John L. Fitch

Simplified Performance Prediction Method for Vertically Fractured Gas Wells

A procedure is outlined for calculating the performance of a vertically fractured gas well contained within a square drainage area. Constant production rate and the constant well pressure cases are included. Because it is not a numerical simulator, calculations can be performed practically on small computers. Predicted comparisons with published reservoir simulator results and with actual production data from 2 massive hydraulically fractured wells were made. Agreement in both comparisons was very good. (14 refs.)