Quantitative Analysis of HFTS-2 Completion Designs using Cross-well Strain Measurement

Host:  Society of Petroleum Engineers, Denver Section

Event:  April 2024 Technical Happy Hour​

Time:  April 23rd, 4-6 (HH begins at 4, Talk at 430, Social until 6)

Location: Ovintiv 40th Floor, 370 17th St, Denver, CO 80202

Study Group Category:  Completion

Speaker: Joseph Mjehovich, Geophysicist, IFDATA LLC

Title:  Quantitative Analysis of HFTS-2 Completion Designs using Cross-well Strain Measurement

Abstract:

Low-frequency Distributed Acoustic Sensing (LF-DAS) based cross-well strain measurement is an advanced monitoring technique used to diagnose completion design efficiency but has been primarily restricted to qualitative analysis. In this study, we apply our novel Green-function based inversion algorithm to calculate fracture geometry (i.e., width) using the Department of Energy sponsored Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site 2 (HFTS-2) dataset.

We use the inversion algorithm to calculate dynamic fracture widths using LF-DAS data recorded at two horizontal monitoring wells with permanent optical fiber installations. The inverted fracture widths at the monitoring wells from over 100 hydraulic fracturing stages are used to diagnose the efficiency of eight unique completion designs implemented across three fracturing wells. We develop several metrics to evaluate completion design efficiency including the evenness of fracture widths at the monitoring wells, fracture density (i.e., number of fracture hits per ft), and fracture-width-density (i.e., fracture width/stage length).

We observe a significant impact on completion efficiency with varying degrees of limited entry, tapered configurations, and stage length designs. Results indicate improved hydraulic stimulation is achieved with the implementation of limited entry designs for extended stage lengths, but no observable trend for normal stage lengths. Tapered configurations significantly improve efficiency for extended stage lengths but indicate little impact on normal length designs. Additionally, our quantitative analysis describes the impact of the nearby depletion zone on completion design efficiency. The methodology developed in this study provides operators with another level of quantitative information to optimize hydraulic fracturing treatments and reduce costs associated with the development of unconventional wells.

Bio:

Joseph Mjehovich is a Geophysicist at IFDATA LLC, specializing in the research and development of Distributed Fiber-Optic Sensing for reservoir characterization and well design diagnostics. His primary focus lies in advancing the understanding, analysis, and interpretation of cross-well based fiber-optic measurements. At IFDATA, Joseph seamlessly integrates the company’s research and workflows into real-world field projects, delivering valuable insights and solutions for clients.

Joseph earned his Master of Science degree in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines, where he made contributions as a research associate in the Reservoir Characterization Project (RCP) Consortium. His research centered on the quantitative analysis of distributed fiber-optic sensing data to deepen understanding of the key factors driving hydraulic fracture development. Additionally, Joseph explored the application of distributed acoustic sensing for near-surface seismic surveys aimed at earthquake hazard site classification.

Joseph has several publications, including the URTeC 2023 Best of Paper, and currently has a patent pending with IFDATA LLC. He also received the Harold Mendenhall Geophysics Award while at Mines for conducting cutting-edge and collaborative research.

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