<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?><article xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<front>
<journal-meta>
<journal-id>0122-5383</journal-id>
<journal-title><![CDATA[CT&F - Ciencia, Tecnología y Futuro]]></journal-title>
<abbrev-journal-title><![CDATA[C.T.F Cienc. Tecnol. Futuro]]></abbrev-journal-title>
<issn>0122-5383</issn>
<publisher>
<publisher-name><![CDATA[Instituto Colombiano del Petróleo (ICP) - ECOPETROL S.A.]]></publisher-name>
</publisher>
</journal-meta>
<article-meta>
<article-id>S0122-53832009000100004</article-id>
<title-group>
<article-title xml:lang="en"><![CDATA[METHODOLOGY TO CALCULATE THE FRACTURE GRADIENT IN A TECTONICALLY ACTIVE ZONE: AN APPLICATION IN COLOMBIAN FOOTHILLS]]></article-title>
</title-group>
<contrib-group>
<contrib contrib-type="author">
<name>
<surname><![CDATA[Contreras]]></surname>
<given-names><![CDATA[Oscar-M]]></given-names>
</name>
<xref ref-type="aff" rid="A01"/>
</contrib>
<contrib contrib-type="author">
<name>
<surname><![CDATA[Corzo]]></surname>
<given-names><![CDATA[Reinel]]></given-names>
</name>
<xref ref-type="aff" rid="A02"/>
</contrib>
<contrib contrib-type="author">
<name>
<surname><![CDATA[Saavedra]]></surname>
<given-names><![CDATA[Néstor-F]]></given-names>
</name>
<xref ref-type="aff" rid="A02"/>
</contrib>
<contrib contrib-type="author">
<name>
<surname><![CDATA[Calderón]]></surname>
<given-names><![CDATA[Zuly-H]]></given-names>
</name>
<xref ref-type="aff" rid="A03"/>
</contrib>
</contrib-group>
<aff id="A01">
<institution><![CDATA[,Universidad Industrial de Santander, UIS  ]]></institution>
<addr-line><![CDATA[Bucaramanga Santander]]></addr-line>
<country>Colombia</country>
</aff>
<aff id="A02">
<institution><![CDATA[,Instituto Colombiano de Petróleo  ]]></institution>
<addr-line><![CDATA[Bucaramanga Santander]]></addr-line>
<country>Colombia</country>
</aff>
<aff id="A03">
<institution><![CDATA[,Universidad Industrial de Santander  ]]></institution>
<addr-line><![CDATA[Bucaramanga Santander]]></addr-line>
<country>Colombia</country>
</aff>
<pub-date pub-type="pub">
<day>01</day>
<month>12</month>
<year>2009</year>
</pub-date>
<pub-date pub-type="epub">
<day>01</day>
<month>12</month>
<year>2009</year>
</pub-date>
<volume>3</volume>
<numero>5</numero>
<fpage>53</fpage>
<lpage>66</lpage>
<copyright-statement/>
<copyright-year/>
<self-uri xlink:href="http://www.scielo.org.co/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&amp;pid=S0122-53832009000100004&amp;lng=en&amp;nrm=iso"></self-uri><self-uri xlink:href="http://www.scielo.org.co/scielo.php?script=sci_abstract&amp;pid=S0122-53832009000100004&amp;lng=en&amp;nrm=iso"></self-uri><self-uri xlink:href="http://www.scielo.org.co/scielo.php?script=sci_pdf&amp;pid=S0122-53832009000100004&amp;lng=en&amp;nrm=iso"></self-uri><abstract abstract-type="short" xml:lang="en"><p><![CDATA[Fracture gradient estimates are fundamental to predict the pressure required to hydraulically fracture a formation. The main objective of this work is to propose a new methodology to calculate a fracture gradient value based on the application of two new different methods: Pseudo-Overburden Stress Method and Effective Stress Method. These new methods were obtained by modifying and improving two approaches proposed in the literature, putting them in a logic and systematic order, making possible their application to onshore wells, incorporating a new function to calculate calibration constants with the less associated uncertainty, and broadening their scope of application to involve formations at depths different from the initial calibration depths by including a new sub-process. Furthermore, they involve input field parameters: fracture gradient, vertical stress and pore pressure, which describe the geomechanical conditions of the formation. This methodology is validated in the Mirador Superior and Barco formations in Colombian Foothills. Results are compared to values obtained from MinifracTM field data. Application of this methodology allows prediction of reliable fracture gradient values.]]></p></abstract>
