A Fracability Index for Selecting Candidate Well and Layer for Hydraulic Fracturing Treatment in Ahwaz Oil Field

Hydraulic fracturing Treatment (HFT) is a common stimulation technology, which is being used to enhance hydrocarbon production and recovery. Choosing a target well/layer is considered as the first stage for a successful HFT and is regarded as a critical decision in the whole process of the execution of HFT. In this study, at first a new definition of fracability index, called the total fracability index (TFI), has been proposed. The TFI is a function of Young’s modulus, mineralogical brittleness, internal friction angle, minimum horizontal stress, and horizontal stress contrast. Then, according to previous researches and field experiences, four main criteria comprising of TFI, natural fracture index (NFI), layer thickness, and fracture containment capability are considered in selecting candidate layers for hydraulic fracturing. At the end, using these criteria and based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) mathematical modelling, candidate layers for hydraulic fracturing in three wells in one of carbonate reservoirs in Iran are selected.

Keywords:

Hydraulic fracturing , Candidate layer and well selection , Fracability index