis is conducted in two steps: Pre Closure Analysis (PCA) Uses special derivatives and time functions (G Func on, t) Indentify leak off behaviour and closure pressure After Closure Analysis (ACA) Similar workflow to traditional pressure transient analysis Uses impulse solution to establish formation permeability (k) and pressure (P i ) 1
PCA: Parameters The following parameters are determined from the Pre Closure Analysis (PCA): Fracture Closure Pressure (p c ) p c = Minimum Horizontal Stress Instantaneous Shut In Pressure (ISIP)/Propagation Pressure Fracture Gradient ISIP = Final Bo omhole Injec on Pressure Fric on Component Fracture Gradient = ISIP / Formation Depth Net Fracture Pressure (Δp net ) Δp net = ISIP Closure Pressure Fluid Efficiency: the ratio of the stored volume within the fracture to the total fluid injected 13
PCA: G Function The G function is a dimensionless time function relating shut in time (t) to total pumping time (t p ) at an assumed constant rate and are based on the following equations: Two limiting cases for the G function are shown here: α = 1.0 is for low leak off α = 0.5 is for high leak off The value of g 0 is the computed value of g at shut in. 14
PCA: G Function Analysis Semilog Derivative G dp/dg (psi(a)) 1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 00 100 Fracture Closure G c 1.014 t c 159.76 min p c 7308.4 psi(a) Fracture Closure G c 1.014 t c 159.76 min G-Function Fracture Closure G c 1.014 t c 159.76 min p c 7308.4 psi(a) Inj. Volume 3.99 bbl ISIP 7930.1 psi(a) D datum 9650.000 ft Frac grad 0.8 psi/ft Semilog Derivative p data First Derivative p c 7308.4 psi(a) 0 6600 0 4 6 8 10 1 14 16 18 0 4 6 8 30 3 34 36 38 40 4 44 46 48 50 5 8000 7900 7800 7700 7600 7500 7400 7300 700 7100 7000 6900 6800 6700 p (psi(a)) 10 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 0 10 0 First Derivative dp/dg (psi(a)) G-function time Fracture closure is identified as the point where the G Function derivative starts to deviate downward from the straight line 15
PCA: Leak Off Types Normal Leak off: occurs when the fracture area is constant during shut in and the leak off occurs through a homogeneous rock matrix The characteristic signatures of normal leak off are : 1. A constant pressure derivative (dp/dg) during fracture closure.. The G Function derivative (G dp/dg) lies on a straight line that passes through the origin 16
G Function Derivative (G dp/dg) Normal Leakoff G Function (G Time) Normal Leakoff
PCA: Leak Off Types Transverse Fracture Storage/Fracture Height Recession is indicated when the G Function derivative G dp/dg falls below a straight line that extrapolates through the normal leak off data, and exhibits a concave up trend Transverse Fracture Storage/Fracture Height Recession Two characteristics are visible on the G function curve: 1. The G Function derivative G dp/dg lies below a straight line extrapolated through the normal leak off data.. The G Function derivative G dp/dg exhibits a concave up trend. 3. The First Derivative dp/dg also exhibits a concave up trend. 18
Fracture Height Recession Fracture penetrates impermeable zone
Fracture Height Recession Fracture penetrates impermeable zone
Transverse Storage Early Time Secondary fractures open
Transverse Storage Late Time Secondary fractures close
PCA: Leak Off Types Pressure Dependent Leak off (PDL): indicates the existence of secondary fractures intersecting the main fracture, and is identified by a characteristic hump in the G Function derivative that lies above the straight line fit through the normal leak off data. The characteristic signatures of pressure dependent leak off are: 1. A characteristic large hump in the G Function derivative G dp/dg lies above the straight line that passes through the origin... Subsequent to the hump, the pressure decline exhibits normal leak off. 3. The portion of the normal leak off lies on a straight line passing through the origin. 4. The end of the hump is identified as fissure opening pressure. 3