<abstract abstract-type="short" xml:lang="es"><p><![CDATA[Estimaciones del gradiente de fractura son fundamentales en la predicción de la presión requerida para fracturar una formación hidráulicamente. El principal objetivo de este trabajo consiste en proponer una nueva metodología para calcular un valor de gradiente de fractura basado en la aplicación de dos nuevos y diferentes métodos: Pseudo-Overburden Stress Method y Effective Stress Method. Estos nuevos métodos fueron obtenidos modificando y mejorando dos métodos propuestos en la literatura, acondicionándolos en un orden lógico y sistemático, haciendo posible su aplicación a pozos onshore, incorporando una nueva función para calcular constantes de calibración con la menor incertidumbre asociada, y ampliando su campo de aplicación para involucrar formaciones a profundidades diferentes a las de la calibración inicial al incluir un nuevo subproceso. Adicionalmente, estos métodos incorporan parámetros de entrada como gradiente de fractura, esfuerzo vertical y presión de poro, los cuales describen las condiciones geomecánicas de la formación. Esta metodología es validada en las formaciones Mirador Superior y Barco en el Piedemonte Colombiano. Los resultados de esta metodología son comparados con los valores de obtenidos de pruebas MinifracTM. La aplicación de esta metodología permite la predicción de valores confiables de gradiente de fractura.]]></p></abstract>
<abstract abstract-type="short" xml:lang="pt"><p><![CDATA[Estimações do gradiente de fratura são fundamentais na predição da pressão requerida para fraturar uma formação hidraulicamente. O principal objetivo deste trabalho consiste em propor uma nova metodologia para calcular um valor de gradiente de fratura baseado na aplicação de dois novos e diferentes métodos: Pseudo-Overburden Stress Method e Effective Stress Method. Estes novos métodos foram obtidos modificando e melhorando dois métodos propostos na literatura, acondicionando-os em uma ordem lógica e sistemática, fazendo possível a sua aplicação a poços onshore, incorporando uma nova função para calcular constantes de calibração com a menor incerteza associada, e ampliando o seu campo de aplicação para envolver formações a profundidades diferentes às da calibração inicial ao incluir um novo sub-processo. Adicionalmente, estes métodos incorporam parâmetros de entrada como gradiente de fratura, esforço vertical e pressão de poro, os quais descrevem as condições geomecânicas da formação. Esta metodologia é validada nas formações Mirador Superior e Barco no Pé de Montanha Colombiano. Os resultados desta metodologia são comparados com os valores de obtidos de provas MinifracTM. A aplicação desta metodologia permite a predição de valores confiáveis de gradiente de fratura.]]></p></abstract>
<kwd-group>
<kwd lng="en"><![CDATA[hydraulic fracturing]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="en"><![CDATA[fracture gradient]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="en"><![CDATA[foothills]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="en"><![CDATA[Colombia]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="en"><![CDATA[Mirador Superior]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="en"><![CDATA[Barco]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="en"><![CDATA[Effective Stress Method]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="en"><![CDATA[Pseudo-Overburden Stress Method.]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="es"><![CDATA[fracturamiento hidráulico]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="es"><![CDATA[gradiente de fractura]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="es"><![CDATA[Piedemonte]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="es"><![CDATA[Colombia]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="es"><![CDATA[Mirador Superior]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="es"><![CDATA[Barco]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="pt"><![CDATA[fraturamento hidráulico]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="pt"><![CDATA[gradiente de fratura]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="pt"><![CDATA[Pé de Montanha]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="pt"><![CDATA[Colômbia]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="pt"><![CDATA[Mirador Superior]]></kwd>
<kwd lng="pt"><![CDATA[Barco]]></kwd>
</kwd-group>
</article-meta>
