Summary

Apache used ResFrac to tightly constrain their Midland Basin pad models. Apache is a leader in gathering and interpreting advanced diagnostics. In SPE-204172, Shahri et al., describe the detailed calibrations possible with ResFrac and cross-well engineered fiber from Silixa. ResFrac outputs the full stress and strain tensors at any location in the model. These data can be used to directly compare to the strain rate data gathered from cross-well fiber-optic monitoring. In their paper, Shahri et al. identify distinct characteristics for:

• Fracture crossing frequency
• Fracture propagation rate
• Fracture closures during pumping
• Fracture propagation after pumping
• Fractures passing above/below fiber well
• Proppant filled fracture signature
• Fracture re-opening

All these processes can be modeled and replicated in ResFrac. Now, when one or more of these characteristics appears on a diagnostic data set, Apache can precisely tune ResFrac models to match the field observations. This tight calibration provides confidence in model predictions and has proven highly predictive in design modifications.

Hear Dr. Mojtaba Shahri talk about the work he and his team are doing in the ResFrac June 2021 Office Hours.