A practical method for theoretically determining the productivity of multi-fractured horizontal wells

This work investigates the productivity of different configurations of fractured horizontal wells by means of numerical simulation. Model results have been compared to a number of analytical solutions available for estimating the productivity of unfractured horizontal wells under various boundary conditions. The simulation model was expanded to include varying lengths of one, three, five, and seven infinite conductivity, vertical hydraulic fracture configurations. In this work, infinite (high) fracture conductivity was used, although the model can also be used to investigate the effect of finite conductivity. Based on the numerical results, a third order polynomial correction to the linear flow equation was developed to yield more accurate productivity index predictions without the limitations of analytical solutions. The empirical formula, generated from this work, can be used easily for accurate predictions of multi-fractured horizontal well productivity and project economics, under a variety of reservoir and boundary conditions.