stimplan version 7.10 & beyond ipad

StimPlan Updates Version 7.10 – of 3

Changes – StimPlan/E-StimPlan 7.10

Planned Release Date – Quarter 3, 2015

StimPlan Version 7.10 & Beyond

iPad – Ability to save simulation results on a server (a user server on company Intranet or NSI

server on the Internet) for downloading/viewing on iPad (or other tablets).

Server Simulations – Ability

to run simulations on a high speed

server (leaving local computer free

for other tasks), either a user server

on a company Intranet or a NSI ser-

ver on the Internet.

When a simulation is completed,

the results are saved to a database

for downloading to a computer or

tablet.


Graphics – Graphically view simulation results for multiple wells.

Geologic Model Output – Direct output of geomechanical layering to EXCEL file.

Logs

Layer Numbers – A small change asked for by many users; adding Layer Numbers to the

layers defined in “Logs”.

E-StimPlan Version 7.10

Advanced Acid Fracture Conductivity Calculations – The latest research

results for determining acid fracture conductivity will the available.

StimPlan Shale Version 7.10

DFN Reservoir Simulations – The Discrete Natural Fracture Network inputs can be

transferred to the reservoir simulation for a rigorous simulation of a natural fractured reservoir.

Stage-to-Stage Interference – direct inputs for performing Stage-to-Stage interference simu-

lations.

Future The following are conceptual ideas, and none of these changes are guaranteed.

Complete Rewrite – This will promote better stability.

User Interface – Completely new user interface based on user comments & ideas. This may

include “dynamic dialogs”. That is depending on the type of project, certain inputs may not be

required. Thus, these inputs would disappear from the input dialogs eliminating confusion about a

variable that is not even required.


Mobile StimPlan –

Entering data from iPad (or any tablet), then running simulation on Intranet or Internet server,

then retrieving results back to tablet.

Reviewing/analyzing real-time data on site on iPad (or other tablet)

Help System – Help system enhanced to include ‘engineering help”. For example, this might

include sections on Pre-Frac test design along with the normal “StimPlan Help” on using the

analysis features.

StimPlan Updates Version 7.00 – April, 2003 – Page 1 of 3

StimPlan Version 7.00

Help System – Greatly expanded use of “Help Pop-Ups” for individual subjects. These are also being expanded to include “Hydraulic Fracturing Help/Tips” along with software information (as seen below).


This part of a totally revised/expanded “Help System” using a more standard “Windows style’ help system (as

seen below).

Database Files – Further expanded fluid and proppant database files. Added new “Pipe Friction” data base files.

Analysis/Logs Modules

Analysis Plot Tips – Added “usage tips” to many Analysis Plots as seen below for Step-Down Test.Further expanded fluid and proppant database files. Added new “Pipe Friction” data base files. As soon as analysis begins , the “tips” disappear.


Decline Test Summary Table – In the decline test analysis, a “Summary Results Table” has been added to the

Time, ‘G’, and “G*dP/dG” Plots as seen below.

The “Final Value” is a User Input, and this is the value carried forward to further analysis.

E-StimPlan

64-bit – The major change for E-StimPlan & E-StimPlan 3D is the move to 64-bit, multi-core parallel processing. This greatly improves execution speed for multi-core processors, or for multi-chip work stations. In some instances, execution is speeded up by a factor of 3X or 4X.

Run-Time Dialog – Enhanced “run-time” dialog for setting/controlling solution grid for E-StimPlan & E-StimPlan 3D simulations.

StimPlan Updates Version 6.10 – Page 1 of 3


SEPTEMBER 2011

StimPlan Comprehensive input for Numerical Production Model – Historically, the Numerical Production model could

simulate a range of xf values, for several different values of kfw (with all other values being fixed). For multi-fractured horizontal wells this was sometimes a significant restriction. Thus, the input was modified to allow multiple cases varying any variable.

Slant Hole Production Simulation – Ability to simulate production from an unstimulated, deviated well (i.e., slant

hole) drilled through multiple formations. The extra flow area of the deviated well acts as a stimulation, and in some instances of moderate to high permeability formations, is compared to a near vertical well with small propped fracture treatments.


Extensive New User Help – The “User Help” has been extensively upgraded (although this process is still ongoing). One major new feature is “pop-up” help items such as seen before. These will “pop-up” once per StimPlan session if the cursor is hovered over an input field (unless “pop-ups” are deactivated in the “Help” menu.


Database Files – Greatly expanded fluid and proppant database files.

Analysis/Logs Modules

New Log Calculations – “Logs” now includes calculations modules for generating an “Effective porosity log from Neutron/Density logs, and for generating both empirical (using laboratory porosity/permeability data) and theo-retical permeability logs using effective porosity versus permeability correlations.

E-StimPlan Water Fracs – Allowed input for a stress sensitive “Unpropped kfw”. This can be transferred to several

sophisticated reservoir models for post-frac simulations of water fracs.

Stress Sensitive Propped (and Unpropped) Fracture Conductivity – When passing fracture data directly from E-StimPlan to the Numerical Reservoir Model, the Numerical Reservoir Model includes the effects of drawdown on conductivity reduction in the fracture.



November 2009

StimPlan Auto Save – StimPlan has been modified to periodically update a “Save” file (every time new logs or pressure data

is imported, every time a simulation is run, every time you return to the main menu from the Input Dialogs, etc.). Through the use of compressed file formats, the time for this has been made negligent. This should provide for any cases where StimPlan (or Windows) has problems, and StimPlan forcibly closes. A simple re-start will result in the software reading the last “save” file, hopefully with all, or (at a minimum) nearly all of your data intact.

Automatic Net Pressure Matching – Within user set limits (i.e., specify a “Modulus Multiplier” between 0.3 and

3.0) for various variables, the best net pressure match solution is automatically found.