</front><body><![CDATA[  <font face="Verdana" size="3"> <font size="4">    <p align="center"><b>METHODOLOGY TO CALCULATE THE FRACTURE GRADIENT IN A TECTONICALLY     ACTIVE ZONE: AN APPLICATION IN COLOMBIAN FOOTHILLS</b></p></font> 	 <font size="2">    <p align="center"><b>Oscar-M. Contreras<sup>1*</sup>,&nbsp; Reinel Corzo<sup>2</sup>, N&eacute;stor-F. Saavedra<sup>2</sup> and Zuly-H. Calder&oacute;n<sup>3</sup></b></p>      <p align="center"><sup>1</sup>Convenio Ecopetrol S.A. - Universidad Industrial de Santander, UIS, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia     <br>   <sup>2</sup> Ecopetrol S.A. -Instituto Colombiano de Petr&oacute;leo, A.A. 4185 Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia    <br>   <sup>3</sup> Universidad Industrial de Santander, Facultad de Ingenier&iacute;as F&iacute;sico-Qu&iacute;micas, Bucaramanga,  Santander,  Colombia</p>        <p align="center">e-mail: <a href="mailto:o.contreras@ucalgary.ca">o.contreras@ucalgary.ca</a>&nbsp; </p>      <p align="center"><b></b><i>(</i><i>Received April 30, 2008</i><i>; </i><i>Accepted September 16, 2009</i><i>)</i></p>      <p align="center"><i>* Now with the University of Calgary. To whom correspondence may be addressed.</i></p></font>  <hr>      <p><b>ABSTRACT</b></p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p>Fracture gradient estimates are   fundamental to predict the pressure required to hydraulically fracture a   formation. The main objective of this work is to propose a new methodology to   calculate a fracture gradient value based on the application of two new   different methods: Pseudo-Overburden Stress Method and Effective Stress Method.   These new methods were obtained by modifying and improving two approaches   proposed in the literature, putting them in a logic and systematic order,   making possible their application to onshore wells, incorporating a new   function to calculate calibration constants with the less associated   uncertainty, and broadening their scope of application to involve formations at   depths different from the initial calibration depths by including a new   sub-process. Furthermore, they involve input field parameters: fracture   gradient, vertical stress and pore pressure, which describe the geomechanical   conditions of the formation. This methodology is validated in the Mirador   Superior and Barco formations in Colombian Foothills. Results are compared to   values obtained from Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> field data. Application of this   methodology allows prediction of reliable fracture gradient values. </p>     <p><i><b><i>Keywords</i></b><i>: </i><i>hydraulic fracturing</i><i>, </i><i>fracture gradient</i><i>, </i><i>foothills</i><i>, </i><i>Colombia</i><i>, </i><i>Mirador Superior</i><i>, </i><i>Barco</i><i>, </i><i>Effective Stress Method</i><i>, </i><i>Pseudo-Overburden Stress     Method.</i></i></p> <hr>     <p><b>RESUMEN</b></p>     <p>Estimaciones del gradiente de   fractura son fundamentales en la predicci&oacute;n de la presi&oacute;n requerida para   fracturar una formaci&oacute;n hidr&aacute;ulicamente. El principal objetivo de este trabajo   consiste en proponer una nueva metodolog&iacute;a para calcular un valor de gradiente   de fractura basado en la aplicaci&oacute;n de dos nuevos y diferentes m&eacute;todos:   Pseudo-Overburden Stress Method&nbsp; y Effective Stress Method. Estos nuevos   m&eacute;todos fueron obtenidos modificando y mejorando dos m&eacute;todos propuestos en la   literatura, acondicion&aacute;ndolos en un orden l&oacute;gico y sistem&aacute;tico,&nbsp; haciendo   posible su aplicaci&oacute;n a pozos onshore, incorporando una nueva funci&oacute;n para   calcular constantes de calibraci&oacute;n con la menor incertidumbre asociada, y   ampliando su campo de aplicaci&oacute;n para&nbsp; involucrar formaciones a   profundidades diferentes a las de la calibraci&oacute;n inicial al incluir un nuevo   subproceso. Adicionalmente, estos m&eacute;todos incorporan par&aacute;metros de entrada como   gradiente de fractura, esfuerzo vertical y presi&oacute;n de poro, los cuales   describen las condiciones geomec&aacute;nicas de la formaci&oacute;n. Esta metodolog&iacute;a es   validada en las formaciones Mirador Superior y Barco en el Piedemonte   Colombiano. Los resultados de esta metodolog&iacute;a son comparados con los valores   de obtenidos de pruebas Minifrac<sup>TM</sup>. La aplicaci&oacute;n de esta   metodolog&iacute;a permite la predicci&oacute;n de valores confiables de gradiente de   fractura.