Search for a command to run...
Abstract In various basins across the United States, Excess Pressure analysis has been used particularly to evaluate perforation design. When evaluating different perforation phasing and orientations in the Appalachia and Delaware basins, Excess Pressure analysis was used to compare multiple laterals and designs. Excess Pressure analysis offers a refined approach to understanding surface diagnostics and friction pressures in hydraulic fracturing. Unlike traditional net pressure diagnostics, which focuses on downhole fracture behavior, Excess Pressure focuses on the overage of the frictional components associated with the conveyance of fluid from the surface into the fracture system. This method provides insight into near-wellbore (NWB) effects, fluid tortuosity, and formation-related influences, enabling improved evaluation of fracture efficiency. The objective is to establish an approach for comparing surface pressure at varying rates and analyzing Excess Pressure trends across multiple parameters for improved stage performance assessment. The analysis begins by isolating Excess Pressure through a calculated approach as defined in Eq. 1: (1)PSurface− PISIP −PPipe Friction− PPerf Friction+PHydrostatic=PExcess Excess Pressure analysis was established from an end of stage, single point analysis. When evaluating an average treating pressure for a given frac treatment and comparing it to an expected pressure, in some cases large amounts of Excess Pressure were seen. This led to the plotting of Excess Pressure on a stage by stage, second by second plot to evaluate trends in Excess Pressure throughout a frac treatment. Unlike net pressure, which is usually plotted against time for evaluation, Excess Pressure comparisons are made by evaluating trends against bottom-hole proppant volume and slurry volume. By leveraging Excess Pressure as a diagnostic tool, operators and service providers can gain a clearer understanding of additional pressure components that affect fracture behavior. The Excess Pressure evaluation enhances the ability to compare pressure trends normalized to treatment rate and fracture gradient, improving treatment optimization. The calculation and comparison of Excess Pressure across the stage provides insights into overall stage performance, helping to identify points of efficiency gains .