Abstract
This paper uses a pseudo three-dimensional hydraulic fracturing model with different fracture height growth models, in conjunction with a fractured reservoir production model to optimize hydraulic fracture design. These models have the capability to optimize the controllable fracturing parameters, such as pump rate, fluid rheology, proppant schedule and fracture length. The production of the fractured reservoir and the economics are compared to the cost of the actual fracture treatment of each individual fracture design. The net revenue is then compared for the various designs and the optimum design parameters for the specific well is recommended. This paper uses input data from a hydraulic fracture performed on the DOE's Multi-Well Experiment Wells as one of the input wells. Results indicate that this approach can be used to optimize hydraulic fracture design. A parametric study using various pump rates and fracture length show fracture length and pump rate for maximum net revenue. Observations on fracturing fluid rheology show that it has a strong effect on pressure drop in the fracture and leakoff to the formation. Fracturing parameter
selection should therefore be conducted with extreme care. This paper shows that this approach can be used to optimize hydraulic fracture design and that it has strong economic benefits.
