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Solving the Hydraulic Fracturing Puzzle in the HPHT KG Basin of India with Geomechanics-Enabled Design and Execution


 The Mandapeta-Malleswaram field in India comprises Triassic-Jurassic age sands found at 4000m– 4500m depth, where reservoir pressure ranges 6,000 psi to 9,500psi with static temperature up to 340°F. This tectonically active basin with strike slip stress regime causes a heterogeneous distribution of in-situ stress which complicates the design and execution of effective hydraulic fracturing treatments. Previous attempts at fracturing from 2013 to 2017 were not successful and geomechanics inputs were different from actual values. This paper describes the lifecycle of a production enhancement project, from construction of a geomechanics-enabled mechanical earth model (MEM) to the successful design and execution of fracturing jobs on nine wells increasing proppant placement by 250% compared to previous hydraulic fracturing campaign and achieving 730% incremental gain in gas production compared to pre- fracturing production.
 Challenges like fracture modeling in tectonically stressed formations, issues of proppant admittance, and complicated fracture plane growth in highly deviated wells (>65°) were overcome by Geomechanical modeling. The modeling incorporated advanced 3D anisotropy measurements, providing better estimation of Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and horizontal stresses, resulting in realistic estimation of closure and breakdown pressure. Fault effects were modeled and taken into consideration for perforation depth selection and estimation of pumping pressure with model update based on extensive Minifrac injections and analysis.
 This study describes the results of injection tests (step rate, pump in-flowback, and calibration injection tests) carried out in the field addressing specific challenges in each well. Pre frac diagnostic injection and decline analysis was used to calibrate the MEM and tailor the design for every well. Proper job preparation for well completions and extensive stability testing involving a borate-based fluid system has reduced the screen out risk and enabled successful fracture placement. Effective pressure management on the job eliminated the problem with frequent screen outs and led to successful execution of all nine jobs while increasing the average job size from 30 t to ~150 t of proppant per stage.
 From this project, a practical guide to address issues of multiple complexities occurring simultaneously in a reservoir, such as the presence of tectonic stress, fracture misalignment, fissure mitigation, and high tortuosity was developed for future application in tectonically complex fields.