Analysis of Production Performance of the Hydraulically Fractured Horizontal Wells

Abstract

The emergence of the ultra-low permeability formations, such as Marcellus Shale, as a target of exploration and development has created new challenges for resource development. To achieve economic production from shale formations massive stimulation treatments are required. Horizontal wells are the most effective in providing access to the formation to perform multi-stage hydraulic fracturing treatments. The limited field experience with multiple hydraulic fractures in horizontal wells indicates that significant increase in initial production can be achieved as the number of hydraulic fractures is increased. However, the production performance, particularly over longer time periods, is not well established. The objective of this study was to analyze the production performance of multiply fractured horizontal well completed in Marcellus Shale to determine the long term production performance. The production history from a number of Marcellus Shale horizontal well in West Virginia were collected and analyzed using different commercial reservoir simulators. The impact of reservoir and hydraulic fracture parameters on the production performance and gas desorption were also investigated. The results indicated the presence of number of different flow regimes. The hydraulic fractures appear to dominate the early production performance while the later production is influenced by natural fractures. The results can be utilized to investigate the feasibility horizontal wells with multiple hydraulic fractures and optimize the production from the shale formation.

Impact of gas desorption on production behavior of shale gas

“…Also, in later production time, harmonic decline (b=1) can be observed (Belyadi, F. et al, 2012). (Belyadi, F. et al, 2012). shows the 30 years simulated production profile which was closely fitted to Arps decline curve model.…”

“…Moreover, Table below shows that in the early time, linear flow regime (b=2) can be seen. Also, in later production time, harmonic decline (b=1) can be observed (Belyadi, F. et al, 2012). (Belyadi, F. et al, 2012).…”

“…Figure 1-B the result of production history matching for a Marcellus Shale well in WV (Belyadi, F. et al, 2012)…”

Analysis of the Gas Production from Marcellus Shale Horizontal Wells Using Decline Curves

“…The first is due the interference between the stages and second is due to the impact of the reservoir exterior. Belyadi, F. et al (2012) provided an insight into the long term production performance for horizontal wells with multiple hydraulic fractures in ultra-low permeability formations. They applied the production decline analysis to the horizontal wells with the multiple hydraulic fracture stages.…”

“…However, the latter part shows a decline curve that is characterized by b =1, which is the harmonic decline. Belyadi, F. et al (2012) concluded that the approach of using a single value for the decline exponent (b) cannot provide reliable results to characterize the entire production period. This is due to the changes in flow regime.…”