Pump Schedule – Optionally allow use of a “Downhole Pump Schedule” (the historic StimPlan input behavior) or a “Surface Pump Schedule”.

Perforations – Improved “N-Frac” capability where an unlimited number of separate perforated intervals can be

simulated.

Proppant Embedment – Allowed specifying “proppant embedment” on a layer-by-layer basis.

Graphical Input – Added graphical input options for proppant/fluid data.

Modified input dialogs to more accurate reflect daily operations. For example, Well Data is now for well data (as seen in the figure) casing/tubing/depth/perforation information. Input can be a downhole, or a surface pump schedule, etc.

Correlations – Many, many more correlations for “minor” input values.

Pipe Friction – Added capability to calculate pipe friction for guar based fluids.


Analysis/Logs Modules Data Plot

Allow “Detachable Plots” for Real Time data monitoring. Using this new feature, you can create multiple separate plot windows with different data being updated/plotted in real time.

Add “Time Event” notes/markers to plots as seen below

PP

G (

PP

G)

0.5

1.0

1.5

2. 0

2.5

3.0

Ra

te (

BP

M)

02

04

06

08

01

00

Pu

mp

ing

Pre

s (

psi)

- C

alc

_B

HP

(p

si)

02

00

04

00

06

00

08

00

01

00

00

Time (min)50 100 150

Maximum Pressure

Average Pressure

Average HHP

5364.00

3874.71

5364.00

psi

psi

HHP

Calculate HHP – A new facility has been adding for calculating treatment parameters in a specified time

window. These parameters include Maximum Pressure, Average Pressure, and Hydraulic Horsepower.

E-StimPlan Movies – Added capability to automatically create PowerPoint “movies” from Contour Plots.

Expanded Batch Mode Capability – The rigorous E-StimPlan Fully 3D simulations can be time

consuming for some applications. This new feature allows creating a “task list” of runs. These are

then executed over-night, with the results automatically archived at the completion of each

simulation.

Add an option to overlay an outline of the grid on the Contour Plot output.

Major Development Implement implicit solution and parallel processing to speed Fully 3D solutions.

Asymmetric Fracture Growth

Recent micro-seismic measurements have indicated the possibility for asymmetric fractures,

i.e., fractures with wing lengths longer in one direction than the other. Some of this data may be

questionable; however for a confined height fracture the potential for fracture asymmetry is high.

This can be seen from the simple net pressure relation for a perfectly confined height fracture,

4/14

4

3

])('

[ Tipnet pLQH

Ep

showing that PNet is only sensitive to length to the ¼ power, “L1/4”. Thus, a significant difference in

length for one wing versus another can easily be offset by a small difference in formation thickness

in one direction versus another.

This topic was not discussed at the meeting other than in the context of “this is required” for

coupling the wellbore/fracture models. However, such a development might have limited (but

valuable) importance on its own. Fracture asymmetry could be of major importance in any low

permeability fracturing where long fracture lengths are needed. It could also be very important in


water flood situations where large pore pressure gradients might exist which could easily force

extreme asymmetry. This would be expanded to include cases such as pictured below.

Longitudinal Horizontal Fractures

This development would allow

simulation of a fracture initiating

at the heel of a highly deviated

well and propagating preferen-

tially towards the toe (maybe with

some propagation “backwards”).

This would be limited to the Fully

3D (but just possibly cold be used

with E-StimPlan) and the Finite

Element option would be applicable.

Possibly, the well might not have to be purely horizontal, but could have some small angle

(and or be based on an actual well path). Dipping Formations – This would also

allow simulation of fracturing in dipping

beds (thought all the beds would be

limited to the same dip). This case would

be limited to the Fully 3D, and the Finite

Element option would be applicable.

Dipping Formations with Disconformity –

This would be a case as seen in the

figure, where the disconformity acts as a

perfect barrier to growth. This case would,

of course, be limited to the Fully 3D model,

and due to the loss of symmetry, the Finite

Element simulation capabilities for layered

modulus would NOT be applicable.

StimPlan Changes, Version 5.50 - Page 1 of 2


April 2007

StimPlan “Geologic Models” – Added capability to save different “Geologic Models” (i.e., layer depths, stresses, modu-

lus values, fluid loss, perforated depths, etc.) in a single STP file.

Automatic Tip screenout (TSO) treatment designs. The user inputs the desired propped fracture length, and the desired proppant coverage (lb/ft2) subject to a maximum net pressure rise. StimPlan then automatically generates the required pump schedule (which can then be adjusted as desired by the user).

Production Model – Added the ability to simulate a wellbore “skin” for horizontal well production modeling.

Automatic PNet History Matching. This automatically runs cases and determines the best history match.

Folds-of-Increase. This calculation was totally revamped to provide: a) rigorous inclusion of boundary effects, and b) the near wellbore p associated with frac-packs.

Predicted Surface Pressure – Added capability to allow different pipe friction for different sections of the wellbore when calculating the “Predicted Surface Pressure”

Added a “PI” plot for the Production Model output.

Further expanded the “Report” format output with direct, formatted output to WORD and/or EXCEL.

E-StimPlan MAJOR DEVELOPMENT – Hori-

zontal (High Angle) Well Fracturing

– This significantly upgrades the

ability to simulate fracturing

horizontal wells including longitud-

inal fractures (where the fracture

communicates with additional perf-

orations or wellbore as it propa-

gates) and multiple, simultaneous

transverse fractures. This includes:

Input – Special input formats

(with one example

included in the figure) for

entering & visualizing

data for high angle wells,

and

Output – Special 3D out-

put for visualizing mul-

tiple fractured horizontal

wells, and the relation

between fractures (as

seen in the figure).

