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Diagnostic-driven half-length comparisons using fiber optics for completion and reservoir understanding of the Chalk Bluffs/Hereford Ranch field, Denver Julesberg Basin
Teff, Joseph
Teff, Joseph
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2025
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The Hereford project in northeast Colorado was created to allow for engineering, geophysical and geological disciplines to be applied for a case study process for maximum hydrocarbon extraction. This program is designed to be applied to full field development through pilot programs in shale plays across North America.
This thesis explores the application of fiber optic technology to advance integrative approaches for understanding hydraulic stimulation processes. Leveraging Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology, the research focuses on evaluating half-length relationship during well completions. The study employs a commercial hydraulic fracturing software as the central platform for integrating geological, geophysical, and engineering techniques, providing a comprehensive framework for fracture modeling and analysis. The project, in the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin of Colorado, centers on development of a geomechanical model based on geological and geophysical input data. Multi-well simulations were conducted to estimate refined fracture half-lengths (Xf) and heights, identifying significant variability and comparing results with in-field measurements.
Depletion (pressure and production) in legacy wells and fiber optic diagnostics, were integrated into the study to evaluate reservoir contact and completion stimulation efficacy. The diagnostics provide insights into stage-by-stage and well-to-well interactions. Sub-stage resolution analysis, stress orientation metrics, and seismic attributes, further enhanced the understanding of production dynamics and validated results against Surface Well Pressure Monitoring (SWPM) techniques. Production history matching served as a critical measure for validating inter-well and pad-level completion diagnostics, enabling a deeper understanding of reservoir interactions. Additional applications and processes are introduced to assess their impact on production performance, culminating in recommendations for optimizing future development strategies.
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