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Abstract

Due to the success of slick water stimulation in shale plays such as the Barnett, this approach is increasingly being proposed for use in other plays. However, there has been little discussion of how to determine its appropriateness. We present here four cases in which such a workflow has been applied – these include a fractured basement tight light oil play, a fractured basement geothermal field, a mud rock gas play, and a tight gas sand. Shear stimulation was determined to be appropriate in two of these cases. In a third, insufficient benefit accrued. The fourth case demonstrates the importance of the work flow; had data been obtained prior to stimulation an alternative stimulation method might have been proposed. Required data include natural fracture orientations and distribution, and stress orientations and magnitudes. A pre-stimulation test is essential to determine fracture strengths, flow properties, and pre- and post-stimulation connectivity. Microseismic monitoring provides significant benefits in evaluating the results of these tests. Where shear stimulation is revealed not to provide sufficient enhancement of reservoir permeability to make a prospect viable, the choices are either to use a different stimulation method or to search for a more appropriate development location.

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/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.20132011
2013-12-08
2024-03-29
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