Design and Optimize Hydraulic Fracturing Operation in a Well in the Southwest of Iran Using FracCADE Software

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran.

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing is among the most extensively utilized techniques for enhancing hydrocarbon production in oil and gas wells, primarily by creating high-permeability, conductive flow pathways that improve the well’s productivity index. This study examines key factors influencing hydraulic fracturing performance, with a particular focus on formation damage, fluid selection, and proppant optimization. Reservoir characterization was conducted using log data, enabling the division of the reservoir into three distinct zones based on their petrophysical and geomechanical properties. The effects of fracturing fluid composition, proppant type, and density on fracture performance were systematically investigated. Critical input parameters, including well completion type, fluid properties, bottom-hole pressure, and temperature, were utilized to simulate the hydraulic fracturing operation using advanced modeling tools. The simulation process evaluated user-controlled variables such as fluid type and volume, proppant characteristics, pump scheduling, and fracture geometry. Through iterative optimization, the study identified an optimal hydraulic fracturing design comprising 12 pumping stages. This included the use of PrimeFRA fluid in the pad stage, YF550HT fluid in the main fracturing stages, and a 2% KCl solution for flushing. The resulting fractures exhibited an optimal length and width of 388 ft and 0.02 ft, respectively. These findings underscore the critical role of simulation in designing and optimizing hydraulic fracturing operations for enhanced reservoir performance.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
Volume 59, Issue 1
June 2025
Pages 33-51

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 August 2022
  • Revise Date: 21 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 January 2025

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