Optimizing hydraulic fracture length to prevent formation failure in oil and gas reservoirs

Rock Mechanics 2026 Book chapter

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Authors: P. A. Fletcher, Carl T. Montgomery, Galarza Ramos, R. J. Guillory, M.J. Francis
DOI: 10.1201/9781003761365-50
Cited by: 1

Abstract

Conventional gravel pack completions often reduce the wells productivity by increasing the completion skin. This paper describes a methodology backed by a systematic technique to predict the necessary drawdown, frac length, and conductivity to prevent formation failure and remove the completion damage. This method enables the engineer to optimize the fracture dimensions while obtaining the necessary decrease in drawdown near wellbore that would cause the unpacked perforation to fail. This technique will greatly reduce the chance for formation failure and improve the well performance without the need to gravel pack.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Hydraulic Fracturing and Reservoir Analysis Oil and Gas Production Techniques Drilling and Well Engineering

Publication details

Journal / source
Rock Mechanics
Publisher
CRC Press
Pages
293–297
Publication date
18 February 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Book chapter