Advancement in Hydraulic Fracturing for Improved Oil Recovery

Abstract

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of advancements in hydraulic fracturing in unconventional plays. The narrative starts with an introduction to hydraulic fracturing and its transformative potential in the U.S., showcasing innovations in fracturing volumes, proppant masses, and well laterals. A detailed examination of fracturing fluids follows, emphasizing the dominance of slickwater treatments in unconventional plays. The chapter then delves into the crucial role of proppants, highlighting their surge in usage over a decade and the consequential shifts in material choice. The intricacies of perforation design are explored, particularly the revolutionary Xtreme Limited Entry approach and its subsequent impacts on production efficiency. In the realm of diagnostic technologies, the chapter presents a range, from traditional methods to emerging ones like Microseismic Depletion Delineation and time-lapse geochemical fingerprinting. The topic of refracturing is also addressed, spotlighting its merits in combating rapid production declines and the associated challenges. Finally, the chapter elucidates the phenomenon of fracture-driven interaction, offering insights into its historical context, influential factors, and proposed strategies to manage its repercussions. Through its breadth and depth, this chapter underscores the multifaceted nature of hydraulic fracturing advancements and their significance in the oil industry.