Pressure Dependant Leak off Early Time Extra leak off from microfractures at high pressure/early time
Pressure Dependant Leak off Late Time Microfractures close, normal leak off resumes
PCA: Leak Off Types Fracture Tip Extension occurs when a fracture continues to grow even after injection is stopped and the well is shut in. It is a phenomenon that occurs in very low permeability reservoirs, as the energy which normally would be released through leak off is transferred to the ends of the fracture. The characteristic signatures of fracture tip extension are: 1. The G Function derivative G dp/dg initially exhibits a large positive slope that continues to decrease with shut in time, yielding a concave down curvature.. Any straight line fit through the G Function derivative G dp/dg intersects the y axis above the origin. 6
Fracture Tip Extension Fracture Tip Extension Provides Extra Leak Off
After Closure Analysis (ACA) ACA is performed on falloff data collected after fracture closure Similar workflow to traditional pressure transient analysis Traditional PTA founded on the constant rate solution Main ACA techniques are founded on the impulse solution The constant rate solution hinges on the flow rate prior to SI The impulse solution hinges on a defined volume 8
After Closure Linear Flow Plan View
After Closure Radial Flow Radial Flow in Horizontal Plane If linear flow is observed before radial flow, can use fracture model 3D Plan View Vertical Model with Fracture
After Closure Radial Flow in Horizontal Plane If only radial flow is observed, can be modelled as vertical with negative skin Conceptual Model Vertical Model Plan View
After Closure Analysis (ACA) After Closure Analysis (ACA) is performed on falloff data collected after fracture closure. Similar workflow to traditional pressure transient analysis. Traditional PTA founded on the constant rate solution ; Mini Frac ACA techniques are founded on the impulse solution. The constant rate solution hinges on the flow rate prior to the analyzed shut in period whereas the impulse solution hinges on a defined volume. Impulse solutions are used because of the short injection period and assume the entire injected volume is injected instantaneously. There are two ACA techniques available in F.A.S.T. WellTest (Nolte and Soliman/Craig). 3
Nolte ACA This after closure analysis method is based on the work of K.G. Nolte 8, and expanded on by R.D. Barree 4. Based on the solution of a constant pressure injection followed by a falloff. The impulse equations are obtained by approximating the injection duration as very small. Uses injected volume as the impulse volume and the falloff begins at fracture closure. Characteristic slopes of the semi log derivative when plotted on the loglog derivative plot differ from traditional PTA: Impulse Linear flow has a slope of 1/. Impulse Radial flow has a slope of 1. 33
Nolte ACA 10 4 Derivative p, Semilog Derivative (F L )d p/d(fl ) (psi(a)) 5 3 10 3 5 3 10 5 3 p data Derivative data Impulse Linear -1/ 10 1 1.0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 10-1 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 F L t 15.08 h p 6750.9 psi(a) Impulse Radial -1 k 0.0165 md t 38.73 h p 665.6 psi(a) 10-34
Soliman/Craig ACA This after closure analysis method is based on the combined works of M.Y. Soliman and D. Craig 1. Soliman s solution is based on a constant rate injection followed by a long falloff. Soliman applied superposition in Laplace space to obtain a single equation and then took the late time approximation to obtain impulse equations (for bilinear, linear and radial flow). D. Craig developed an analytical model which accounts for fracture growth, leak off, closure and after closure 3. The late time approximation of Craig s model produced impulse equations that are consistent with Soliman's solutions. Uses injected volume as the impulse volume. Characteristic slopes of the impulse derivative when plotted on the log log derivative plot are identical to those of traditional PTA. Soliman/Craig's solutions facilitate the use of analytical models in F.A.S.T. WellTest. 35
