Analysis Quality Determines Value of Diagnostic Fracture Injection Tests

Diagnostic fracture injection tests (DFITs) incur direct and indirect costs resulting from the tests themselves and the extended time required for the pressure falloff, which delays the completion of the well. The benefits, therefore, must outweigh the costs if the test is to be justified. These tests are performed regularly around the world because a DFIT is one of only a few processes that can help quantify both geomechanical properties and reservoir-performance drivers within the same test.

Introduction

Operators and service providers commonly experience problems with DFIT execution and analysis despite efforts to reduce errors and inconsistencies. Before any field execution or analysis, the objectives of a DFIT must be considered.