Technical Program

Monday, 6 February, 0900 to 1130

Waterway Ballroom

Plenary: State Environmental Regulations Affecting Hydraulic Fracturing Operations

Moderators: Michael Conway, STIM LAB; Jennifer Miskimins, Colorado School of Mines
Introduction: Dan Hill, Texas A&M University

The Status and Impact of Federal and State Environmental Regulations Affecting Hydraulic Fracturing Operations

Increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing operations and disclosure is a reality. How and to what extent these regulations will affect our operations is still to be determined in many areas, both in the United States and internationally.  This opening session will provide updates from a cross-section of regulatory bodies that either have or are implementing regulatory guidelines at both the federal and state level.  These updates and associated discussion will show how the process is being implemented and clarify the impact on operators and service companies and how to plan for them today and in the future.

Panelists:

• Stephen A. Holditch, Department Head, Samuel Roberts Noble Chair and Professor of Petroleum Engineering, A&M University

• Dennis Degner, Director of Operations, Southern Marcellus Shale Division, Range Resources - Appalachia, LLC

• Thomas E. Doll, PE, State Oil and Gas Supervisor, Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission

• David Porter, Railroad Commissioner, Railroad Commission of Texas

• Leslie Savage, Chief Geologist, Railroad Commission of Texas

• Mike Eberhard, Completions Engineering Manger, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

1300 to 1700

Waterway 1-4

Microseismic

Session Chairpersons: Karen Olson, Southwestern Energy; Richard Sullivan, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

Microseismic monitoring of hydraulic fracture treatments can provide valuable insight into fracture growth characteristics. This session includes real time field studies that suggest additional information may be derived from the failure mechanisms associated with a microseismic event. This session also looks at tilt meter response depicting the associated vertical and horizontal fracture components. These papers will increase our understanding of hydraulic fracture growth.

1300-1345

Keynote: Craig Cipolla, Schlumberger

152165

Engineering Guide to the Application of Microseismic Interpretations •  C.L. Cipolla, S.C. Maxwell, M.G. Mack, Schlumberger

1345

152616

Assessing Stimulation of Complex Natural Fractures as Characterized Using Microseismicity: An Argument for the Inclusion of Sub-Horizontal Fractures in Reservoir Models • T.I. Urbancic, A. Baig, S.B. Goldstein, Energy Seismology Group

1410

151964

Refining Discrete Fracture Networks With Surface Microseismic Mechanism Inversion and Mechanism-Driven Event Location • B.M. Cornette, C. Telker, A. De La Pena, MicroSeismic

1435

152185

A Direct Comparison of Hydraulic Fracture Geometry and Well Performance Between Cemented Liner and Openhole Packer Completed Horizontal Wells in a Tight Gas Reservoir • M.M. Reynolds, S. Thomson, F. Peyman, Taqa North; A. Hung, D.J. Quirk, S. Chen, Trican Well Service

Coffee Break

1530

152600

The Impact of Dipping Velocity Models on Microseismic Event Locations •  C.L. Cabarcas, L.D. Saugier, Hilcorp Energy Company; G. Haas, J.H. Le Calvez, C. Woerpel, Schlumberger

1555

151017

A New Method of Characterizing the Stimulated Reservoir Volume Using Tiltmeter-Based Surface Microdeformation Measurements • D.K. Astakhov, formerly Halliburton; W.H. Roadarmel, A.S. Nanayakkara, Pinnacle

1625

152547

Assessing the Spacing of Stages in Plug-and-Perf Completions Through Seismic Moment Tensor Inversion • A. Baig, T.I. Urbancic, K.C. Mace, M. Prince, Engineering Seismology Group

1300 to 1700

Waterway 5-8

Modeling

Session Chairpersons: Dan Hill, Texas A&M University; Norman Warpinski, Pinnacle

Modeling of hydraulic fractures in complex geologic media is a necessary development for optimization of the fracturing process. This session presents several coupled fracture modeling approaches for both planar and non planar fractures. In addition, proppant transport in planar slickwater fractures is examined, and details of the shear behavior and stress interactions in complex fracture systems are investigated. These modeling endeavors provide important guidance for designing, conducting, and analyzing stimulations in both conventional and unconventional reservoirs.

