SPE 56468

Case History of Complex Fracture Behavior in the Hanoi Trough, Vietnam

Craig L. Cipolla, SPE, and Michael Mayerhofer, SPE, Pinnacle Technologies Inc. and Brian L. Wilson, Anzoil NL

Copyright 1999, Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc.

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 1999 SPE Annual Technical Conference and
Exhibition held in Houston, Texas, 36 October 1999.

gas prior to the fracture treatment. The D14-1 was shut in for
several months after the initial well test with 11.5 ppg calcium
carbonate completion fluid in the wellbore.

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE Program Committee following review of
information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper, as
presented, have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to
correction by the author(s). The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any
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Abstract
This paper presents a detailed case history of complex fracture
behavior in exploratory wells in the Hanoi Trough, Vietnam.
The target formations are stacked fluvial channel deposits that
occur at depths of 10,000 to 12,000 ft. The initial three wells
were drilled from the same pad, with bottomhole locations
about 3,000 to 5,000 ft apart and a probable fault between the
No. 1 and No. 3 well. The gas reservoirs encountered were
slightly over-pressured and varied significantly in quality,
with permeability ranging from 0.01 mD to 1 mD. The first
three wells were fracture stimulated in an attempt to improve
deliverability. However, only one of the three treatments was
successful due to complex fracture behavior. A comprehensive
data set consisting of core analysis, rock mechanical tests, preand post-fracture logs, geochemical analyses, pre- and postfracture well tests, and detailed fracture modeling was
compiled to understand fracture performance in this complex
environment. Without such a complete data set, identifying the
cause of the treatment failures would probably not have been
possible.
Introduction and Results
Three fracture treatments were performed in the D14 area
(Hanoi Trough, North Vietnam). Figure 1 shows the
approximate location of the wells. The treatments were
pumped in gas-bearing sandstone intervals (Oligocene, fluvial
channel deposits) in the D14-1, D14-2, and D14-3 wells. One
zone in each well was fracture treated at depths ranging from
10,100 to 11,600 ft TVD. The reservoir pressure gradient was
about 0.6 psi/ft, with reservoir temperatures ranging from 275
to 300 o F. Reservoir permeability varied significantly between
the three wells. The D14-1 well test in July 1996 showed a
permeability of 1 mD and the well produced 2-3 MMCFD of

Figure 1 - D14 Well Locations & Regional Stress Map

A second well test was attempted in the D14-1 in May 1997,

but the well would not flow (it was assumed that the
perforations were plugged with calcium carbonate completion
fluid). HCl acid was spotted over the perforations, but flow
could not be re-established.
The permeability of the zone that was fracture-treated in
the D14-2 could not be determined (as well test and
production data were not available), but the zone appeared
very tight (less than 0.01 mD). The permeability of the zone
that was stimulated in the D14-3 was about 0.02 mD and the
pre-fracture flow rate was about 0.16 MMCFD.

C.L. CIPOLLA, M. MAYERHOFER, B.L. WILSON

The results of the fracture treatments varied. The first

treatment was performed in December 1996 on the D14-2 and
failed due to equipment and operational problems that were
corrected on subsequent treatments. Details of this first
treatment are omitted for brevity. The second treatment was
performed in May 1997 on the deepest, low permeability pay
zone in the D14-3. The treatment was successful, resulting in a
7-fold increase in production (0.16 to 1.1 MMCFD). Postfracture well test results confirmed the effectiveness of the
fracture treatment and indicated a fracture half-length of about
200-ft (consistent with the fracture half-length calculated from
the 3D fracture modeling analysis). The third treatment was
also performed in May 1997 in the upper pay zone of the D141. The treatment failed because the fracture did not bypass the
existing wellbore damage (from completion fluid). Prefracture test rates were about 2-3 MMCFD in the D14-1, while
post-fracture rates were only 0.3 MMCFD. Post-fracture rates
for the D14-1 were expected to be 10 MMCFD.
The available core data from the D14-3 and the results of
the D14-3 fracture treatment did not indicate any severe
formation damage problems that could explain the D14-1
performance. The fracture diagnostic tests indicated an
extremely high minimum in situ stress of about 0.95 psi/ft in
the reservoir sands, resulting in uncertainties about fracture
orientation & containment. The magnitude of the minimum in
situ stress cannot be solely attributed to reservoir overpressure and does not appear to be related to sand quality (clay
content) or rock mechanical properties. Therefore, regional
and/or local tectonics is the primary cause of the elevated state
of stress.1
The poor post-fracture production in the D14-1 was
attributed to fracture initiation in the bottom portion of the
perforated interval and either extreme downward fracture
growth or horizontal fracturing. Therefore, the fracture
treatment did not bypass the extreme completion fluid
damage. Post-fracture temperature logs indicated that the
majority of the gas was coming from the bottom portion of the
perforations, while a re-analysis of the dip meter log showed a
natural fracture/minor fault near the bottom of the zone. Postfracture well test results showed that the fracture treatment
was placed in very low permeability rock, while geochemical
studies identified differences in composition between the preand post-fracture gas. Figure 2 shows the two fracture
treatment scenarios. A preponderance of evidence suggests
that Scenario 1 is the most likely.
D14-3 Fracture Treatment
The D14-3 was perforated from 13,035-13,081 ft (TVD
11,557 ft mid perf) with 6 spf, 120 degree phasing. The well
was treated down 3.5 in., 12.7 lb./ft tubing. Well test and log
data indicated a reservoir pressure of about 6900 psi and a
reservoir temperature of 300 o F. The data from the diagnostic
injections and mini-frac are shown in Figure 3. The figure
shows that two stepdown tests2 were conducted to determine
near-wellbore friction and three flow pulses 3 were performed
to assist with fracture closure stress estimates.