Soliman/Craig ACA 10 4 Derivative t 1.98 h p 6777.5 psi(a) t 38.13 h p 6653.5 psi(a) 4 Impulse Derivative t (tp + t) dp/dt (psi hr) 10 3 5 3 10 4 10 1 6 4 Linear 1/ X f(sqrt(k)) 1.4 md 1/ ft k 0.0165 md X f 9.676 ft s Xf -.780 Radial 0 k 0.0165 md Derivative data 1.0 10-3 3 4 5 6 7 8 10-3 4 5 6 7 8 10-1 3 4 5 6 7 8 1.0 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 t (h) 36
ACA Modelling Once the initial reservoir pressure (P i ) and permeability (k) are estimated, a model is generated (Soliman/Craig)to confirm these estimates. Note that the existing model does not account for the change in storage that occurs while the induced fracture is closing, and the analysis is focused on the after closure data. Derivative Impulse Derivative ( t) d p/d( t) (psi hr) 10 4 3 10 3 3 10 3 10 1 3 1.0 3 10-1 3 10 - kh 0.6138md.fts' -.731 h 40.000 ft s Xf -.738 k 0.0153md X f 9.73ft p i (syn) 659.0psi(a) 10-3 3 4 5 6 10-3 4 5 6 10-1 3 4 5 6 1.0 3 4 5 6 10 1 3 4 5 6 10 3 4 5 6 10 3 This is especially critical when reservoir dominated (radial) flow is not achieved within a test period, or when data scatter aggravates the analysis. t (h) Derivative data Derivative model Ext. Derivative model 37
Mini frac Observations from Real Data An example of a Mini frac test conducted on a vertical well at a formation depth of 10,000 ft analyzed using F.A.S.T. WellTest is depicted in the following slides. Pressure (psi(a)) 11500 11000 10500 10000 9500 9000 8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 Formation Breakdown p data 1094.7 psi(a) History Inj. Volume 16.35 bbl ISIP 9444. psi(a) D datum 10100.000 ft Frac grad 0.935 psi/ft 6000 5500 Start Injection q water -1600 p data 5000-1800 1. 1.4 1.6 1.8 1.30 1.3 1.34 1.36 1.38 1.40 1.4 1.44 1.46 1.48 1.50 1.5 1.54 1.56 1.58 Time (h) t Stop Injection p data q w 0.31 h 9557.0 psi(a) -1440.00 bbl/d Estimated ISIP p data 9444. psi(a) 0-00 -400-600 -800-1000 -100-1400 Liquid Rate (bbl/d) 38
Mini frac Observations from Real Data The pre closure analysis using the semi log and first derivative corresponding to G function time is shown below: Semilog Derivative G dp/dg (psi(a)) 00 000 1800 1600 1400 100 1000 800 600 Fracture Closure G c 6.33 t c 166.76 min p c 717.0 psi(a) Analysis 1 Fracture Closure G c 6.33 t c 166.76 min p c 717.0 psi(a) G-Function Inj. Volume 16.35 bbl ISIP 9444. psi(a) D datum 10100.000 ft Frac grad 0.935 psi/ft Semilog Deriv ativ e p data First Deriv ativ e 400 Fracture Closure 6000 00 G c 6.33 t c 166.76 min 5500 0 p c 717.0 psi(a) 0 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 0 1 G-function time From this plot, fracture closure is identified within the initial 3 hours of the falloff period 9500 9000 8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 p (psi(a)) 1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 00 100 0 First Derivative dp/dg (psi(a)) 39
Mini frac Observations from Real Data The Nolte ACA log log diagnostic plot is shown below:, Semilog Derivative (F L )d /d(fl ) (10 6 psi /cp) 10 4 5 3 10 3 7 5 3 10 7 5 3 data Derivative data t 5.64h p 63.9psi(a) Derivative Impulse Radial -1 k 1.8577e-03md 10 1 1.0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 10-1 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 The semi log derivative, calculated with respect to closure time, exhibits a slope of 1 after 5.64 hours, suggesting that radial flow has developed. The fluctuations in the derivative slope can be attributed to gas entry that is not accounted for with the bottomhole pressure calculations. F L t 3.07h p 5604.5psi(a) r inv 1.976ft 10-40