&nbsp; </p>     <p><i><b><i>Palabras   Clave</i></b><i>: </i>fracturamiento hidr&aacute;ulico, gradiente de fractura, Piedemonte, Colombia, Mirador Superior, Barco. </i></p> <hr>     <p><b>RESUMEN</b></p>     <p>Estima&ccedil;&otilde;es do gradiente de fratura   s&atilde;o fundamentais na predi&ccedil;&atilde;o da press&atilde;o requerida para fraturar uma forma&ccedil;&atilde;o   hidraulicamente. O principal objetivo deste trabalho consiste em propor uma   nova metodologia para calcular um valor de gradiente de fratura baseado na   aplica&ccedil;&atilde;o de dois novos e diferentes m&eacute;todos: Pseudo-Overburden Stress   Method&nbsp; e Effective Stress Method. Estes novos m&eacute;todos foram obtidos   modificando e melhorando dois m&eacute;todos propostos na literatura,   acondicionando-os em uma ordem l&oacute;gica e sistem&aacute;tica,&nbsp; fazendo poss&iacute;vel a   sua aplica&ccedil;&atilde;o a po&ccedil;os onshore, incorporando uma nova fun&ccedil;&atilde;o para calcular   constantes de calibra&ccedil;&atilde;o com a menor incerteza associada, e ampliando o seu   campo de aplica&ccedil;&atilde;o para&nbsp; envolver forma&ccedil;&otilde;es a profundidades diferentes &agrave;s   da calibra&ccedil;&atilde;o inicial ao incluir um novo sub-processo. Adicionalmente, estes   m&eacute;todos incorporam par&acirc;metros de entrada como gradiente de fratura, esfor&ccedil;o   vertical e press&atilde;o de poro, os quais descrevem as condi&ccedil;&otilde;es geomec&acirc;nicas da   forma&ccedil;&atilde;o. Esta metodologia &eacute; validada nas forma&ccedil;&otilde;es Mirador Superior e Barco no   P&eacute; de Montanha Colombiano. Os resultados desta metodologia s&atilde;o comparados com   os valores de obtidos de provas Minifrac<sup>TM</sup>. A aplica&ccedil;&atilde;o desta   metodologia permite a predi&ccedil;&atilde;o de valores confi&aacute;veis de gradiente de   fratura.</p>     <p><i><b>Palavras Chave</b>:   fraturamento   hidr&aacute;ulico, gradiente   de fratura, P&eacute; de   Montanha, Col&ocirc;mbia,   Mirador Superior,   Barco. </i></p> <hr>     <p><b>NOMENCLATURE</b></p>     <p><i>gf</i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fracture   gradient (psi/ft)</p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p><i>Pf</i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Formation   fracture pressure (psi)</p>     <p><i>D</i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Formation depth   (ft)</p>     <p><i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Surface pseudo   porosity (dimensionless) </p>     <p><i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Declination Pseudo   porosity (1/ft) </p>     <p>&sigma;<i><sub>pseudo</sub></i> Pseudo-Overburden stress (psi)</p>     <p><i>&sigma;<sub>&nu;</sub></i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vertical stress   (psi)</p>     <p>&rho;<i><sub>g</sub></i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Grain density (lb/ft<sup>3</sup>)</p>     <p>&rho;<i><sub>f </sub></i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Formation fluid density (lb/ft)</p>     <p>&rho;<sub>w</sub>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Water density (lb/ft<sup>3</sup>)</p>     <p><i>D<sub>w</sub></i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Water depth (ft)</p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p><i>g</i> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gravity   constant (ft/sec<sup>2</sup>)</p>     <p>&sigma;<i><sub>f</sub></i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fracture stress (psi)</p>     <p>&sigma;<i><sub>p</sub></i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pore pressure (psi)</p>     <p>&sigma;<i><sub>v</sub></i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vertical Stress (psi)</p>     <p><i>K</i> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stress ratio   Constant (dimensionless)</p>     <p><i>g<sub>f</sub></i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fracture   Gradient (psi/ft)</p>     <p><i>g<sub>v</sub></i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vertical stress   gradient (psi/ft)</p>     <p><i>g<sub>p</sub></i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pore pressure   gradient (psi/ft)</p>     <p><b>INTRODUCTION</b></p>     <p>Increasing the hydrocarbon   production has been the essence over the last few years and, therefore,   different strategies have been implemented to make reservoirs even more productive.   