SPE 56468

Scenario1
Predominant downward fracture growth
into shale below producing sand

Scenario2
Propagation of horizontal
fractures in lower part of sandstone

Wellbore with
60 ft net perforated
interval and 720
perforations
Shale
Sand

Drilling/ completion
fluid damage

Horizontal fractures
No proppant adjacent
to perforations

Proppant

Figure 2 - Possible Complexities in the D14-1 Treatment

Anzoil D14-3: Diagnostic Injections

Proppant Conc (ppg)

Surf Press [Tbg] (psi)

50.00
12000

Slurry Flow Rate (bpm)

Stepdown Test

40.00
10000

50.00

Surface
Tubing
Pressure

40.00

Stepdown Test
30.00
8000

30.00

20.00
6000

20.00

Rate
Flow Pulses

10.00
4000

0.00
2000

10.00

Proppant Slug

0.00
0.0

30.0

zone: 3975-85m

60.0

Time (mins)

90.0

120.0

150.0

Treatment Data

Figure 3 - D14-3 Diagnostic Injections & Mini-Frac

The diagnostic injections and mini-frac indicated a closure

stress of 10,900-psi (0.945 psi/ft) and only minor perforation
and near-wellbore friction (tortuosity). There were no
proppant entry problems or excessive injection pressures
evident during the D14 treatments; thus a detailed discussion
of the stepdown test results is omitted. Figure 4 illustrates a
typical square-root-of-time analysis of the pressure decline
data. Table 1 summarizes the fluid volumes pumped during
the D14 treatment, while Table 2 summarizes the fracture
modeling results. For reference the base fluid system for all
gelled or borate cross-linked fluids consisted of 50 lb./Mgal
guar polymer, 2% KCl, 10 lb./Mgal gel of stabilizer, 5
gal/Mgal surfactant, and 0.5 lb./Mgal of encapsulated breaker.
D14-3 Propped Fracture Treatment. The results shown in
Table 2 are based on net pressure history matching of the
actual treatment data. The diagnostic injections and mini-frac
were history matched to estimate fluid leakoff behavior and
bounding shale stress and these results were used to model the
propped treatment data. It should be noted that there were no

SPE 56468

CASE HISTORY OF COMPLEX FRACTURE BEHAVIOR IN THE HANOI TROUGH, VIETNAM

in situ stress measurements available in the shale zones that

bound the D14 reservoirs. However, shale stress is expected to
be in the range of 0.95 to 1.0 psi/ft.

Injection
Wellbore
Diag. #1
Diag. #2
Mini-frac
Flush
Prop Frac
Flush

Fluid
2% KCl
2% KCl
50# Ln Gel
50# Borate
50# Ln Gel
50# Borate
50# Ln Gel

Vol.
(bbl)
100
43
112
200
102
820
98

Prop
(Mlb)

Pressure
(psi)
9160
9370
9000
9000
9000
9200

6
100

Anzoil D14-3: Propped Treatment

Proppant Conc (ppg)

Surf Press [Tbg] (psi)

50.00
11000

Table 1 - D14-3 Injection Volumes & Surface Pressures

ISIP
(psi)
6290
6220
6480
6600

Injection
Diag. #1
Diag. #2
Mini-frac
Prop Frac

Ct

Lf

hf

(mD)
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.02

(ft/min1/2 )
0.0012
0.0012
0.0012
0.0012

(ft)
130
170
190
250

(ft)
90
160
210
340

Anzoil D14-3: Diagnostic Injections

Meas'd Btmh (psi)

11600

Closure @ 10950 psi BHP

(0.95 psi/ft)

11200

40.00

30.00

20.00
8000

20.00

Rate
10.00
7000

10.00

Proppant Conc.
0.00
0.0

20.0

40.0

60.0

Time (mins)

zone: 3975-85m

50.00

30.00
9000

Table 2 - Summary of D14-3 Treatment Analyses

Fluid
Eff.
(%)
45
54
56
50

Slurry Flow Rate (bpm)

Surface
Tubing
Pressure

40.00
10000

0.00
6000

Net
Press
(psi)
400
400
550
680

80.0

100.0

Actual Data

Figure 5 - D14-3 Propped Treatment Data

Anzoil D14-3: Propped Treatment

Slurry Rate (bpm)

Observed Net (psi)

100.0
1000

Prop Conc (ppg)

Net Pressure (psi)

100.0
1000

Model Net Pressure

Actual Net Pressure

80.0
800

80.0
800

60.0
600

60.0
600

40.0
400

40.0
400

20.0
200

20.0
200

Rate
Proppant Conc.

