Hydraulic Fracture Simulation and Optimization - Conventionals, Shale, and Geothermal
Disciplines: Completions
Course Description
This course is designed as both an introduction and a refresher on the topic of hydraulic fracture modeling. It includes both theoretical fundamentals and practical applications. The course focuses on topics that help engineers drive practical value. Lectures are interspersed with hands-on examples using a commercial fracturing simulator.
Topics include:
- Objectives and types of hydraulic fracturing treatments
- Types of hydraulic fracturing models
- Key physical processes, such as fracture propagation, proppant transport, and limited-entry
- Strategies for practical optimization of fracturing design, including: conventionals, unconventionals, and Enhanced Geothermal Systems
- Thermoelastic fracturing during long-term water or CO2 injection
Learning Level
Intermediate to Advanced
Course Length
2 Days
Why Attend
After this course, attendees will be comfortable utilizing hydraulic fracturing simulators for practical engineering design. Also, they will gain up-to-date perspective on topics such as Enhanced Geothermal Systems.
Who Attends
This course is available to petroleum engineers of all experience levels. The course covers both introductory and advanced topics. General background knowledge on geomechanics and reservoir engineering will be helpful.
Special Requirements
The course requires users to preinstall a hydraulic fracturing simulator on a laptop, which they will use during the class. Temporary licenses to the simulator are provided with course registration.
CEUs
1.6 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are awarded for this 2-day course.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be received no later than 14 days prior to the course start date. Cancellations made after the 14-day window will not be refunded. Refunds will not be given due to no show situations.
Training sessions attached to SPE conferences and workshops follow the cancellation policies stated on the event information page. Please check that page for specific cancellation information.
SPE reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule courses at will. Notification of changes will be made as quickly as possible; please keep this in mind when arranging travel, as SPE is not responsible for any fees charged for cancelling or changing travel arrangements.
We reserve the right to substitute course instructors as necessary.
Instructors
Mark McClure established ResFrac in 2015 to help operators maximize value through the application of advanced geomechanics and reservoir simulation. Before founding ResFrac, Mark was an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin in the Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering. After earning a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering and a Master of Science in petroleum engineering from Stanford University, Mark earned a PhD in energy resources engineering at Stanford. Mark has earned multiple awards, including the Hank Ramey Award from Stanford University, Best Paper in Geophysics, three outstanding paper awards at URTeC, Hart Energy 40 Under 40, SPE Regional Awards for Completions Optimization and for Young Member Service, and SPE’s TWA Energy Influencers award. On four occasions, he has received recognition from journals as an outstanding reviewer. Mark is the Chairperson for the SPE Golden Gate Section and the 2024 Western Regional Meeting.
Garrett Fowler is Chief Operating Officer at ResFrac, responsible for overseeing client engagement, professional services, and software licensing. Garrett has led modeling studies in every major shale basin, as well as geothermal and conventional projects. Prior to ResFrac, Garrett was a reservoir engineer at OXY and Tachyus, working on CO2 EOR, waterfloods, steamfloods, and cyclic steam injection. Garrett attended Stanford University, where he graduated with distinction, receiving a Master of Science degree in petroleum engineering and a Bachelor of Science in energy resources engineering. Garrett was awarded a 2022 SPE Regional Completions Optimization and Technology Award, a 2023-2024 SPE Distinguished Lecturer, and authored or co-authored 21 technical papers. He is an Eagle Scout, multiple-time Ironman finisher, and a search and rescue diver.
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