One of the most effective strategies is the hydraulic fracturing, a   stimulation method involving fracturing the productive strata by injecting a   fluid at high pressure. The induced fracture is maintained open with a propping   agent, and the high permeability propped fracture facilitates hydrocarbon flow   to the well face. This stimulation method is mostly applied in wells that   evidence near-wellbore damage (presence of a positive Skin) or in those wells   in low permeability formations. Usually, the service companies executing the   hydraulic fracturing operation reports fracture gradients values based on ISIP   data (Instantaneous Shut-In Pressure). This means that pressure drops caused by   tortuosity and perforation friction are not considered in this paper and,   fracture gradient values are based on ISIP values.</p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p>Several publications (Salz,   1979; Anderson, R. A., Ingram, D. S., &amp; Zanier, A. M. (1973). <i>et al.,</i> 1973; Eaton, 1969; Zoback, 2007; Hubbert and Willis, 1956) have proposed   different methods for calculating the fracture gradient value, all   corresponding to direct prediction methods (correlations). Values obtained from   application of these methods do not reflect specific strata characteristics   because they are purely correlative; this can result in erroneous calculation   of the fracture gradient value and inappropriate selection of surface   equipment. To circumvent the former situation, it is more effective to use   methods that relate the fracture gradient calculation to the values obtained   from field test in specifics zones in order to ensure an explicit calibration   of the calculation method, as presented in this work.</p>     <p>This article proposes and   implements a new me-thodology for fracture gradient calculation involving two   new methods: the Pseudo-Overburden Stress Method and the Effective Stress   Method. The objective of this methodology is to predict a fracture gradient   value with the least uncertainty for the well of interest by selecting the   greatest of the two fracture gradient values obtained from the two methods   (this leads to a more conservative design). This methodology is thus adjusted   according to the conditions prevailing during the prediction process.</p>     <p>The two methods involved were   selected based mainly on the following criteria:</p>   <ul>     <li>The two methods are   calibrated from real target strata characteristics, leading to predictions with   less uncertainty. These facts overcome the limitations of the traditional   methods.</li>     <li>The fracture gradient,   vertical stress, and pore pressure values of the offset wells used in   calibration of the methods represent the specific geomechanical conditions of   the formations of interest.</li>     <li>Input data such as Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> field data and geomechanical parameters required by the methods (which are   distinctive input data of the two involved methods) are available in the field,   and are generally considered to be reliable values.</li>     <li>The Pseudo-Overburden Stress   Method proposed here is based on the method of Rocha and Bourgoyne (1996). This   new method, in contrast to the base method, is applicable to wells without   water columns (onshore wells), exhibits a logic and systematic order,   incorporates a new function &quot;Selection <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>&nbsp;and <i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>&nbsp;(1)&quot;   to calculate calibration constants with the less associated uncertainty, and   includes a new subprocess &quot;ME&quot; which allows involving formations at depths   different from the initial calibration depths.</li>       </ul>     <p>The Effective Stress Method is   based on the method of Brennan and Annis (1984). This new method, in contrast to   the base method: is applied to non-over-pressured formations, exhibits a logic   and systematic order, and incorporates a new sub-process &quot;EE&quot; which allows   involving formations at depths different from the initial calibration depths. </p>     <p>The proposed methodology is   validated in the Mirador Superior and Barco Formations in a field located in   Colombian Andean Foothills. Results were compared to the values obtained from   Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> field data.