1300-1345

Keynote: Xiaowei Weng, Schlumberger

152052

Modeling of Interaction of Hydraulic Fractures in Complex Fracture Networks • R. Wu, O. Kresse, X. Weng, C. Cohen, H. Gu, Schlumberger 

1345

152525

New Physics-Based 3D Hydraulic Fracture Model • Y. Hsu, X. Dang, W. Chilton, P. Chan, I. Stelin, D. Gusain, N. Northington, Carbo Ceramics; H. de Pater, Fenix Consulting Delft

1410

151585

3-D Modeling of Fracture Initiation From Perforated Non-Cemented Wellbore • O.P. Alekseenko, D.I. Potapenko, Schlumberger; S.G. Cherny, D. Esipov, D. Kuranakov, V.N. Lapin, Institute of Computational Technologies, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences

1435

152200

Prediction and Optimization of Fracturing in Tight Gas and Shale Using a Coupled Geomechanical Model of Combined Tensile and Shear Fracturing •  M. Nassir, A. Settari, R.G. Wan, University of Calgary

Coffee Break

1530

151607

Advanced Computational Modeling of Proppant Settling in Water Fractures for Shale Gas Production • K. Tsai, E. Fonseca, S. Degaleesan, E. Lake, Shell

1555

152192

Gas Shale Hydraulic Fracturing: A Numerical Evaluation of the Effect of Geomechanical Parameters  •  N.B. Nagel, M.A. Sanchez-Nagel, B. Lee, Itasca Houston

1625

152602

Sequential vs. Simultaneous Multizone Fracturing in Horizontal Wells: Insights From a Non-Planar, Multifrac Numerical Model • J.E. Olson,  K. Wu, University of Texas at Austin

Alternate

151965

Numerical Modeling of Fracture Complexity With Application to Production Stimulation • X. Shen, S. Cullick, Halliburton Company

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Tuesday, 7 February, 0830 to 1230

Waterway 1-4

Conductivity

Session Chairpersons: Harold Brannon, BJ Services Company

Fracture conductivity is a key to stimulated well performance. The papers of this session provide insightful results of new fracture conductivity studies.

0830-0915

Keynote: Dan Hill, Texas A&M University

151972

Proppant Fracture Conductivity With High Proppant Loading and High Closure Stress • M. Rivers, D. Zhu, A.D. Hill, Texas A&M University

0915

151934

Revisiting Natural Proppants for Hydraulic Fracture Production Optimization • M. Yang, Cadre Proppants; M.J. Economides, University of Houston

0940

152164

Building Acid Frac Conductivity in Highly-Confined Carbonates • L.F. Neumann, T.L. De Oliveira, P.D. Fernandes, Petrobras; J.A. Sousa, U. Estadual de Campinas

1005

151225

Modeling Gel Filtercake Recovery by Flow and Dilution Mechanisms • R.D. Gdanski, Shell; J.E. Bryant, Halliburton

Coffee Break

1100

150668

Selection of Proppants for Long-Term Stability • N. Raysoni, J.D. Weaver, Halliburton

1125

151963

Experimental Investigation of Propped Fracture Conductivity in Tight Gas Reservoirs Using Factorial Design • O.O. Awoleke, J.D. Romero, D. Zhu, A.D. Hill, Texas A&M University

1150

152179

Acid Fracturing: New Insights on Acid Etching Patterns From Experimental Investigation • L.F. Neumann, Petrobras; J.A. Sousa, E.M. Brandao, U. Estadual de Campinas; T.J. Oliveira, E.M. Brandao, Petrobras

Alternate

152112

Field Development Study: Channel Fracturing Increases Gas Production and Improves Polymer Recovery in Burgos Basin, Mexico North • A. Valenzuela, J. Guzman, S. Chavez, G. Garcia Mondragon, Pemex; L. Gutierrez Rodruigues, V. Exler,  C. Ramirez, P. Parra, A. Pena, Schlumberger

Waterway 5-8

Fracture Diagnostics

Session Chairpersons: Martin Rylance, BP Exploration

Fracture Diagnostics has become increasingly important as the industry has moved into the multiple fracture stimulation of horizontal wells. While micro seismic monitoring has been highly informative; like any fracturing diagnostic tool it can often fail to provide the whole picture. This session will investigate a number of emerging techniques (for example Distributed Temperature Survey), that in combination with existing diagnostics, can provide critical insight into true fracturing behavior.

0830-0915

Keynote: Paul Huckabee, Corporate Completions Manager, Newfield Exploration  •  Fracture Diagnostics: The Key to Economic Optimization and License to Operate

0915

152422

Fiber Optic Distributed Acoustic Sensing of Multiple Fractures in a Horizontal Well • W.F. MacPhail, Devon Canada Corporation; B. Lisoway, Pure Energy Services; K. Banks, Inversion Technologies

0940

152169

Field Study Compares Hydraulic Fracture Diagnostic Technologies •  A. Grae, Shell; R.J. Duenckel, Carbo Ceramics; J.R. Nelson, El Paso Corporation; H. Smith, Harry D. Smith Consulting; X. Han, T.T. Palisch, Carbo Ceramics

