Abstract: Applying shock waves using a plasma pulse generation system or other comparable systems, including an acoustic/pressure oscillatory system, would help to enhance the complexity of the far field hydraulic fracture during fracturing shale formation. It would also help in avoiding pre-mature screen out. The critical factor to maximize the desired results is to apply the shock waves at the correct time. By combining shock wave technology with the newly developed fracturing pressure data analysis, it is possible to achieve maximum results.

Abstract: In an example diagnostic fracture injection test (DFIT), or a “minifrac,” a fracturing fluid is pumped at a relatively constant rate and high pressure to achieve a fracture pressure of a subterranean formation. Sometime after achieving formation fracture pressure, the pump is shut off and the well is shut in, such that the pressure within the sealed portion of the well equilibrates with the pressure of the subterranean formation. As the pressure declines, the pressure of the injection fluid is monitored. This collected pressure data is then used to determine information regarding the permeability of the subterranean formation. In some implementations, a model for before closure analysis (BCA) can be used to estimate the permeability of a formation based on before closure pressure data (i.e., data collected before the fracture closure pressure is reached) based on a solution to the rigorous flow equation of fracturing fluid, which is leaking off into the formation during fracture closure.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for performing the appropriate manipulation of pressure-time data during a hydraulic fracturing treatment or test to determine the condition of the created fracture. The mode of growth, dilation, or intersection with one or more natural fractures may be determined accurately and quickly. The methods include the steps of acquiring fracturing data, assessing the fracturing index based on a moving reference point, and establishing the mode of fracture propagation using the fracturing index. The methods provide for the determination of the time of intersection of a hydraulic fractures with one or more natural fractures. The methods also provide for an early warning of sand-out possibility. The data analysis may be performed in real time during the progress of the treatment or test or in a playback mode after the completion of the treatment or test.