Block 59 State 35

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ft)

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Ga

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Silt

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Pcl(psi)

7600 9200E

(MMpsi)

0 4K-Ic

1800 2200Loss Coefficient

(ft/sqrt(min))

0.0000 0.0016Spurt Loss

(gal/100ft^2)

0.0 1.6GR

(GAPI)

-400 1200

12029 MD ft 13693 MD ft

Single Log

Block 59 State 35

TV

D (

ft)

12

10

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22

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30

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Sh

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Ga

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ilty

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Pcl(psi)

7600 9200E

(MMpsi)

0 4K-Ic


(ft/sqrt(min))

0.0000 0.0016Spurt Loss

(gal/100ft^2)

0.0 1.6GR

(GAPI)

-400 1200

12029 MD ft 13693 MD ft

Single Log

Drag logs ontographs as desired


Expanded Batch Mode Capability – The rigorous E-StimPlan Fully 3D simulations can be time

consuming for some applications. This new feature allows creating a “task list” of runs. These are

then executed over-night, with the results automatically archived at the completion of each

simulation.

Analysis/Logs Modules After Closure Analysis (ACA) – Further the “ACA for permeability” analysis to include a Type Curve

Analysis for reservoir pressure. This allows reservoir pressure/permeability determination with shorter shut-in times.

Added log calculations for integrating density logs for OB.

“DConc” Variables – To analyze an actual propped fracture treatment, StimPlan historically uses a “SConc” variable (surface proppant concentration) and shifts that data to a “Downhole Concentration (DConc) variable. This is done the “Frac Job Test Analysis”. Two changes were made:

Data Plot – Surface Proppant Concentration data can be shifted to a Downhole Concentration in the Data Plot, and

External DConc Variable – The Frac Job Test Analysis can be done using an external calculated downhole concentration that has been imported.

Use “Other” Variables for Frac Job Test Analysis – In the analysis of a “frac Job”, the data is broken into stages for simulation. This is historically done based on pump rate/proppant concentration changes. Ability has been added to add stage changes based on other variables – maybe such as chemical concentration changes which would indicate a change in fluid rheology.

Log Output – Added a continuous, scaled log output to PDF files for printing a continuous log.

Calculate Log Stress – Added graphical input capability for reservoir pressure distribution for stress log calculations.

Calculated Bottomhole Pressure – Added capabilities to 1) allow different pipe friction for different sections of the wellbore and 2) specify different fluids (with different friction properties) at different times when calculating a “Calculated Bottomhole Pressure”

Data “ReSample” – The process where two variables are “combined” in the Data Plot, i.e., where a memory gauge Bottomhole Pressure may be combined with surface data was dramatically speeded up. This has always been a good, popular StimPlan feature, but we were seeing more and more cases of HUGE data sets, and this process sometimes took a few minutes (prompting an occasional decision to “kill” the program where users thought it was hung or something). This process ahs been dramatically improved to avoid this perceived problem.

Plot Coordinate Display – StimPlan has always had a user selectable option to display the cursor coordinates on any plot, but this facility has been significantly improved and speeded up.



January 2006

StimPlan Added Graphical Input for fluid and proppant data.

Allow direct use of detailed E-StimPlan simulation results for fracture width, conductivity, etc. in reservoir model simulations.

Improved input for geomechanical inputs (input stress as a “gradient from surface” as well as the traditional input where stress is entered directly), include direct commands to “Shift Modulus”, set “Closure Stress”, etc.

Expanded reservoir model to include “Frac-Pack” simulations including the near well affects of a gravel pack completion (including rigorous simulation of near well non-Darcy flow effects) .

Ability to overlay multiple log tracks in graphical output of geomechanical input data.

Made all windows locations permanent. Thus, if the default window location is moved to avoid the Microsoft Office bar – this new location becomes permanent.

Expanded Pump Schedule input to allow 100 stages.

Added graphic output of pressure (surface and/or bottomhole) from reservoir model simulations. This was primarily for use in production history matching.

Further expanded the “Report” format output with direct, formatted output to WORD and/or EXCEL.

E-StimPlan Frac-Pack Module – An industry first ! A rigorous wellbore, gravel pack simulation coupled to the 3D

fracture simulation. This allows detailed examination of the effect of changing perforation patterns, taking returns, etc. on the final wellbore pack.

Batch mode runs – The rigorous E-StimPlan Fully 3D simulations can be time consuming for some applications. This new feature allows creating a “task list” of runs. These are then executed over-night, with the results automatically archived at the completion of each simulation.

Improved Scaling, made user input scaling “sticky”, and added “Zoom” to E-StimPlan Contour Plots.

Analysis Module Improved use of derivatives in Pressure Decline Analysis. This includes a refined calculation of the

derivative smoothing allowing easier user input for this and a direct “Derivative Zoom” to expand the derivative scale to the range desired.

Expanded the “ACA for permeability” analysis to include a Type Curve Analysis. This allows permeability determination with shorter shut-in times.

Added log calculations for integrating density logs for OB.

Expanded the log input to allow the input of multiple logs from a TXT file.

Added tighter integration between “StimPlan” and the “Analysis” of step-Down Test data.

Real-Time Acquisition – Allow more user control of the data acquisition time.

Big Problem No. 1

TV

D (

m)

129

01300

1310

1320

133

0

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ale

Gas

Sha

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Gamma Ray API0 200100

Neu Phe %0 30.0015.00

Den Phe %0 30.0015.00

Pcl(psi)

1000 5000E

(MMpsi)

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0.00000 0.00128

Single Log

Big Problem No. 1

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m)

129

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1310

1320

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0

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ale

Gas

Sha

le

Gamma Ray API0 200100

Neu Phe %0 30.0015.00

Den Phe %0 30.0015.00

Pcl(psi)

1000 5000E

(MMpsi)

0 7K-Ic


(ft/sqrt(min))

0.00000 0.00128

Single Log

StimPlan Changes, Version 5.30 / 5.30A - Page 1 of 1

Changes – StimPlan/E-StimPlan 5.30/5.30A

November 2004

StimPlan Significantly expanded/improved “Report” format output with direct, formatted output to WORD and/or

EXCEL, i.e., “fancy” reports including automatic embedded graphics. An example “RTF” file (which is opened by WORD) is attached.

