Design And Evaluation Of Fracture Treatments By Digital Computer

Abstract

PUBLICATION RIGHTS RESERVED This paper is to be presented at the Seventh Annual Meeting of Rocky Mountain Petroleum Engineers of AIME May 25–26, 1961, in Farmington, N.M., and is considered the property of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Permission to publish is hereby restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words, with no illustrations, unless the paper is specifically released to the press by the Editor of JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY or the Executive Secretary. Such abstract should contain conspicuous acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper is presented. Publication elsewhere after publication in JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY or SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS JOURNAL is granted on request, providing proper credit is given that publication and the original presentation of the paper. Discussion of this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussion should be sent to the Society of Petroleum Engineers office. Such discussion may be presented at the above meeting and considered for publication in one of the two SPE magazines with the paper. Abstract Fracture treatments may flow be evaluated by digital electronic computer. An Alwac III computer has been programed to make a complete investigation of a proposed fracture treatment in about 15 minutes. The computer program, based on the Frac Guide, is set up for complete investigation of three possible fracturing fluids in one pass through the machine. The program is being carried out in Tulsa, based on a number of computer evaluations of fracturing treatments on a Bendix G-15 computer in Denver. Results from the Denver program have been excellent. Introduction WHAT IT DOES. Evaluations are based on various amounts of fracturing fluids and propping agents introduced into the formation at different rates and pressures. Computer output shows probable increase in production, cost of treatment and probable payout. From this information the operator may select the proper fracturing treatment. ADVANTAGES. Use of the computer program enables engineers to make better recommendations for fracture treatments. This stems from the following reasons. MORE ACCURATE CALCULATIONS. A complete hand-calculated investigation of a proposed treatment requires performing a number of arithmetical operations, copying many figures and reading many graphs. Each step introduces a chance for error. GREATER SPEED. The computer requires about 15 minutes to make a complete set of calculations and report them. An engineer ordinarily needs 8 to 10 hours of work to obtain his answers. SAVING ENGINEERING MANPOWER. Engineers are released from the drudgery of detailed, repetitive calculations and can spend their time on more creative work. MORE COMPLETE PROGRAM. The computer program provides for a more complete, exhaustive investigation than is possible by hand calculation. More variables can be evaluated in the studies, and the effects of each variable can be determined more completely. CLOSER APPROACH TO OPTIMUM TREATMENTS. More time can be spent gathering data, and more information will be available to balance cost of fracturing against increased production.