0.0
0

0.0

30.0

60.0

90.0

120.0

0.0
0

150.0

Time (mins)

10800

zone: 3975-85m, k=0.02 mD

Sand=0.95, Shale=0.99 psi/ft

Figure 6 - D14-3 Propped Treatment Net Pressure Match

10400

10000

Anzoil D14-3: Fracture Geometry

Stress Profile
11125

Concentration of Proppant in Fracture (lb/ft)

9600

0.0

5.0
Time (mins)
zone: 3975-85m

10.0

15.0

20.0

11200

25.0

11275

Square-root-of-Time Plot

Figure 4 - D14-3 Fracture Closure Stress Determination

Depth (ft)

Figure 5 shows the data for the D14-3 propped fracture

treatment, while Figure 6 shows the net pressure history
match. The predicted fracture geometry is shown in Figure 7
and indicates a fracture length of 250 ft (length refers to
fracture -length throughout the text) and a height of 340 ft.
The baseline rock mechanical and stress data used in the
fracture modeling are provided in Table 3 for reference. D143 rock properties were taken from triaxial test results, while
sand stress was based on the results from the diagnostic
injections. Shale stress was estimated.

11350

11425

11500

11575

11650

11725

Permeability

11800
Low

Proppant Concentration (lb/ft)

High

0.00

0.15

0.30

0.45

0.60

0.75

0.90

1.1

1.2

1.4

1.5

11875
10000

11000

12000

Closure Stress (psi)

13000

14000

188

375

563

Length (ft)

Figure 7 - D14-3 Predicted Fracture Geometry

750

C.L. CIPOLLA, M. MAYERHOFER, B.L. WILSON

Table 3 - D14-3 Rock & Stress Data

Depth

Rock

(ft)
11450
11465
11497
11535
11581

Shale
Sand
Shale
Sand
Shale

(mD)
0.020
0.020
-

Youngs
modulus
(psi)
5,000,000
2,500,000
5,000,000
2,500,000
5,000,000

Poissons
Ratio
0.25
0.15
0.25
0.15
0.25

Stress
(psi)
11,458
10,850
11,516
10,922
11,598

A post-fracture well test was conducted after about 40days of production. The post-fracture production averaged
about 1 MMCFD. The analysis of the post-fracture pressure
buildup (PBU) is shown in Figure 8 and is based on 40-ft of
net pay and 9% porosity. The post-fracture PBU analysis
indicated a gas permeability of 0.015 mD, a reservoir pressure
of about 6900-psi (consistent with pre-frac estimates), and an
effective fracture length of 219-ft (consistent with the fracture
modeling results). However, fracture conductivity was lower
than expected (19 mD-ft), but continued fracture cleanup
should result in improved fracture conductivity. The fracture
modeling indicated an average proppant concentration of
about 0.8 lbm/ft 2 . The results from the D14-3 fracture
treatment showed no anomalous behavior that would indicate
fracture treatment problems in the D14 area, behaving
essentially as expected with the fracture treatment resulting in
a 7-fold increase in production.

Pi
C
Xf
fc
fcD
Skin
kh
k

6872.05
0.0613
219
19.3
5.87
0
0.6
0.015

psia
STB/ psi
ft
md.ft

md.ft
md

SPE 56468

the D14-1 and a mini-frac that provided data to design the

propped fracture treatment. The treatment data for the
diagnostic injections and mini-frac are shown in Figure 10.
The diagnostic injections consisted of a 60 bbl KCl injection
and a 90 bbl 50 lb/1000 gal linear gel injection, while the
mini-frac consisted of 75 bbl of 50 lb./Mgal HPG linear gel
and 200 bbl of 50 lb./Mgal borate cross-linked guar.

Figure 9 - D14-1 Log

The diagnostic injections and mini-frac indicated a closure

stress of 9,500 psi (0.94 psi/ft) and a ballpark reservoir
permeability of 0.2 mD (pre-frac well test indicated 1-mD),
with only minor perforation and near-wellbore friction
(tortuosity). Table 4 summarizes the fluid volumes pumped
during each injection. The fluid formulation for the D14-1
treatment was the same as that used in the D14-3 treatment.
The results of the diagnostic injections and mini-frac are
summarized in Table 5.
Table 4 - D14-1 Injection Volumes & Surface Pressures

Injection

Fluid

Wellbore
Diag. #1
Diag. #2
Mini-frac
Flush
Pre-Pad
Pad & Prop
Flush

2% KCl
50# Ln Gel
50# Ln Gel
50# Borate
50# Ln Gel
50# Ln Gel
50# Borate
50# Ln Gel

Vol
(bbl)
74
63
87
198
74
75
622
75

Prop
(Mlb)

Pressure
(psi)

ISIP
(psi)

8700
7700
8500
8200
6700
8400
8600

5100
5283
5377
5711
5425

80

5564

Figure 8 - D14-3 Post-Fracture PBU analysis

D14-1 Fracture Treatment

The D14-1 was perforated from 10,075-10,135 ft with 12 spf,
120 degree phasing. The well was treated down 3.5 in., 12.7
lb./ft tubing. Well test and log data indicated a reservoir
pressure of 5,770 psi and reservoir temperature of 275 o F.
Figure 9 shows the D14-1 open-hole log over the target zone.
There were several diagnostic injections conducted that
provided important data to evaluate the fracture behavior in