Expanded the ability to define layer properties (modulus, fluid loss, etc.) by “Name” into a full “Database” format. This is also used, for example, to shift the stress in all “My Formation Shale” layers, making it possible to change modulus, stress, etc. in several formation layers in unison. This now allows the building of a “database” of formation properties and the rapid creation of a “geologic model” for a particular well.

Multi-lingual versions for our multi-national users. Russian & Chinese versions available, with other versions to follow.

Integration with Guydon Software SMARTS software for accessing hardware, real-time data acquisition and analysis, etc.

Added the ability to customize legend information (location, fonts, etc.) for ALL StimPlan graphs (simulation output plots, Analysis plots, etc.).

Added non-Darcy flow calculations for oil wells to the numerical reservoir model (non-Darcy calculations for gas wells has already been included for several years).

Expanded Graphical Input capability to include display of multiple log tracks.

Further expand “Create New Dataset” input “Wizard” to assist with starting from scratch to create a new dataset.

E-StimPlan THE Acid Fracturing Module – A limited version of the new E-StimPlan Acid Fracturing model being devel-

oped through our association with Professors Dan Hill and Ding Zhu at Texas A&M University was released with Version 5.21. Version 5.30 represents the first release of the “real” E-StimPlan acid fracturing simu-lations with acid mixtures, complex fluid loss calculations including a rigorous (numerical) solution for stage dependent loss and wormholes, acid etched natural fracture fluid loss, advanced correlations for ionic acid diffusion and acid reaction rates, and other features. We think we can safely say that this represents the first serious attempt to rigorously simulate all aspects of the complex acid fracturing process.

Add pressure dependent natural fracture fluid loss calculations. As with the acid simulations above, this in-cludes a rigorous numerical solution for fluid loss.

Add a numerical simulation for fluid loss capable of correctly simulating stage dependent fluid loss. Previously, this could only be done using the “Fully Coupled Model” as discussed below.

Dramatically improve the FULLY COUPLED FRACTURE GEOMETRY MODEL WITH 3D RESERVOIR MO-DEL including poro- and thermal effects for thermal fracturing in terms of stability. This provides the most advanced simulation capabilities existing for water injection, waste-water disposal, drill cuttings injection, and for hydraulic fracturing in very high permeability environments (where many normal one-dimensional fluid loss assumptions used in fracture simulations are NOT appropriate).

Analysis Module (Version 5.30A only) Add dipole sonic log calculations for dynamic stress/modulus log values, including tools for shifting the log

values to calibrated local conditions. Calibrated log values are then automatically used to define layer prop-erties for use in rigorous StimPlan/E-StimPlan gridded simulations.

Add a Log “Template” to Logs for saving and automatically restoring specific log display layouts (scales, pay identification, shadings, etc.)

Expanded ACA (After Closure Analysis) for determining formation permeability from injection/decline (i.e., stress test/ mini-frac data) tests. One major addition is the inclusion of a “Volumes” plot for calculating injection volume.



September 2003

StimPlan Add capability for numerical 3D reservoir model to simulate cases with constant pressure boundary con-

ditions.

Added non-Darcy flow calculations for oil wells to 3D reservoir model.

Increased number of layers for input to 100+.

Added new input allowing for “Detail Fluid Loss”. That is, input may be specified for formation permea-bility, reservoir fluid properties, etc., and the appropriate fluid loss coefficient is used automatically (or for the E-StimPlan Coupled Model, the input is used directly for a rigorous simulation of the fluid loss process).

Expanded the ability to define layer properties (modulus, fluid loss, etc.) by “Name”. This is also used, for example, to shift the stress in all “My Formation Shale” layers, making it possible to change modulus, stress, etc. in several formation layers in unison. This now allows the building of a “database” of formation properties and the repaid creation of a “geologic model” for a particular well.

Further expand “Create New Dataset” input “Wizard” to assist with starting from scratch to create a new dataset.

Expanded list of “Units”, and added facilities for: a) user definition of UOM not included, and b) creating, saving, and recalling “sets” of UOM.

E-StimPlan Add FULLY COUPLED FRACTURE GEOMETRY MODEL WITH 3D RESERVOIR MODEL including

poro- and thermal effects for thermal fracturing. This provides the most advanced simulation capabilities existing for water injection, waste-water disposal, drill cuttings injection, and for hydraulic fracturing in very high permeability environments (where many normal one-dimensional fluid loss assumptions used in fracture simulations are NOT appropriate).

ACID FRACTURING MODULE! More information will be released on this later, and significant improve-ments are already under development for future releases. The goal is for this “Version 1.0” to be the best acid fracturing simulator available, with significant enhancement yet to come. To achieve this, we are proud to an-nounce our association with Professors Dan Hill and Ding Zhu at the University of Texas for this development.

Significant improvement in E-StimPlan/Fully 3D solutions for “soft rock” cases.

Complete re-write of E-StimPlan/N-Fracs/Fully 3D to include FEM capability (for layered modulus) for all models, and to improve run time speed and eliminate the intensive memory requirements.

Added capability to reservoir model to simulate production from multiply fractured horizontal wells.

Analysis Module (Version 5.20A only) Add capability to Log Module to automatically determine

stresses/stress gradient/modulus from calculated log tracks for these variables. Layering is then transferred directly to StimPlan for simulation.

