Novel Approach for the Optimal Evaluation and Fracture Design of Shale Oil Horizontal Wells in Mexico

Abstract

As the development of hydrocarbon from shale resources increases exponentially globally, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the key variables for evaluating shale reservoirs and to define the best methods for effectively stimulating wells. However, this is not easy considering that each tool has both advantages and drawbacks with respect to technical, methodological, and economic matters. That is why, for shale projects, it is necessary to know the vital variables to optimize the collection of information, costs, and, of course, the validity of final results and interpretations. For initial characterization, reference information from previously fractured horizontal wells in the same formation should be considered and a holistic approach using characterization from petro-physical, geomechanical, mineralogy, and geochemical analysis should be considered during the determination of the best zones to be fractured. Analysis and use of diagnostic fracture injection testing (DFIT) and minifrac testing is also to be reviewed for the final calibration of fracture models before execution of the operation. Interpretation of micro-seismic monitoring during fracturing has great importance for obtaining models to optimize completions of wells and the development of a reservoir after an initial approach. This work analyzes and evaluates different sources of information and studies performed. Several factors and effects during the design stage are presented, such as using regional stress studies to estimate possible interference between the fracture stages and its effect on final fracture space determination. All in all, using this information is recommended for the initial approach during fracture design for the first wells in a new formation, proving to be a novel methodology to optimize and accelerate the development of a basin that can be applied later to following wells, helping save both time and resources.