A Geomechanical Approach for Evaluating Hydraulic Stimulation in Complex Stratigraphies

This paper presents a Continuum / Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) geomechanical approach for improving well completion and recompletion. By combining the efficiency of effective rock mass (continuum) approaches and discrete fracture network approaches, a fully three dimensional induced fracture geometry can be evaluated, considering the full effect of heterogeneity in rock mass elastic and strength properties, reservoir depletion by adjacent wells, and pre-existing natural and induced fractures. A more realistic three dimensional induced fracture geometry can then be used to estimate ultimate recovery (EUR) to improve completion and development strategies. This approach is applicable to stimulated wells in complex stratigraphy such as that found in the Delaware Basin.