Table 5 - Summary of D14-1 Treatment Analysis

Injection
Diag. #1
Diag. #2
Mini-frac
Prop Frac

Net
Press
(psi)
100
250
650
750

Fluid
Eff.
(%)
12
31
52
63

Ct

lf

hf

(mD)
0.20
0.20
0.20
0.20

(ft/min1/2 )
0.0043
0.0029
0.0011
0.0011

(ft)
62
120
208
215

(ft)
76
121
228
300

SPE 56468

CASE HISTORY OF COMPLEX FRACTURE BEHAVIOR IN THE HANOI TROUGH, VIETNAM

Anzoil D14-1: Flow Pulses

Anzoil D14-1: Diagnostic Injections & Mini-Frac

Proppant Conc (ppg)

Surf Press [Tbg] (psi)

20.00
9000

Slurry Flow Rate (bpm)

50.00

6500
6500

40.00

6100
6100

30.00

5700
5700

20.00

5300
5300

10.00

4900
4900

Surface
Tubing
Pressure

Stepdown Test

16.00
8000

Pulse #3[Tbg] (psi)

Pulse #1 [Tbg] (psi)

Pulse #2 (Tbg] (psi)

6500

6100

Stepdown Test
12.00
7000

5700

Closure @ 4900-5100 psi

(0.92-0.94 psi/ft)

Flow Pulses
8.00
6000

#1
4.00
5000

0.00
4000

#2

Proppant Slug

#3

5300

Pulse #1

Rate

Pulse #2
4900

Pulse #3
0.00
0.0

20.0

40.0

Time (mins)

zone: 3071-89m, mid perf = 10,104 ft

60.0

80.0

100.0

4500
4500

4500
9.00

11.00

12.00

Time (mins)

13.00

zone: 3071-89m, mid perf = 10,104 ft

Actual Data

14.00

Time-Shifted Actual Data

Figure 11 - Flow Pulses: Time-Shifted for Comparison

Figure 10 - D14-1 Diagnostic Injections & Mini-Frac

Anzoil D14-1: Diagnostic Injections & Mini-Frac

Slurry Rate (bpm)

Net Pressure (psi)

100.0
1000

Proppant Conc (ppg)

Observed Net (psi)

50.00
1000

Actual Net Pressure

80.0
800

40.00
800

Model Net Pressure

60.0
600

30.00
600

40.0
400

20.00
400

Rate

20.0
200

0.0
0

10.00
200

Proppant
Slug
0.0

30.0

60.0

90.0

Time (mins)

120.0

zone: 3071-89m, mid perf = 10,104 ft

0.00
0

150.0

Actual Data

Figure 12 - D14-1 Diag. Inj./Min-Frac: Pressure Match

Anzoil D14-1: Mini-Frac Geometry

Stress Profile
9800

9860

9920

9980

Depth (ft)

Three flow pulses were performed to confirm the closure

stress estimates from conventional square-root-of-time
analyses (omitted for brevity). The flow pulses are small
injections (4-8 bbl pumped @ 5-10 BPM) that are performed
during the pressure decline.3 The reaction of an open fracture
to a flow pulse should be quite different from that of a closed
fracture, as the closed fracture is re-opened by the pulse.
The pulses were conducted during the falloff of the second
diagnostic injection in the D14-1 and are shown on Figure 9
from 30 to 50 minutes. The pulses were performed at 5150,
4900, and 4700 psi. To better evaluate the pulses, they were
time-shifted and are compared in Figure 11. The figure shows
that all of the pulses have about the same ISIP at 5,100 psi
(9,525 psi BHP). The first pulse at 5,150 psi (9,525 psi) shows
very little reaction or change in the established pressure
decline which is characteristic of an open fracture. The second
two pulses show progressively larger perturbations to their
previous pressure decline, indicating that the fracture is
closed. Therefore closure stress in the target zone is bounded
between 9,525 psi and 9,275 psi (4,900-5100 psi surface
pressure). The mid-point of the two bounds is 9,400 psi or
0.93 psi/ft. The pressure decline analyses indicated a closure
stress of 0.94 psi/ft (consistent with the flow-pulse results).
The net pressure history match for the diagnostic injections
and mini-frac is shown in Figure 12. The base line rock and
reservoir properties are provided in Table 6. A closure stress
of 9,497 psi was used in the pay sand (0.94 psi/ft), while a
stress of about 10,000 psi (0.991 psi/ft) was assumed for the
bounding zones - consistent with the D14-3 modeling. The net
pressure data were matched using a reservoir permeability of
0.2 mD. The entire net pressure history was adequately
matched, which included three different fluid types (water,
linear gel, and cross-linked gel). The predicted fracture
geometry for the mini-frac is shown in Figure 13, indicating a
fracture half-length of 208 ft and total height of 228 ft. The
stress profile is shown on the left side of Figure 13, as well as
the shaded permeable pay zone.

