Advanced characterization of multi-fractured horizontal wells completed in western canadian tight formations

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Long horizontal wells that have been hydraulically-fractured in multiple stages along their length have enabled production of unconventional resources such as shale gas. Current industry practice is to use many fracturing stages (typically 20-30) and large volumes of fracture fluid (typically water-based, 100s of m3) to maximize production from these wells, making this practice both very energy- and resource-intensive. This project aims to allow operators to reduce the number of stages while maximizing production, and hence has both environmental and economic implications. These goals will be achieved by identifying rock quality variation along the well using new techniques developed herein.** This project is of strategic importance to our industrial partners Seven Generations Energy Ltd. (7G), BitCan Geosciences & Engineering Inc. (BitCan), and Rocsol Technologies Inc. (Rocsol). 7G is an operating company seeking to improve efficiency in the development of their unconventional resources while reducing the environmental impact of their hydraulic fracturing operations - the current proposal addresses these needs. BitCan is a consulting company specializing in well-testing methods that can be used to evaluate long horizontal wells. Their technologies will be trialed and proved in this research, potentially leading to increased consulting opportunities in the future. Lastly, Rocsol is a data analytics company specializing in drilling optimization software that will be implemented in this study to assist with evaluation of rock quality in horizontal wells. Demonstration of the use of Rocsol's software for this purpose should lead to increased marketing opportunities.** Finally, this project is of strategic importance to Canadians. Canada's energy sector has struggled to be competitive in the face of low commodity (oil and natural gas) prices. Further, the industry needs to address and mitigate the environmental consequences of hydraulic fracturing operations. The current proposal offers an environmentally-friendly solution to aid the flagging Canadian oil industry.****