Abstract
Bottomhole pressure (BHP) is a critical parameter to understand for hydraulic fracture diagnostics but is often difficult to measure due to increased complexity of execution needed for installation of gauges. Surface pressure is often used with a calculated friction and hydrostatic offsets, but these calculations can have significant error (Keck, et al 2000). Many authors of diagnostics such as step-down tests and diagnostic fracture injection tests (DFITs) clamor for the need of accurate, reliable BHP understanding (Cramer 2013, Mondal 2019, Hawkes 2018). A new technology has been developed to embed a pressure sensor in existing hardware that is used in standard fracturing operations. This reduces operational complexity and enables gathering of critical bottomhole measurements including pressure and temperature as a function of time.
This case study will address design and qualification of the technology, field deployment, operational considerations and compare results from the measurement compared to surface pressure derived calculations. It will be useful for completions and production engineers along with anyone who is involved in hydraulic fracture diagnostics.