10.00

10040

10100

10160

10220

10280

Permeability

10340

Low

High

10400
9000

9750

10500

Closure Stress (psi)

11250

12000

300

225

150
Propped Length (ft)

75

75

150
Hydraulic Length (ft)

Figure 13 - D14-1 Mini-Frac Fracture Geometry

225

300

C.L. CIPOLLA, M. MAYERHOFER, B.L. WILSON

Table 6 - D14-1 Rock & Stress Data

Depth
(ft)
10039
10055
10072
10135
10171

Rock
Type
Shale
Shale
Sand
Shale
Shale

k
(mD)
0.20
-

Youngs
modulus
(psi)
5,000,000
5,000,000
2,500,000
5,000,000
5,000,000

Poissons
Ratio
0.25
0.25
0.15
0.25
0.25

Stress
(psi)
9,957
9,973
9,497
10,062
10,120

It should be emphasized that only the pressure decline

(shut-in) data is used for the detailed history match. The
injection pressures are dominated by fluid friction pressures
and mask the subtle changes in net pressure required for
fracture modeling. However, reviewing Figure 12 shows that
the general magnitude of net pressure is reasonably matched
during pumping, while the measured net pressure data during
the falloff virtually overlays the model predicted net pressures.
The results of the modeling are summarized in Table 5. The
leakoff parameters were changed for each fluid type, while the
reservoir permeability was held constant. The table shows that
net pressures steadily increase as injected volume and fluid
viscosity increase. This can be an indication of a moderately
contained (in the pay-zone) vertical fracture. In the absence of
anomalous production and post-frac PBU data, the
assumption of a single vertical fracture that is predominantly
in the target pay-zone would be consistent with the measured
fracture treatment data.

SPE 56468

in for several months. When the completion fluid was

removed prior to the fracture treatment, the well did not flow
at all. Thus the 0.3 MMCFD post-frac production was a big
improvement over the pre-frac production, but nowhere near
the expected 10 MMCFD based on the original undamaged
well production.
Anzoil D14-1: Propped Treatment

Proppant Conc (ppg)

Surf Press [Tbg] (psi)

50.00
9000

Slurry Flow Rate (bpm)

50.00

Surface
Tubing
Pressure

40.00
8000

40.00

30.00
7000

30.00

20.00
6000

10.00
5000

0.00
4000

20.00

Rate

10.00

Proppant Conc .

0.00
0.00

15.00

30.00

45.00

60.00

75.00

Time (mins)
zone: 3071-89m, mid perf = 10,104 ft

Actual Data

Figure 14 - D14-1 Propped Treatment Data

D14-1: Fracture Geometry

Stress Profile
9625

Concentration of Proppant in Fracture (lb/ft)

9700

9775

9850
Depth (ft)

Propped Fracture Treatment. The propped fracture

treatment on the D14-1 was performed on May 26, 1997. The
treatment data are shown in Figure 14, while the treatment
volumes are provided in Table 4. Treating pressures ranged
from 7,500 to 8,800 psi. An ISIP (shutdown) of 5425 psi was
measured during the pad to provide an anchor point for the
post-fracture evaluation. The final ISIP at the end-of-the-job
(EOJ) was 5564 psi, but was affected by a small amount of
bauxite in the wellbore (under flushed). The increasing
pressures after shutdown were due to cross-linked fluid in the
wellbore and resulted in erroneous pressure decline data.
Therefore, the pressure decline after the propped fracture
treatment could not be used in the post-fracture analyses.
Net pressure history matching of the propped treatment
data indicated a fracture length of 215-ft and a fracture height
of 300-ft, with about 0.65-lbm/ft 2 average proppant
concentration. The initial post-fracture analysis (modeling)
predicted that the D14-1 fracture was placed in the pay-zone.
The results and input data are provided in Tables 5 & 6,
respectively. The predicted fracture geometry is shown in
Figure 15. However, extensive diagnostic tests indicated that
the fracture was not placed in the pay-zone as predicted.
The well was produced for about 30-days, with gas
production of only 0.3 MMCFD. As discussed previously, the
D14-1 produced at 2-3 MMCFD during the initial well test
and the PBU indicated a permeability of 1 mD. The well was
then killed with calcium carbonate completion fluid and shut-

9925

10000

10075

10150

10225

Permeability

10300
Low

Proppant Concentration (lb/ft)

High

0.00

0.15

0.30

0.45

0.60

0.75

0.90

1.1

1.2

1.4

1.5

10375
9000

9750

10500

Closure Stress (psi)

11250

12000

188

375

563

750

Length (ft)

Figure 15 - Predicted Propped Fracture Geometry: D14-1

D14-1 Post-Fracture Results. The well was shut-in for about

1 hour after the propped fracture treatment. Flowback was
then initiated at 1-1.5 BPM (60-90 bbl/hr). Cross-linked fluid
from the tubing was flowed back and about 5-10 bbl of 10 ppg
bauxite was produced as the tubing volume was recovered.
Slight bauxite flowback continued for about 50 bbl at 0.5-1.0
ppg along with moderately cross-linked fluid. The well was
shut-in to remove the tree-saver after recovering the wellbore
fluid and reducing the wellhead pressure below 5,000 psi.
Approximately 2.5 hours later flowback was reinitiated. Small
amounts of bauxite and moderately cross-linked fluid were
produced for about 1 hour (50 bbl). Bauxite production ceased