1005

152531

Practical Data Mining: Analysis of Barnett Shale Production Results With Emphasis on Well Completion and Fracture Stimulation  •  R. Lafollette, W.D. Holcomb, J. Aragon, Baker Hughes

Coffee Break

1100

152631

Implications of Fracturing Pressure Data Recorded During a Horizontal Completion on Stage Spacing Design   •  N.P. Roussel, ConocoPhillips; R. Manchanda, M.M. Sharma, University of Texas at Austin

1125

151980

Fracture Shadowing: A Direct Method for Determination of the Reach and Propagation Pattern of Hydraulic Fractures in Horizontal Wells • A.A. Daneshy, Daneshy Consultants International; J. Au‑Yeung, T. Thompson, D.W. Tymko, PennWest Petroleum

1125

152019

A Method To Perform Multiple Diagnostic Fracture Injection Tests Simultaneously in a Single Wellbore • R. Martin, D.D. Cramer, O. Nunez, N.R. Roberts, ConocoPhillips

Alternate

152624

Phosphonic/Hydroflouric Acid: A Promising New Weapon in the Tortuosity Remediation Arsenal for Fracturing Treatments • R. Melo, J.A. Curtis, J. Gomez, A.B. Melo, F. Garcia, H.A. Pedrosa, Baker Hughes

1400 to 1730

Waterway 1-4

Environmental

Session Chairpersons: Rick Gdanski, Shell; Klaas van Gijtenbeek, Halliburton

Fracturing technology remains mysterious to the general public. This session starts with a keynote presentation on the magnitudes of seismicity as it relates to fracturing for public awareness, followed by a risk assessment of the fracturing process in general. Additional papers discuss a method for evaluating and ranking the chemical hazards associated with fracturing chemicals, as well as a fluid system developed from chemicals sourced from the food industry. The session ends with experimental work on fracturing in poorly consolidated materials.

1400-1445

Keynote: Norman Warpinski, Pinnacle

151597

Measurements of Hydraulic Fracture Induced Seismicity in Gas Shales •  N.R. Warpinski, J. Du, U. Zimmer, Pinnacle–A Halliburton Company

1445

152596

Hydraulic Fracturing 101: What Every Representative, Environmentalist, Regulator, Reporter, Investor, University Researcher, Neighbor, and Engineer Should Know About Estimating Frac Risk and Improving Frac Performance in Unconventional Gas and Oil Wells • G.E. King, Apache Corporation

1510

152068

The Quest to Exclusive Use of Environmentally Responsible Fracturing Products and Systems • H.D. Brannon, D.J. Daulton, M.A. Post, H.G. Hudson, A. Jordan, Baker Hughes

Coffee Break

1600

150958

Using Enhanced Fracturing Fluid Cleanup and Conductivity in the Hosston/Travis Peak Formation for Improved Production • N. Modeland, Halliburton; I Tomova, El Paso; D. Loveless, J. Lowry, J. Holtsclaw, V. Yeager, Halliburton

1625

152189

Eco‑Friendly Creation of Propped Hydraulic Fractures • C.E. Cooke, Jr., Cooke Law Firm; J.T. Watters, L.T. Watters, CSI Technologies; S.R. Wann, Danimer Scientific; D. Zhu, Y.S. Hwang,Texas A&M University

1650

152432

Permeability Anisotropy and Dilation Due to Shear Failure in Poorly Consolidated Sands • R. Manchanda, J.E. Olson, M.M. Sharma, University of Texas at Austin

Alternate

152593

High-Pressure Testing of Borate Crosslinked Fracturing Fluids • M. Marquez, Chevron Corporation; N. Tonmukayakul, Halliburton; L. Schafer, M.B. Zielinski, Chevron Corporation; P. Lord, T.L. Goosen, Halliburton

Waterway 5-8

Shale

Session Chairpersons: Michael Conway, STIM LAB; Mukul Sharma, University of Texas at Austin

A careful examination of the results obtained in the field has resulted in an evolution in best practices in shale gas completions. Methods to estimate technically and economically recoverable reserves are discussed as well as field and laboratory studies that help improve production performance. The viability of multilateral completions and the impact of multi well completions on fracture geometry is demonstrated by case histories. Laboratory studies examine the role of cemented natural fractures on fracture growth. This session is dedicated to technologies that can help improve optimized completions in shale reservoirs.