Add ACA (After Closure Analysis) for determining forma-tion permeability from injection/decline (i.e., stress test/ mini-frac data) tests.

Well Test Analysis – Complete capabilities for importing/ analyzing pressure build-up data including Horner, Square-Root, and ¼-Root Analysis, Type Curve Matching, etc.



October 2002

StimPlan Significantly expanded/improved the ability to define layer properties (modulus, fluid loss, etc.) by “Name”.

This is also used, for example, to shift the stress in all “My Formation Shale” layers, making it possible to change modulus, stress, etc. in several formation layers in unison. This now allows the building of a “database” of formation properties and the repaid creation of a “geologic model” for a particular well.

New “Main Window” to give better definition of various StimPlan “modules” and allow easier use.

Expand “Create New Dataset” input “Wizard” to assist with starting from scratch to create a new dataset.

Modify the internal “rules” for saving all Plot Titles to allow better behavior.


E-StimPlan Complete re-write of E-StimPlan/N-Fracs/Fully 3D to include FEM capability (for layered modulus) for all

models, and to improve run time speed and eliminate the intensive memory requirements.

Added capability to reservoir model to simulate production from multiply fractured horizontal wells.

Add special Contour Plot buttons for switching between most commonly viewed “Contour variables”.

Analysis Module (Version 5.10A only) Add complete “Log” handling facility for

Importing/viewing multiple logs, depth-shifting and/or smoothing individual logs as necessary

Define StimPlan Geologic Layering from multiple log view

Define/Calculate “Pay”

Add Well Test Analysis – That is, add complete capa-bilities for importing/analyzing pressure build-up data including Horner, Square-Root, and ¼-Root Analysis, Type Curve Matching, etc.

Fix bug where user set scales (particularly for deri-vatives) were sometimes lost when changing from plot to plot.

10000

ft

TVD

10100

10200

GRPD GAPI0 200100

NPRL PERC0 30.0015.00

DPOR PERC0 30.0015.00

RILD OHMM0.10 100



February 2002

StimPlan Add ability to define layer properties (modulus, fluid loss, etc.) by “Name”. This is also used, for example, to

shift the stress in all “My Formation Shale” layers, making it possible to change modulus, stress, etc. in several formation layers in unison.

Add Graphical “Log Style” input/edit functionality for all major geomechanical (stress, modulus, fluid loss, etc.) input parameters. Add input of one track of log data from LAS files.

Add ability to input geologic layering data via either TVD (traditional StimPlan I/O) of MD. Note that this is intended for “moderate” well deviation, and all calculations are still performed in TVD.

Add database facility for pipe friction for various fluids.

Add “Create New Dataset” input “Wizard” to assist with starting from scratch to create a new dataset.

Add ability to simulate future production for multiple-fractured horizontal wells.


E-StimPlan Added “Fully” Planar 3-D Fracture Geometry model. (IMPORTANT NOTE to Users: This is quite memory

intensive, and 512MB is the absolute minimum required, with a recommendation of 768MB minimum!)

Added capability to simulate non-Darcy flow in gas wells (both matrix non-Darcy effects and non-Darcy flow

effects in the propped fracture).

Add special Contour Plot buttons for switching between most commonly viewed “Contour variables”.

Analysis Module (Version 5.00A only) Add option, when “Transferring” mini-frac net pressure data from Analysis to StimPlan for simulation his-

tory matching, to automatically “create” a pump schedule for the mini-frac.

Added “Comm Watch” module. This is an internal StimPlan module for monitoring the serial port and re-cording/plotting data in “real time”.

Add ability in all Analysis Plots to “Un-Zoom In Steps”. A “click” on the top-left “Zoom” symbol in any Analysis Plot will not revert to the default scales, but “backs up” to the previous “Zoom” scales.

Fix bug where user set scales (particularly for derivatives) were sometimes lost when changing from plot to plot.



January 2001

StimPlan Add Graphical “Log Style” input/edit functionality for all major geomechanical (stress, modulus, fluid loss,

etc.) input parameters. Input of log data from LAS files planned for next release.

Combine inputs for stress/modulus/toughness with input data for fluid loss (per user requests).

Increase number of allowable layers to 50.

Add a “Note” input dialog for jotting down short notes about the data file.

Extensive work to improve stability for Economic Optimization (trying to eliminate cases where a single failed simulation does not destroy all the results from successful simulations).

Allow 3-D reservoir model to be run in radial flow (with skin) mode for pre-frac production simulations and production history matching.

Bug fixes involving using different “Units”.

E-StimPlan N-Frac Capability – Add capability to simulate multiple, simultaneous fractures initiating from separate

perforated intervals. This includes adding a small “wellbore model” between the perforated intervals. Currently this allows simulating multiple fractures in “near vertical” wells where the fractures may “join” (in which case the simulation rigorously calculates the effects of this on width/pressure/flow/etc.) or the fractures may “interfere” (in which case the fractures do not join, and do not overlap, i.e., they simply stop height growth for each other). A future release will add cases for more deviated (or horizontal) wells where the fractures may overlap.

Add “Run Time” contour plots for visualization of results while E-StimPlan (or N-Frac) simulation is running.

Add new “Setup Options” at run time to ease use of these options.

Incorporate Finite Element calculations for fracture width. This allows a rigorous solution for the effects of layered modulus formations on overall and local fracture width – an industry first for a routine use fracture model.

Analysis Module (Version 4.10A only) Add “Zoom” symbol to all analysis plots showing that plot scales are “zoomed”, and adding that a “click” on this

Zoom Symbol unzooms the plot to the default scales.

Fix bug in Analysis Plots where the plot settings would show a “line style” different from actual current “line style” being used for the plot. This often caused inadvertent (unwanted) changes to the plot line style.