CASE HISTORY OF COMPLEX FRACTURE BEHAVIOR IN THE HANOI TROUGH, VIETNAM

at this point. Broken frac fluid was noted within 8 hours after
beginning flowback and continued thereafter. Trace gas was
detected within 12-16 hours of flow back. Approximately 300350 bbl were recovered in the first 24 hours (about 40% of the
propped treatment volume). Cleanup continued the following
day with the well flowing about 80 bbl/day of water (frac
fluid). The wellbore was cleared with CT and nitrogen and no
obstruction found. About 900 to 1000 bbl of fluid were
recovered (70 to 80% of the injected volume) after the fracture
treatment and liquid production during the post-fracture
production period averaged about 3-10 bbl/day.
D14-1 Post-Fracture Evaluation. A number of possible (but
not necessarily probable) reasons for the failure of the D14-1
fracture treatment were considered.
Catastrophic clay swelling/formation damage. The
core data (discussed later) does not support this possibility.
Studies indicate that reservoir damage is only significant (for
hydraulically fractured wells) if the permeability is reduced to
0.1% of the original value.4
Catastrophic water-block. Core data did not indicate
that a significant water block is probable. In addition, about
70-80% of the injected water was recovered. Studies have
shown that water blocking is only significant if the fracture
fluid damages (reduces) reservoir permeability by several
orders of magnitude and capillary pressures are also altered.4
Damage due to fracturing fluids . Catastrophic
formation damage due to fracturing fluids is not likely. The
high temperature (275 o F) in the D14-1 and gel breaker should
have degraded the fracturing. In addition, the returned liquids
appeared to be broken frac fluid. Lab tests indicated that the
returned fluid had a viscosity of 6 cp at room temperature
(essentially broken). Although unbroken fracturing fluid can
significantly suppress post-fracture productivity increase, it
rarely results in lower production than pre-fracture rates.5,6
Horizontal fracture(s). Horizontal fractures have been
documented using tiltmeter fracture mapping at depths of
7500-ft and deeper.7 The minimum in situ stress gradient in
the D14 sands is about 0.95 psi/ft and is close to the typical
overburden gradient of 1.05 psi/ft. High stress gradients,
tectonic activity and complex faulting (reverse faults) in the
D14 area could result in horizontal fractures. The detrimental
effects of a horizontal fracture in the D14 area are due to low
vertical permeability (laminated fluvial sands). If a horizontal
fracture was created, it may not bypass the existing
completion fluid damage. There is no reliable way to
distinguish between vertical and horizontal fractures using
fracture pressure data alone.
The fracture treatment was not placed in the target
zone. Complex fracture growth has been measured using
tiltmeter mapping and can include excessive height growth
and lack of mechanical isolation.8,9 The fracture may have
grown up or down very quickly and the proppant was not
placed adjacent to the perforations. It is also possible that the
fracture escaped through an annular path behind the casing.

Several diagnostic tests were performed in an attempt to

explain this poor fracture performance. These tests included:
post-fracture temperature logs: identify gas entry,
dip meter log analysis: identify natural fractures/faults,
re-perforating: re-establish communication,
lab tests on D14 area core: evaluate formation damage,
post-fracture PBU test: frac/reservoir properties, and
geochemical study: origin of the gas.
Post-Fracture Temperature Logs. Several temperature
surveys were performed to provide data to evaluate fracture
performance. Although the interpretations are not conclusive,
the temperature surveys appeared to show the majority of the
gas entering from the bottom perforations at 3085-89m
(10,121-134 ft). The surveys were performed in an attempt to
identify horizontal fractures or isolated gas entry. However,
the evaluations did not provide conclusive evidence to confirm
the existence of horizontal fractures. Figure 16 shows one of
the temperature surveys, illustrating gas entry from the bottom
set of perforations.
D14-1x Post-Fracture Temperature Log
-3055
225

230

235

240

245

250

-3060

-3065
Perforations

-3070

Depth (ft)

SPE 56468

-3075

-3080

-3085

-3090

Gas Entry at
lower set of
perfs

-3095

-3100

Temperature (Deg F)

Figure 16 - D14-1 Temperature Survey

Dip Meter Logs. Dip meter logs were reviewed to identify

natural fractures and/or minor faults that were intersected by
the wellbore. The dip meter analysis indicated the possibility
of a natural fracture or minor fault in the lower portion of the
perforated interval in the D14-1 target zone. Although this
analysis is not conclusive, it suggests that the growth of the
hydraulic fracture could have been influenced by a nearby
natural fracture or fault. The details of the analysis are beyond
the scope of this text.
Re-Perforating. The D14-1 was re-perforated in an
attempt to by-pass the existing perforation damage (from the
completion fluid). The well was re-perforated in two runs
using a 1-11/16 silverjet perforating gun with 6 shots per foot
(spf). The first run re-perforated the interval from 3083-89m,
with no change in production noted. The second run re-