</p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p><b>THEORETICAL CONCEPTS </b></p>     <p><b>Fracture Gradient</b></p>     <p>The fracture gradient is the geomechanical   parameter that determines the necessary pressure to be applied to fracture the   formation (Fjaer, Holt, Horsrud, Raaen &amp; Risnes,1996):</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i1.jpg"><a name="equ1"></a></p>     <p>The fracture gradient together   with the losses due to friction and hydrostatic pressure are the base to obtain   the surface treatment pressure, and, therefore, the required hydraulic power. </p>     <p><b>Calculation of the Fracture   Gradient by Field Tests </b></p>     <p>Different field tests such as   Leak-Off (LOT) (Altun, Langlinais &amp; Bourgoyne Jr., 2001), Extended Leak-Off   (ELOT) (Addis, Yassir, Willoughby &amp; Enever, 1998), Step-Rate Test (SRT)   (Singh,&nbsp; Agarwal&nbsp;&amp; Krase, 1987) and Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> are   conducted in field to determine the fracture gradient.</p>     <p><b>Method of Rocha and   Bourgoyne (1996)</b></p>     <p>This method is based on a   compaction model that considers the depth of each well in presence of water   column. The Pseudo-Overburden stress expression is calibrated with the value of   the two constants (<i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub>&nbsp;</i>and <i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>)which   characterize the target formation. Model   development begins expressing the formation porosity as follows:</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i2.jpg"><a name="equ2"></a></p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p>The Pseudo-Overburden Stress is   calculated by integrating volumetric density in depth considering the   contribution of the water column. The   result is presented as follows:</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i3.jpg"><a name="equ3"></a></p>     <p>This method begins with the   calculation of the Pseudo-Overburden stress corresponding to each well of   interest. Then, a graph is drawn with these points in one axis and the fracture   stress values obtained from LOT in the other axis. The objective is to find the   values corresponding to the constants <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>&nbsp;and <i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>&nbsp;for   which the slope of the trend line obtained in the curve equals to 1.0. This   indicates that the Pseudo-Overburden stress is equal to the fracture stress.</p>     <p><b>Method of Brennan and Annis   (1984)</b></p>     <p>This method is based on the   theory proposed by Hubbert and Willis (1956).The generalized form is presented   as follows: </p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i4.jpg"><a name="equ4"></a></p>     <p>This method consists in finding   a function that relates the effective fracture stress to the effective vertical   stress for a set of calibration wells located in the vicinity of the well of   interest. This ratio is applied to estimate the fracture gradient value in the   well of interest. The fracture stress value is obtained from LOT.</p>     <p>If <i><a href="#equ4">Equation 4</a></i> is divided by depth, the basic form of the equation becomes:</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i5.jpg"><a name="equ5"></a></p>     <p>The stress ratio constant can   also be expressed in function of gradients:</p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i6.jpg"><a name="equ6"></a></p>     <p>Fracture gradient with   application of the <i><a href="#equ5">Equation 5</a></i> can be predicted if a curve   illustrating effective fracture gradient vs. vertical effective stress gradient   with a defined slope line is observed. If no direct relation is found between   the stress gradient values, a specific correlation to relate them is designed   as follows:</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i7.jpg"><a name="equ7"></a></p>     <p>Isolating the fracture gradient:</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i8.jpg"><a name="equ8"></a></p>     <p>This method consists in finding   a defined value for the stress ratio constant by graphing the effective   fracture gradients vs. effective vertical stress gradients of calibration wells   and obtaining the slope of the curve. Then, it is possible to apply the <i><a href="#equ4">Equation 4</a></i>. If a defined value for the curve slope cannot be found, the next   step is to find a specific correlation for these two effective stress values. </p>     <p><b>PROPOSED METHODOLOGY</b></p>     <p>The proposed methodology to   estimate fracture gradient involves two new methods:</p>   <ul>     <li>Pseudo-Overburden Stress Method</li>     <li>Effective Stress Method</li>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[</ul>     <p>These new methods were developed   based on the methods proposed by Rocha and Bourgoyne (1996) and Brennan and   Annis (1984) respectively.