1400-1430

Keynote: Karen Olson, Southwestern Energy

1430

152621

Case History of the Fayetteville Shale Completions • J. Harpel, L. Barker, J. Fontenot, C. Carroll, S. Thomson, K.E. Olson, Southwestern Energy

1445

152066

Resource Evaluation for Shale Gas Reservoirs • Z. Dong, S.A. Holditch, D.A. McVay, Texas A&M University

1510

152121

Data-Driven Modeling Improves the Understanding of Hydraulic Fracture Stimulated Horizontal Eagle Ford Completions • R.F. Shelley, StrataGen Engineering; L. Saugier, Hilcorp Energy Company; W. El-Tailji, N. Guliyev, K. Shah, J.W. Godwin, StrataGen Engineering

Coffee Break

1600

152196

Discrete Fracturing of a Deep, Unconventional Shale Play Using Multilateral Technology • D.G. Durst, M.C. Vento, G.W. Tucker, M. MacDonald, Halliburton

1625

152224

Integrated Methodology for Optimizing Development of Unconventional Gas Resources • J. Gupta, M.G. Zielonka, R.A. Albert, W. El-Rabaa, ExxonMobil; H.A. Burnham, N.H. Choi, XTO Energy

1650

152618

Examining Hydraulic Fracture: Natural Fracture Interaction in Hydrostone Block Experiments • J.E. Olson, B. Bahorich, J. Holder, University of Texas at Austin

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Wednesday, 8 February, 0830 to 1130

Waterway 1-4

Horizontal

Session Chairpersons: Mark Pearson, Liberty Resources; Martin Rylance, BP Exploration

The continued increase in the level of horizontal drilling is being driven by production performance resulting from the application of a variety of completion technologies. This session covers both the design and application of hydraulic fracturing in horizontal wells in a number of different formations. Topics covered include examples of completion hardware selection, a new perforating technique, the design and spacing of hydraulic fractures, analysis of fracture extension and selection of materials in the fracturing process.

0830-0915

Keynote: Lloyd Stutz, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

0915

152100

First Application of Just-In-Time Perforating in a Horizontal Well • R. Angeles, ExxonMobil; R.C. Tolman, RCTolman; K.B. Ross, H.A. Burnham, XTO Energy; A.M. El-Rabaa, ExxonMobil

0940

152595

Optimization Hydraulic Fracture Spacing in Unconventional Shales • J. Morrill, Marathon Oil; J.L. Miskimins, Colorado School of Mines

1005

151979

Investigation of Horizontal Well Fracture Extension Pattern Based on Downhole Pressure Data • A.A. Daneshy, Daneshy Consultants International; D.S. Herman, D.W. Tymko, PennWest Petroleum

1030

152177

Evaluating Horizontal Well Completion Effectiveness in a Field Development Program • B.V. Cherian, Schlumberger; E.S. Stacey, S. Bressler, Petro-Hunt; F.O. Iwere, R.N. Heim, S.M. Higgins-Borchardt, Schlumberger

1055

152402

Openhole Multistage Hydraulic Fracturing Systems Expand the Potential of the Austin Chalk Field • G.F. Callarotti, S. Millican, EnerVest

Alternate

151045

Interference Study in Shale Plays • A.A. Ajani, M.G. Kelkar, University of Tulsa

Waterway 5-8

Performance

Session Chairpersons: Xiaowei Weng, Schlumberger

With horizontal well and multiple fracture completion becoming a dominant completion of choice, the selection and optimization of fracturing fluid and proppant, completion and staging strategy, and the treatment design all play critical roles in the development of unconventional reservoirs. Production prediction and evaluation of the complex fractures in shale gas formations are especially challenging. The papers presented in this session provide the case studies and methodology to address these challenges.

0830-0915

Keynote: Randy Lafollette, Baker Hughes

152530

Impact of Completion System, Staging, and Hydraulic Fracturing Trends in the Bakken Formation of the Eastern Williston Basin • R. Lafollette, W.D. Holcomb, J. Aragon, Baker Hughes

0915

152119

Proppant and Fluid Selection To Optimize Performance of Horizontal Shale Fracs • G.S. Penny, A.S. Zelenev, L.M. Champagne, CESI Chemical and James Crafton Performance Sciences

0940

151960

Predicting Well Performance in Complex Fracture Systems by Slab Source Method • J. Lin, D. Zhu, Texas A&M University

1005

151223

Post-Frac Production Analysis of Horizontal Completions in Cana Woodford Shale • W.V. Grieser, C.A. Talley, Halliburton

1030

152118

Two-Phase Production Analysis for Hydraulically Fractured Reservoirs    •  A.D. Klinsky, J.G. Callard, University of Oklahoma

1055

152541

Production Forecast After Hydraulic Fracturing in Naturally Fractured Reservoir: Coupling a Complex Fracturing Simulator and a Semi-Analytical Production Model • C. Cohen, W. Xu, X. Weng, P.M. Tardy, Schlumberger

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