Optimization of Fracture Length and Well Spacing in Heterogeneous Reservoirs

Well spacing and hydraulic fracture treatment designs are the two most important operator-controlled factors in the development of low permeability gas reservoirs. Prior studies of optimization of fracture length and well spacing assumed homogeneous permeability, porosity, thickness, etc. This analysis illustrates the importance of understanding spatial variability of permeability and permeability anisotropy. Geostatistical techniques are incorporated with economic and reservoir modeling to show the quantitative value of reservoir description in tight gas reservoirs.