Mini frac Observations from Real Data The falloff data plotted with the Nolte ACA radial time function FR is shown below: 500 Minifrac Radial (Nolte) Analysis 1 7600 400 300 00 kh 0.1115md.ft h 60.000ft k 1.8577e-03md p* 5363.9psi(a) 7400 700 7000 (10 6 psi /cp) 100 000 1900 1800 t 3.07h p 5604.5psi(a) r inv 1.976ft 6800 6600 6400 600 6000 p (psi(a)) 1700 5800 1600 5600 1500 5400 1400 data 0.64 0.60 0.56 0.5 0.48 0.44 0.40 0.36 0.3 0.8 0.4 0.0 0.16 0.1 0.08 0.04 0.00 500 F R1 41
Mini frac Observations from Real Data The log log plot of the derivative used in the Soliman/Craig impulse solution shows the match obtained with the model: Impulse Derivative t a (tp + t a ) d /dt a ((10 6 psi /cp) hr) 10 4 4 10 3 4 10 4 kh h k 0.1978md.ft 60.000ft 3.968e-03md X f 1.57ft s Xf -0.963 p i 5461.7psi(a) Derivative Derivative data Derivative model Ext. Derivative model 10 1 10-3 3 4 5 6 7 10-3 4 5 6 7 10-1 3 4 5 6 7 1.0 3 4 5 6 7 10 1 3 4 5 6 7 10 The model suggests radial flow was not quite achieved during the test period, and would likely develop after ~50 hours of shut in. In this case, the transition to radial flow is sufficiently developed to yield reliable estimates of formation pressure and permeability. t a (h) Approaching Radial Flow t 3.07h Radial Flow Δt = 50.0 h 4
Mini Frac Test Design Short duration injection period, followed by extended falloff period. Water commonly used for injection. Optimum injection rate/duration: 1 bpm (1500 3000 bbld) 3 minute injection (after wellbore fill up) sufficient to breakdown formation, while minimizing fracture growth and closure time Falloff duration controlled by permeability (k) and rock properties: minimum days for k > 0.001 md (1000 Nanodarcies) minimum weeks for k < 0.001 md (1000 Nanodarcies) 43
References 1. "New Method for Determination of Formation Permeability, Reservoir Pressure, and Fracture Properties from a Minifrac Test", Soliman, M.Y., Craig D., Barko, K., Rahim Z., Ansah J., and Adams D., Paper ARMA/USRMS 05 658, 005. Analysis of Buildup Tests With Short Producing Times, M. Y. Soliman, SPE, Halliburton Services Research Center, Paper SPE 11083 August 1986. 3. Application of a New Fracture Injection/Falloff Model Accounting for Propagating, Dilated, and Closing Hydraulic Fractures, D. P. Craig, Haliburton, and T. A. Blasingame, Texas A&M University, Paper SPE 100578, 006. 4. Holistic Fracture Diagnostics, R. D. Barree, SPE, and V. L. Barree, Barree & Associates, and Craig, SPE, Halliburton, Paper SPE 107877, Presented at the Rocky Mountain Oil & Gas Technology Symposium held in Denver, Colorado, USA, 16 18 April 007. 5. After Closure Analysis of Fracture Calibration Tests, Nolte, K.G., Maniere, J.L., and Owens, K.A., Paper SPE 38676, Presented at the 1997 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, 5 8 October, 1997. 6. "Background for After Closure Analysis of Fracture Calibration Tests", Nolte, K. G., Paper SPE 39407, Unsolicited companion paper to SPE 38676 July, 1997. 7. Modified Fracture Pressure Decline Analysis Including Pressure Dependent Leakoff, Castillo, J. L., Paper SPE 16417, presented at the SPE/DOE Low Permeability Reservoirs Joint Symposium, Denver, CO, May 18 19, 1987. 8. Determination of Fracture Parameters from Fracturing Pressure Decline", Nolte, K. G., Paper SPE 8341, Presented at the Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Las Vegas, NV, Sept. 3 6, 1979. 9. "Use of PITA for Estimating Key Reservoir Parameters", N. M. Anisur Rahman, Mehran Pooladi Darvish, Martin S. Santo and Louis Mattar, Paper CIPC 006 17, presented at 7th Canadian International Petroleum Conference, Calgary, AB, June 13 15, 006. 10."Development of Equations and Procedure for Perforation Inflow Test Analysis (PITA)", N. M. Anisur Rahman, Mehran Pooladi Darvish and Louis Mattar, Paper SPE 95510, presented at 80th Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the SPE, Dallas, TX, October 9 1, 005. 44