C.L. CIPOLLA, M. MAYERHOFER, B.L. WILSON

perforated the interval from 3071-80m, again with no change

in well performance detected. Therefore, the existing damage
appeared to extend throughout the near wellbore region and
cannot be by-passed by re-perforating.
D14 core tests. Core samples from the D14-3 were
evaluated to provide rock mechanical data and evaluate
possible water sensitivity. The results showed significant
differences in the permeability to gas and water, potential for
fines/clay migration, and some decrease in permeability due to
water sensitivity. Gas permeability at immobile water
saturation was about ten times higher than the permeability to
water. In addition, a 20% reduction in core permeability was
measured when 100 pore volumes of 2% KCl was passed
through the D14-3 core. However, the reservoir adjacent to the
fracture can be permanently damaged by as much as 95% and
the post-fracture production will not decrease significantly.4
Results from another D14 area well (Well 204, October 12,
1995) indicated 5-15% clay, with kaolinite as the major
component and minor amounts of illite, illite-smectite, and
chlorite. The kaolinite appeared to be pore-filling and graincoating, while the other clays were primarily grain-coating.
The well 204 core was composed of about 70% quartz, 8%
feldspar, 2% mica, 10% carbonates, and 10% clays. Core
analyses from the D14-2 (November 29, 1996) showed similar
results. Core analyses from the D14-3 (April 1997) showed 35% total clay minerals, composed of chlorite, kaolinite, illite,
and mixed layer illite-smectite. The relative percentages of
each clay mineral varied with sample depth, but were mostly
chlorite (25-50%), with illite ranging form 12% to 60%, and
kaolinite ranging from 12% to 22%. Less than 10% illitesmectite were noted. In general clay minerals were both graincoating and pore-filling.
The type, location, and amount of clays present should be
sufficiently stabilized by the use of 2% KCl. The
disappointing D14-1 post-fracture production rates cannot be
explained by cleanup or formation damage problems, given
offset well performance (assuming the formations are similar).
The D14-3 core data and subsequent post-fracture well
performance from the D14-3 do not indicate any significant
fluid sensitivity problems (clay swelling, clay migration, water
block, etc.) that would explain the behavior of the D14-1.
However, core was not available from the D14-1 to determine
if the treated zone is significantly more water sensitive than
the offset well (D14-3).
Post-Fracture PBU. Following a 30-day production test
(0.3 MMCFD), the D14-1 was shut-in for a pressure buildup
(PBU) test. Bottom hole pressure gauges were placed in the
well and then a plug was set near the tubing tail to achieve a
bottom hole shut-in. However, there was approximately 1hour between the surface shut-in and setting the bottom hole
plug. The time lapse complicated the initial PBU behavior,
but did not materially affect the analysis. The results of the
PBU analysis are shown in Figure 17, indicating a fracture
length of 464-ft and a reservoir permeability of 0.0005 mD.
The initial reservoir pressure was estimated at 5200-psi.
The pre-fracture PBU indicated a gas permeability of 1mD (43 mD-ft) and a skin of 14. The maximum pressure

SPE 56468

during the post-fracture PBU was only 3700 psi after 10-days
of bottom-hole shut-in. The results of the post-fracture PBU
show evidence of a hydraulic fracture. However, it appears
that this fracture is not in contact with a 1-mD reservoir. The
post-frac PBU results add substantially to the understanding of
the poor post-fracture well performance.
Usually, one uses the reservoir permeability determined by
a pre-frac test to calculate fracture half-length. In this case,
though, it is impossible to achieve a match using the kh from
the pre-fracture PBU. It must be emphasized that the accurate
determination of reservoir permeability, frac length and
reservoir pressure is not possible from short-term post-frac
PBU tests alone (if radial flow is absent).10
The estimated reservoir pressure from the post-fracture
PBU analysis was 5200 psi, while the pre-fracture PBU
indicated a reservoir pressure of 5770 psi. The cumulative
production was approximately 9.5 MMCF in 30 days, which
should not have resulted in significant depletion. Alternate
(but less accurate) matches could be obtained using the prefrac pressure of 5770-psi, but these analyses still indicated a
permeability of less than 0.01-mD and fracture lengths in
excess of 150-ft. Thus, the above values are not unique but
they indicate a fracture draining low permeability rock. This
demonstrates that the fracture is contacting a portion of the
reservoir that has substantially less productivity (kh) than
previously indicated by the pre-frac PBU and production.
The low productivity could be explained by a vertical fracture
that grew into the shale/coals below the pay-zone or horizontal
fractures in contact with low vertical permeability.

Pi
C
Ci/Cf
Alpha
Xf
fc
fcD
Skin
kh
k

5211.02
0.00294
10.448
9.69
464
42.6
162
0.0245
0.026
0.000566

psia
STB/psi

ft
md.ft

md.ft
md

Surface hole Shut-in

Bottom hole Shut-in

Figure 17 - D14-1 Post-Fracture PBU

Geochemical Studies. Geochemical studies of the

condensate composition before and after the frac were
performed to identify any differences in the origin of the postfracture gas production.11 The geochemical study indicated
that the pre- and post-fracture condensates were different, thus
the origin of the production was not the same. Pre-fracture

SPE 56468

CASE HISTORY OF COMPLEX FRACTURE BEHAVIOR IN THE HANOI TROUGH, VIETNAM

condensate samples from both the target zone (10,075-135 ft)

and a lower gas-sand (10745-81 ft) were very similar.
However, the post-fracture condensate was very different than
the pre-fracture samples. Figures 18 and 19 compare the preand post-fracture samples. Figure 18 compares the
geochemistry plots for pre-fracture samples from the target
zone and a lower gas-sand (see above) to a post-fracture
sample. Figure 19 compares the relative abundance of nalkane in the same samples. The plots clearly show that the
post-fracture samples do not resemble the pre-fracture
samples.

interval could be the terrestrial source in the post-fracture

production. Increasing coal gas production could also explain
the unusual increase in terrestrial components in the postfracture condensate samples with time. The geochemical
studies provided important evidence that supports the
hypothesis that the fracture grew downward into the
underlying shale interval.