May, 2000

StimPlan Incorporate 3-D numerical reservoir model including multi-layer effects (non-Darcy flow effects to be added soon).

Automatic parametric studies for economic treatment optimization. This utilizes the numerical fracture geometry in “Design Mode”, the 3-D reservoir model, and a new economics package to compare how varying fracture length, in situ lb/ft2, proppant type, pump rate, etc, effect the “value” of a treatment design.

New database structure for fluid/proppant data. StimPlan has always included “small” database files for storing and recalling fluid/proppant data. This has been expanded to a single (or multiple) unlimited database files for this data. At the same time, the database structure has been made more “visible” and easier to access and use.

Vastly expanded and improved “Help” system. This utilizes HTML code for a WWW type environment for the “Help”.

Improved graphical output including a “Net Pressure Plot” (combining a Nolte-Smith plot during injection with a ‘G’ Plot during the decline) and a “movie” type presentation for fracture growth.

E-StimPlan Incorporate Finite Element calculations for fracture width. This allows a rigorous solution for the effects of layered

modulus formations on overall and local fracture width – an industry first for a routine use fracture model.

Entirely new finite difference gridding method to improve stability.

Optional “Fine Mesh” for highly layered cases.

Analysis Module (Version 4.00A only) A new “Analysis” feature has been aided specifically for Frac-Pack cases. In many cases involving downhole tools,

valid bottomhole pressure data is available from annulus measurements. However, at shut-down a downhole check valve closes which isolates the annulus pressure from the pressure decline. The new feature “Merge Pressure Variables” allows a cut & paste operation to merge the annulus pressure (+ an appropriate hydrostatic head) during pumping with the tubing pressure data (+ an appropriate head) during the decline into a brand new pressure variable.

All analysis plots have been changed to permanently save/store the plot scales, “Zoom” settings, etc., along with the fitted lines, analysis information, etc.

Add capabilities for post-frac production analysis including Fetkovitch type curves, Carter type curves, and production history matching using the numerical reservoir model. Future StimPlan releases will include the Agarwal-Gardner type curves for more advanced production decline analysis.

StimPlan Changes, Version 2.71 / 3.71 - Page 1 of 1

August, 1999 Update – Version 2.71/3.11

StimPlan Added new, animated, fracture profile (Cross-Section) plots.

Continued to expand the new “browser” based Help System.

E-StimPlan Developed the implicit solution for 2-D Flow/Width/Height. In this solution, the 2-D flow pressure distribution and

the resulting width distribution are calculated simultaneously. In addition, this is formulated in a manner, which can use numerically derived width/pressure relations in the future. This will allow the use of a 2-D finite element calculation to define the width/pressure relations, and thus allow a rigorous solution for layered modulus cases. This would then be the ONLY hydraulic fracture simulator rigorously including the effects of layered modulus on fracture width. This is also formulated in terms of a “stiffness matrix”, thus allowing more rigorous solution for fracture height recession and fracture closure on proppant. This should also provide a much more robust, stable solution than previous versions of E-StimPlan.

Added capability to simulate “0” rate (i.e., shut-in periods) stages. This allows the simulation of cases where a preceding mini-frac may affect the spurt loss or fluid loss during a subsequent propped fracture treatment.

Analysis Module (Version 3.11 only) Added a data handling capability to “merge” two pressure variables (such as annulus pressure and tubing pressure)

into a third, new pressure variable. The primary intent is for frac-pack operations where a “semi-“ live annulus is available during pumping, but a bottomhole check valve makes this data meaningless immediately after shut-in. This new “data handling” feature allows analysis using the annulus pressure during pumping, and tubing pressure during the shut-in decline periods.

Added a capability to calculate a bottomhole pressure using a measured gauge pressure from any position in the wellbore and correcting for hydrostatic head changes (and pipe friction) from the gauge to the perforations.

Added a “Volumes Plot” to the Frac Job Analysis. This allows a comparison of “Actual” versus “Design” Proppant Volume versus Fluid Volume for QA/QC analyses.

Added capability for the individual defined tests to be “named” and reordered for user convenience.

Improved scaling of Analysis Plots such that “zoomed” or user set scales are not lost while switching from plot-to-plot


April, 1999 Update – Version 2.70/3.10

StimPlan Added the capability to simulate pressure dependent (i.e., natural fracture) fluid loss. For the physics simulated, fluid

loss will begin to increase once net pressure in the fracture exceeds a critical (input) value. While this has been extensively tested, it is expected that solution stability problems still exist and we ask that any solution problems be reported promptly so this can be improved to the general stability level of StimPlan itself.

Significantly expanded and improved “Help” system. The goal is for this “Help” system to completely displace the StimPlan manual by the next release and any/all comments and ideas are solicited in order to make this possible.

Added a “Data Graph” for displaying the input data for in situ stress, modulus, and fluid loss as log style “tracks”. In addition, added a capability to import one “log data” variable such as Gamma Ray, Porosity, etc. to plot along side the fracturing input data. Also allowed a capability to “shade” this log data to highlight clean sand intervals, etc.

Significantly improved the input dialog for layer data allowing color (and name) coding of layers, and including a “ditto” (or “Fill Down”) capability to duplicate input across several layers.

Fixed the “weakness” where successive saving/opening of FRK and STP files could cause a loss of fluid rheology and/or proppant conductivity data. As an example, consider the following case. StimPlan data is saved in two types of disk files: a) FRK files contain all the 3-D model input data such as stresses, modulus, etc., but a FRK file only contains ONE pump schedule, that being the “active” schedule at the time the FRK file was saved, and b) STP files which contain all the FRK data, plus all defined pump schedules (& also any data used in the Analysis Module). HOWEVER, the defined fluid rheology data is saved in both FRK & STP files, and this created potential problems. Assume you define a pump schedule which uses a 100 cp fluid defined as “Fluid Type 1”, and a 200 cp fluid defined as “Fluid Type 2”, and this is saved in MYFILE-1.FRK. Now assume we define a second pump schedule, and as part of this definition, we alter the definition of “Fluid Type 1” to be a 1,000 cp fluid, and this is saved as MYFILE-2.STP. If we later open the MYFILE-1.FRK file, our redefined “Fluid Type 1” is returned to its 100 cp values ! This weakness has been addressed and all input fluid/proppant descriptions are always retained.

