Analytical Model to Estimate the Fraction of Frac Hits in Multi-well Pads

摘要

Frac hits relates to the problem of newly created hydraulic fractures interacting with either primary and/or secondary fractures from offset wells. This fracture-driven interaction (FDI) represents a major concern for shale oil and gas producers given that infill wells experiencing frac hits typically underperform parent wells landed in the same zone. In addition, the sudden pressure communication established through frac hits between multi-fractured horizontal wells (MFHW) can result in damage to parent wells. In this work, we introduce an analytical model to detect frac hits and assess the fraction of primary fractures connected between the infill and offset well. We assume that frac hits are due to overlapping primary fractures. Frac hits are modeled as a valve between MFHWs that allows certain degree of pressure communication. While the aperture of this valve is controlled by the number of frac hits, the leakage rate is governed by the bottomhole pressure (BHP) differential between wells.