The connection of the wellbore to hydrocarbon-resource volumes by effective fracture stimulation is a critical factor in unconventional-reservoir completions. This paper provides some insights into the effectiveness of the hydraulic-fracture-stimulation (HFS) process with fiber optics (FO), distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), and distributed temperature sensing (DTS). The paper discusses multiple wells where FO has been used to gain a better understanding of three highly debated fracture-stimulation-distribution topics: diversion, stage isolation, and overflushing.
Introduction
Optimization of the connectivity/distribution process in HFS requires a balance between capital investment to “compartmentalize” the wellbore and the incremental rate of economic return associated with well performance results. Perforation-cluster efficiency from cemented plug-and-perforate (CPP) completions in unconventional horizontal wells typically ranges between 68 and 79%. Isolation and controlled placement of stimulation volumes within stages for uncemented packer-and-sleeve (UPS) systems are of concern. There are multiple reasons for these inefficiencies.
