Response of Wells Producing Layered Reservoirs: Unequal Fracture Length

Summary The response of fractured wells producing noncommunicating layered reservoirs is the focus of this work. The conductivity of the fracture is assumed to be finite. The fracture length is assumed to vary from layer to layer. Two modes of production—constant wellbore pressure and constant rate—are considered. In the first part, the fractures are assumed to communicate only at the wellbore. The results given in this section are intended to provide engineers with analytical capabilities to examine responses in wells where the layers that have been stimulated are separated by considerable distances. Procedures to interpret the results of pressure buildup and/or production tests (drawdown responses) in terms of layer properties are presented. Criteria to ensure maximum productivity are specified. The second part examines well responses when the fractures are in communication at points other than the wellbore. All other things being identical, we show that communication between fractures increases productivity.