

Abstract:
This work shows that if operators want high initial production and fast pay back, the short-term optimum fracture conductivity should be considered. Reservoirs with higher permeability require higher fracture conductivity for short-term production. The softer formation the higher optimum fracture conductivity. The short-term optimum fracture conductivity is proportional to NFC but inversely propotional to NFS. The requirement of optimum fracture conductivity for complex fracture network is far lower than that for planar fractures. The simulation results demonstrate that a complex fracture network is more beneficial in an ultra-low permeability reservoir with a stiff formation given a low cost of slick-water fracing.