Optimizing fracturing treatment for successful well completion

18 Apr 2023

During a fracturing treatment, various types of data can be obtained by monitoring the behaviour of fluid injection into the formation. This data can provide valuable insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of the fracturing process, as well as help to identify potential issues or areas for improvement.

One important aspect of this monitoring is evaluating the cooling and warming effects that occur during and after the injection. As fluid is injected into the formation, it cools the surrounding rock, which can be detected and measured using specialized equipment.

DTS is a sensing technology that uses fiber optic cables to measure temperature changes along the length of the cable. These cables are typically deployed along the wellbore and are capable of measuring temperature changes at very high spatial resolutions. The fiber optic cable consists of a core made of a high-quality optical material such as silica, which is surrounded by a cladding material with a lower refractive index. The cable is then encased in a protective coating to prevent damage and ensure durability.

During hydraulic fracturing, the DTS fiber optic cable is placed either permanently, like ProTEC designs, or temporarily, like SlickLight family cables along the length of the wellbore. In a permanent installation, the cable is attached to the outside of the casing, while in a temporary installation, the cable is lowered into the wellbore on a wireline and then retrieved after the fracturing treatment is completed.

As the fracturing fluid is injected into the formation, it cools the surrounding rock, and this cooling effect can be detected and measured by the cable. By analysing the temperature data collected by the DTS, engineers can gain insights into the geometry, orientation, and extent of the fractures, as well as identify any issues such as fluid loss or preferential pathways.

For example, temperature data collected by DTS can be used to determine the rate at which the fracturing fluid is propagating through the formation and the location of the fracture tip. This information can be used to optimize the fracturing treatment and ensure that the fracture is growing in the desired direction.

In addition to monitoring injection behaviour during hydraulic fracturing, SlickLight family of cables can also be used for other applications such as wellbore monitoring, production monitoring, and reservoir characterization. Overall, the high spatial resolution and accuracy of Wires&Bytes cables make them a valuable tool for analysing temperature changes and gaining insights into complex geologic systems.