DEVELOPMENT OF MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING DESIGN

Hydraulic fracturing has been proposed as one of the stimulation technique to
economically increase oil/gas production. The design of hydraulic fracturing must take
into account various parameters, considerations and complicated calculations. Therefore
the project entitled “Development of the Mathematical Model for Hydraulic Fracturing
Design” has been proposed. The objective of this project was to develop a mathematical
model that could determine the calculation of important parameters involved in the
design of hydraulic fracturing and to run several case studies to verify and validate the
mathematical model. Mathematical model for hydraulic fracturing design was developed
using Microsoft Excel Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). In this report, literature
review was done which covers the theory and general overview of hydraulic fracturing;
the history of hydraulic fracturing, process of hydraulic fracturing as well as hydraulic
fracturing design parameters. Research was also done on hydraulic fracturing
calculations and equations involve in its design. Project methodology and activities have
been developed and the milestones for this project have been planned for Final Year
Project 1 and Final Year Project 2. The Gantt Chart and key milestones for FYP I and
FYP II were attached in the report in order to make sure that the project run smoothly
according to its plan and schedule. Mathematical model for hydraulic fracturing design
was completely developed. Case studies were conducted to verify and validate the
mathematical model. Mathematical model verifications for hydraulic fracturing design
have established a range of 0 to 2.6% of percentage differences between the calculated
values in the model and manual hand calculation while mathematical model validation
have established a range of 0 to 17% of percentage differences between the calculated
values and the field data values.