Hydraulic fracturing design and 3D modeling: a case study from Cambay Shale and Eagleford Shale

Abstract

Economically producing oil and gas from low permeable unconventional shale gas reservoirs has been made possible by the implementation of hydraulic fracturing with horizontal drilling and microseismicity. This new technique can drastically transformed the energy future of India. Hydraulic fracturing improves well productivity and enhances the production from ultra-low permeable formations. An optimum fracture design can help in understanding the pressure distribution inside the fracture and the fracture geometry (length, width and height). The present study is an attempt to design a hydraulic fracture model for Cambay Shale in a 3D simulator to assess the application of this advance technology in clay-rich shale of India. It also follows in parallel, a fracture design and modeling of Eagleford Shale, USA. It was observed that Cambay Shale has less frac height and frac half-length as compared to Eagleford Shale due to clay richness of Cambay. A clay conditioner may be used before implementing the hydraulic fracturing job in shale sections of Cambay. This can help in attaining more fracture growth and propagation.