A New Approximate Analytic Solution for Finite-Conductivity Vertical Fractures

Abstract

Summary A new analytic solution, based on an approximate trilinear flow model, is developed to study the transient behavior of a well intercepted by a finite-conductivity vertical fracture. The solution accounts for the effects of skin, wellbore storage, and fracture storage. Both constant-pressure and constant-rate cases are considered. The solution is simple and reliable for short-time analysis. Combining this solution with a semilog asymptotic solution provides a reliable tool for analysis and formation evaluation of fractured wells. We also demonstrate that the optimization technique is a convenient means of formation parameter estimation. A set of early-time asymptotic solutions is also presented. These solutions provide qualitative and quantitative relations of the simultaneous influences of wellbore storage, fracture storage, and skin damage on early-time wellbore pressure behavior.