Variables affecting the performance of a fractured well (over that of the unstimulated well) have a large impact on fracture design. The reservoir permeability and, often, the horizontal permeability anisotropy are the important variables to measure at the pretreatment state. They generally control the optimum fracture length. Predictions of fracture permeability (affected by stresses and residue damage) and fracture height (affected by the interlayer stress contrast) must also be taken into consideration.

Evaluation of the fracture job requires measurements that would lead to the estimation of actual fracture height, fracture length, and fracture conductivity. These estimations allow the forecast of fractured well performance and the rationalization of the job design. This well performance analysis before and after stimulation should be an integral part of a properly engineered reservoir exploitation strategy.

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