P ost F rac
10

R e lative Abunda nce (% )

P re F ra c

Figure 18 - Geochemistry Plots of Pre- & Post-Frac Samples11

0
9

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

25

27

29

31

33

C arbon N o.

Whole oil GC-MS chromatograms of the post-fracture

samples showed an unusual increasing pristane/n-C17 ratio as
production continued, indicating new hydrocarbon input either
terrestrial or immature in nature.11 There were other important
differences between the pre- and post-fracture samples
identified from GC-MS analysis of the aromatic fractions.
Post-fracture samples contained a greater amount of higher
plant material relative to the pre-fracture samples. The Higher
Plant Index (HPI) of the pre-frac samples was 0.18, while the
post-frac samples showed HPI values increasing from 0.35
(May 1st) to 0.56 (May 13th). In addition, the post-fracture
samples contained a relatively abundant amount of 1,2,7trimethylnapthalene compared to the pre-fracture samples.
This compound is an angiosperm biomarker, and its presence
indicates a more recent source material than the Late
Cretaceous. The amount of 1,2,7-trimethylnapthalene
increased with continued post-fracture production, suggesting
that the amount of terrestrial input is increasing with time.
Geological Review11. The target Oligocene gas-sand in the
D14-1 overlies an interval of interbedded shales, siltstones,
and thin coals/coaly shales. Coal gas from this underlying

2-3

5-3

8-2 A

14 -2A

#2 2

#3 0

#1 5

Figure 19 - n-alkane Abundance of Pre- & Post-Frac Samples11

Summary
The combination of detailed fracture modeling, pre- and postfracture well tests, core studies, dip meter & temperature logs,
and geochemical analyses indicated that the D14-1 fracture
initiated in the bottom set of perforations (in a natural fracture
or minor fault) and grew predominantly downward into the
adjacent shale and coal intervals. The existing wellbore
damage from completion fluids was never bypassed due to the
anomalous fracture growth, resulting in only 0.3 MMCFD
post-frac production compared to an expected 10 MMCFD if
the fracture had successfully bypassed the wellbore damage.
Figure 20 shows the D14-1 fracture geometry indicated by the
integration of the diagnostic results.

10

C.L. CIPOLLA, M. MAYERHOFER, B.L. WILSON

Nomenclature
dm (P) = gas pseudo pressure (psi2 /cp)
dt = delta time or shut-in time, hrs
ISIP = instantaneous shut-in pressure, psi
Ln Gel = linear gel
MMCFD = million standard cubic feet per day
Mlbs = thousand pounds
lf = fracture half-length, ft
h f = fracture height, ft
ppg =pounds of proppant added per gallon of fluid
TVD = true vertical depth

D14-1: Probable Fracture Geometry

Stress Profile
9950

Concentration of Proppant in each Fracture (lb/ft)

10000

10050

Depth (ft)

10100

10150

10200

10250

10300

10350

Permeability

10400
Low

Proppant Concentration (lb/ft)

High

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

0.45

0.50

10450
8000

8750

9500

Closure Stress (psi)

10250

11000

125

250

SPE 56468

375

500

Length (ft)

Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Anzoil NL and Petro Vietnam
for permission to publish this work. Thanks to Geotechnical
Services for the geochemical analyses and Pinnacle
Technologies for its support. Thanks also to the Gas Research
Institute for supporting fracture diagnostics R&D.

Figure 20 - D14-1 Fracture Geometry

References
The fracture treatment in the D14-3 resulted in a 7-fold
increase in production and post-fracture well testing confirmed
the fracture-modeling estimate of a 200-ft propped fracture.
Therefore, out-of-zone fracture growth is not endemic to the
D14 area. The successful fracture treatment in the D14-3 also
showed that catastrophic formation damage and water
blocking are not likely in these over-pressured gas sands.
However, with the limited amount of data available (two
wells) it is not possible to clearly define the D14-1 failure as
anomalous, resulting from an unusual combination of plugged
perforations, completion fluid damage, and the unlikely
intersection of a natural fracture/minor fault. The complex
fracture behavior in the D14-1 could be influenced by local
tectonics and faulting (strike-slip faulting is indicated in North
Vietnam1 ), and thus similar situations may occur throughout
the D14 area.
Three additional wells are planned in 1999 and completion
designs will be altered based on the results from the D14-1
and D14-3. The acquisition of additional information such as
shale stress measurements, dipole sonic logs, and more
detailed natural fracture/fault identification is being evaluated.
Conclusions
1. Integrating fracture modeling and pre- and post-fracture
pressure transient tests can provide significant insight into
fracture performance and treatment problems.
2. In the absence of additional data from core, logs, well
tests, etc., it may not be possible to identify the reason for
fracture treatment failures. Conversely, if these data are
available, fracture treatment problems can be clearly
identified.
3. In complex fracturing environments it is not be possible
to uniquely identify fracture geometry and orientation
from fracture modeling alone. In addition, horizontal or
out-of-zone fracturing may go undetected solely using
fracture-modeling analyses.

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the lithosphere: The World Stress Map Project. J. Geophys.
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Problems and Improves Fracture Treatment Success, Harts
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3. Wright, C. A., Weijers, L., Minner, W.A., and Snow, D.M.:
Robust Technique for Real-Time Closure Stress
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