Fixed minor display problems where “tabs” did not appear for certain 640X480 displays.

Altered Proppant Schedule dialog to allow “copying” an existing schedule when creating a new pump schedule.

E-StimPlan Developed the implicit solution for 2-D Flow/Width/Height. In this solution, the 2-D flow pressure distribution and

the resulting width distribution are calculated simultaneously. In addition, this is formulated in a manner, which can use numerically derived width/pressure relations in the future. This will allow the use of a 2-D finite element calculation to define the width/pressure relations, and thus allow a rigorous solution for layered modulus cases. This would then be the ONLY hydraulic fracture simulator rigorously including the effects of layered modulus on fracture width. This is also formulated in terms of a “stiffness matrix”, thus allowing more rigorous solution for fracture height recession and fracture closure on proppant. This should also provide a much more robust, stable solution than previous versions of E-StimPlan.

Added capability to simulate “0” rate (i.e., shut-in periods) stages. This allows the simulation of cases where a preceding mini-frac may affect the spurt loss or fluid loss during a subsequent propped fracture treatment.

Analysis Module (Version 3.10 only) Added a capability to calculate a bottomhole pressure using a measured gauge pressure from any position in the

wellbore and correcting for hydrostatic head changes (and pipe friction) from the gauge to the perforations.

Added a “Volumes Plot” to the Frac Job Analysis. This allows a comparison of “Actual” versus “Design” Proppant Volume versus Fluid Volume for QA/QC analyses.

Added capability for the individual defined tests to be “named” and reordered for user convenience.

Improved scaling of Analysis Plots such that “zoomed” or user set scales are not lost while switching from plot-to-plot


May, 1998 Update – Version 2.62/3.02 (Release 2)

StimPlan Incorporated E-StimPlan calculations directly into WINDOWS 95/NT 32-bit version of StimPlan. Added extensive

plotting capabilities to allow easy integrated access to these more rigorous calculations.

Fix bug associated entry of fluid rheology data at shear rate conditions OTHER than the old default value of 170 re-ciprocal seconds. NOTE that the bug was associated with how the fluid data was stored in the FRK & STP files. Thus, files created with past versions of StimPlan will still have the incorrect rheology data. Simply opening the old files with this updated version will NOT repair this problem for that file; the data must be re-input.

Fixed bug with Fluid Loss Input. If when inputting Multiple Layer Fluid Loss Data a “blank” line was left in the input dialog, this was carried over to the simulator as a “0” thickness fluid loss layer, and in some cases caused errors or bombs.

Fixed problems associated with FORTRAN compiler. We have discovered (and received from you) several cases where the optimizing feature of the newest Microsoft FORTRAN compiler was causing significant changes in the results! For this release, this problem has been “cured” by not using optimized code. This has an impact on solution speed, of course, but the speed reduction is only significant for E-StimPlan. Alternative compilers will now be in-vestigated, and another E-StimPlan version scheduled as soon as possible to correct this.

Analysis Module (Version 3.02 only) Added an option to “Shift” the StimPlan stress layer input to match the closure pressure determined in the Analysis

Module. When net pressure data is “Transferred” from Analysis to StimPlan, a prompt will open allowing the option to shift the input Stress Layering Data. Note that this will NOT alter the stress differences, etc. It simply “shifts” the entire stress profile and thus has little impact on the actual calculations (height growth, net pressure, etc.).

Fix minor bug in “Frac Job Test Type”. With previous version, the input actual data was changed to a schedule with “Constant PPG” steps, and the average PPG (and pump rate) between selected time points was automatically calculated. In the “Schedule Dialog”, however, this was sometimes marked as a “Fluid Volume Ramp” type schedule. Since the “ramps” went, for example, from 2.4 PPG to 2.4 PPG, this really had no effect on the calculations; however, the transferred pump schedule is now ALWAYS correctly marked as a “Constant PPG” type schedule.

July 29, 1998 Update – Version 2.62/3.02 (Release 2)

StimPlan Fix bug involving automatic design feature of 3-D simulator. After iterating to a new design, the modified pump

schedule was not correctly transferred into the input data. The output information (plots, reports, StimPlan.PRN) did reflect the results from the revised pump schedule, however, the actual input data which one would access from “Simulator Data”, “Proppant Schedule” was NOT being updated with the modified schedule. Since this resulted in the input data and the output results being uncoordinated, this was considered a major bug and this was the basis for this update.

Fix minor bug involving accessing the plot “Settings” for the Contour Plots following an E-StimPlan simulation.


