Hydraulic Fracturing

"Hydraulic fracturing is becoming more and more prevalent in connection with the development of unconventional resources all over the world. Understanding the mechanisms associated with this type of completion method and [possessing] knowledge related to state-of-the-art, full 3D fracturing design modeling tools are mandatory for this industry. Unfortunately, the stimulation industry still relies on simplistic and plain wrong modeling and, hence, this book can make a difference. It represents an update on fracturing technology." Arthur Bale, Statoil, Bergen, Norway "This book definitely fills an important role of providing practical hydraulic fracturing field experience. The authors clearly explain the sometimes deviations from theoretical predictions. In addition, chapter 15 contains exceptional discussions on shale stimulations and horizontal completions." Jean-Claude Roegiers, Professor Emeritus, University of Oklahoma, Norman, USA "definitely a book that all young fracture engineers should have at their side. The book is very well laid out and can be used as a workflow for designing fracture treatments. Its practical writing style makes it easy to understand and comments within the text on potential problem areas are an invaluable source of knowledge." Kirk Bartko, Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Dhahran "... presents a logical, step-by-step process, ... effectively busting the myths associated with hydraulic fracturing." SirReadalot.org, October 21, 2015 "Well organized and easily understood, Hydraulic Fracturing is highly recommended to all fracture engineers and other industry personnel interested in knowing more about the process." Oil and Gas International, August 2015 "Hydraulic fracturing is becoming more and more prevalent in connection with the development of unconventional resources all over the world. Understanding the mechanisms associated with this type of completion method and [possessing] knowledge related to state-of-the-art, full 3D fracturing design modeling tools are mandatory for this industry. Unfortunately, the stimulation industry still relies on simplistic and plain wrong modeling and, hence, this book can make a difference. It represents an update on fracturing technology." Arthur Bale, Statoil, Bergen, Norway "This book definitely fills an important role of providing practical hydraulic fracturing field experience. The authors clearly explain the sometimes deviations from theoretical predictions. In addition, chapter 15 contains exceptional discussions on shale stimulations and horizontal completions." Jean-Claude Roegiers, Professor Emeritus, University of Oklahoma, Norman, USA "definitely a book that all young fracture engineers should have at their side. The book is very well laid out and can be used as a workflow for designing fracture treatments. Its practical writing style makes it easy to understand and comments within the text on potential problem areas are an invaluable source of knowledge." Kirk Bartko, Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Dhahran "... presents a logical, step-by-step process, ... effectively busting the myths associated with hydraulic fracturing." SirReadalot.org, October 21, 2015

Michael Berry Smith holds a Ph.D in rock mechanics from Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA, and has more than 30 years of experience in rock mechanics, well completions, and hydraulic fracturing. While with Amoco Production Company, Dr. Smith co-developed the framework for fracturing pressure analysis, which revolutionized the fracturing technology. He has been a consultant worldwide, served several times as a distinguished lecturer at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), authored multiple chapters in the SPE monograph Recent Advances In Hydraulic Fracturing, and developed and presented SPE short courses on fracturing pressure analysis. Recently, he was presented with the SPE Lester C. Uren Award for his contributions to hydraulic fracturing technology. Carl T. Montgomery is recognized within the industry as one of the leaders in all areas of stimulation, including hydraulic fracturing, acid fracturing, matrix stimulation, cavity completions, waste/cuttings injection, rock mechanics, and scale prevention/removal. In addition, he has considerable experience in cementing, sand management, conformance control, perforating strategy, and formation damage. Formerly, he was with ConocoPhillips, Arco, and Dowell Schlumberger. He also served as a special member of the petroleum engineering graduate faculty at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, USA, and received the 2007 SPE Drilling and Completions Award.

History, Introduction, and How a Treatment Is Conducted. Definitions and Simple Geometry Models. Design Variables. Rock Stresses. Petrophysics. Post-Frac Performance. Treatment Scheduling. Frac Pressure Analysis. Engineering the Fluid. Fracturing Fluid Components. Proppants. Perforating. Acid Fracturing. Fracture Diagnostics. Special Topics: Shale/Horizontal Well Fracturing, Frac Packing, and Waste Disposal. Quality Control. Hydraulic Fracture Design Data Needs. Example Design. Glossary and Terms. Problems. Index.