Changes - StimPlan 2.62/3.02 - December, 1997

StimPlan Added ability for StimPlan file to contain multiple pump schedules. Also, as net pressure data is imported using

“File” “Load Measured Data” command OR “Transferred” from Analysis Module, the net pressure data is tied to a selected pump schedule. When that pump schedule is the selected for 3-D simulation, the appropriate net pressure data is automatically overlaid on all plots. WARNING – Late in the development process, a “weakness” was discovered in how this capability is implemented. StimPlan data can still be saved in two types of disk files: a) FRK files contain all the 3-D model input data such as stresses, modulus, etc., but a FRK file only contains ONE pump schedule, that being the “active” schedule at the time the FRK file was saved, and b) STP files which contain all the FRK data, plus all defined pump schedules, and also any data used in the Analysis Module. HOWEVER, the defined fluid rheology data is saved in both FRK & STP files, and this creates a potential problem. Assume you define a pump schedule which uses a 100 cp fluid defined as “Fluid Type 1”, and a 200 cp fluid defined as “Fluid Type 2”, and this is saved in MYFILE-1.FRK. Now assume we define a second pump schedule, and as part of this definition, we alter the definition of “Fluid Type 1” to be a 1,000 cp fluid, and this is saved as MYFILE-2.STP. If we later open the MYFILE-1.FRK file, our redefined “Fluid Type 1” is returned to its 100 cp values ! This weakness will be addressed in a future release. Until then, Please Be Careful how you use, save, open etc., the FRK files !

Major modifications to input dialogs including a “tabs” type display, more natural spreadsheet type cursor movement for much of the data input, and easier keyboard navigation. The Layered Stress Dialog was also significantly altered to allow easier data input.

Added extensive additional hypertext help system (Netscape Navigator OR Internet Explorer MSUT be available on computer to access this), and also added “Tips” to highlight new features.

Added ability to directly transfer results from StimPlan to our spreadsheet or word processor (Netscape Navigator OR Internet Explorer MSUT be available on computer to use this feature)

Cut/Paste graphic quality significantly improved for all plots.

Rheology input to allow user defined “Time At Temperature” steps for rheology data; input also modified to allow input at user defines shear rate conditions.

Fix minor bug in 3-D Simulator that could cause simply “shifting” the entire stress profile Up/down to slightly change net pressure results. This occurred due to some code intended only for foam fluids being active, even if foam was not used, resulting in a slightly different automatic time step generation, causing a small change in results (where for an incompressible fluid there should have been NO change).

Analysis Module (Version 3.02 only) Added “Real Time” option for importing data during actual operations. This option allows continuous background

data import while leaving all analysis and simulator functions fully available. Use of the analysis and 3-D Simulator package is IDENTICAL for “Real Time” or “Post-Analysis” operations.

Added “Quick Delete” feature to Data Plot to make removing single bad data points easy.

Added feature where mouse cursor changes appearance when pointed at a line, data point, etc. (anything that can be “grabbed” and moved) to make plot analysis easier.

Ability when “Transfer Net Pressure” is used to tie that net pressure data to a particular pump schedule. When that pump schedule is identified as the “active” schedule and simulated with the 3-D model, the associated net pressure is automatically overlaid on the simulator results.

Fix minor bug in “Frac Job Test Type”. With previous version, the input actual data was changed to a schedule with “Constant PPG” steps, and the average PPG (and pump rate) between selected time points was automatically calculated. In the “Schedule Dialog”, however, this was sometimes marked as a “Fluid Volume Ramp” type schedule. Since the “ramps” went, for example, from 2.4 PPG to 2.4 PPG, this really had no effect on the calculations, however, the transferred pump schedule is now ALWAYS correctly marked as a “Constant PPG” type schedule.


StimPlan 2.61/3.01 (Release 2) Fix minor bug which sometimes caused incorrect printout of “Time-To-Close” in Summary Results

Fix problem where input of a fracture initiation interval covering several thin, higher stress, zones could cause artificially high Pnet to be calculated, & thus cause excessive height growth predictions. This bug originated with Version 2.61, and can only occur for complex input geology such as seen in the figure at right

Minor improvements to “auto-“ convergence control (improvements are based on cases sent to us where several manual inputs were required to find a set of simulator control inputs allowing the simulator to converge, we encourage everyone to send us such cases so we can continue to improve the automatic convergence algorithms)

Added Output Control for all plots (fonts, line size, symbol type, colors, etc.) - Simply “right click” anywhere on plot to open tabbed dialog allowing this control

Added extensive hypertext help system (Netscape Navigator MSUT be available on computer to access this)

Added ability to directly transfer results from StimPlan to our spreadsheet or word processor (Netscape Navigator MSUT be available on computer to use this feature)

Analysis Module (Version 3.01 only) Added Log-t / log-p plot for decline analysis

Added derivative to most analysis plots

Added ability to treat Propped Fracture Treatment as a “test type” and transfer actual propped fracture treatment data (volumes, rates, proppant concentration, etc.) directly to StimPlan Simulator

Added ability to “Carry Over” Extension Pressure from Step-Rate Test Plot to other analysis plots

Added Output Control for all plots (fonts, line size, symbol type, colors, etc.) - Simply “right click” anywhere on graph screen to open tabbed dialog giving allow this control

Added ability to place a “Marker Line” on Data Plot to assist in aligning various Time Series in time

Increased allowable name lengths of “Time Series” and “Variables”

Added a “Quick Delete” Mode to the Data Plot to making deleting individual, “bad”, data points quick & easy

Changes - StimPlan 2.61/3.01 - August, 1996 StimPlan

fix major bug which, for some cases, caused problems if fracture initiation interval was specified as different from perforated interval

improved numerical convergence for high fluid loss cases, or for cases where rate is reduced late during a simulation (changes allow simulation to take time step with "0" length and/or height growth)

added cut/paste for all plots (WINDOWS 95/NT/Macintosh only)

E-StimPlan

E-StimPlan Released - Version 2.61

Analysis Module (Version 3.01 Only)

added linear "ISIP" Plot to Decline Analysis added ability to "Append" data files one to another while importing raw data added cut/paste for all plots improved capabilities for selecting rate/pressure data points for Step-Rate Analysis, rate/pressure data pair selection now allows

for an "ISIP" at the end of a rate step added capability for importing existing FracTest data files fixed bug which sometimes caused scaling problems with pressure decline, "Type Curve", analysis

stimplan version 7.10 & beyond ipad

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