</p>     <p>One innovative fact considered   by this proposed methodology is including a security factor by selecting the   greatest fracture gradient value obtained after implementing the two new   methods; this allows a more conservative operation design. Underestimating the   fracture gradient value leads to an inappropriate surface equipment design for   the conduction of operations. This fact is reinforced by considering that many   hydraulic fracturing operations have failed due to insufficient hydraulic   power.</p>     <p><b>Pseudo-Overburden Stress   Method </b></p>     <p>This new method, in contrast to   the method proposed by Rocha and Bourgoyne (1996), is applicable to wells   without water columns (onshore wells), exhibits a logic and systematic order,   incorporates a new function &quot;Sele-ction <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>&nbsp;and <i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>&nbsp;(1)&quot;   to calculate calibration constants with the less associated uncertainty, and   includes a new sub-process which will be called &quot;ME&quot;, that allows involving   formations at depths different from the initial calibration depths in the   Pseudo-Overburden Stress Method.</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i9.jpg"><a name="fig1"></a></p>     <p>The new function: Selection <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>&nbsp;and <i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub>&nbsp;</i>(1), requires selecting an initial <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>&nbsp;and <i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>&nbsp;constants value range, then, through an iterative   process, it will calculate such constants with the less associated uncertainty.</p>     <p>The expression for the Pseudo-Overburden   Stress wi-thout considering water column is presented as follows:</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i10.jpg"><a name="equ9"></a></p>     <p>The calibration of this method   is based on data obtained from off-set wells with the same target formation or   eventually in formations with similar characteristics. </p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p>The Pseudo-Overburden Stress   Method is presented as follows:</p>     <p>1.&nbsp;&nbsp; Data collection   of <i>&sigma;<sub>&nu;</sub></i>, <i>&rho;</i><i><sub>g</sub></i>&nbsp;and <i>&rho;</i><i><sub>f</sub></i>&nbsp;for the calibration well and for the   prediction well at the depth of interest. </p>     <p>2.&nbsp;&nbsp; Is either LOT or Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> field data available? </p>     <p>3.&nbsp;&nbsp; Data collection   of either LOT or Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> for calibration wells.</p>     <p>4.&nbsp;&nbsp; Graph (<i>D</i>)   vs. <i>&sigma;</i><i><sub>f</sub></i>&nbsp;for the calibration wells.</p>     <p>5.&nbsp;&nbsp; Is there any   trend that shows that <i>&sigma;</i><i><sub>f</sub></i>&nbsp;increases in depth?</p>     <p>6.&nbsp;&nbsp; Feeding the   Pseudo-Overburden stress equation <i>(</i><i><a href="#equ9">Equation 9</a></i><i>)</i> with <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub>, &oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>,&nbsp; <i>D</i>, <i>&sigma;<sub>&nu;</sub></i>&nbsp;and &rho;<i><sub>g</sub></i>&nbsp;for the interest well and conduct   the prediction of <i>&sigma;</i><i><sub>f</sub></i>.</p>     <p>7.&nbsp;&nbsp; Is the value of <i>&sigma;</i><i><sub>f</sub></i>&nbsp;required at other depth?</p>     <p>8.&nbsp;&nbsp; Determine   fracture gradient value by dividing <i>&sigma;</i><i><sub>f</sub></i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; by depth (<i>D</i>).</p>     <p>9.&nbsp;&nbsp; The   Pseudo-Overburden Method is not applicable. </p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p>10.Finding directly the   fracture gradient value is not possible by this method. </p>     <p><b>ME</b>: Sub-process to calculate <i>&sigma;</i><i><sub>f</sub></i>&nbsp; at a different depth from the value used in   the initial prediction. </p>     <p>A.&nbsp; Graph &sigma;<i><sub>f</sub></i>&nbsp; vs. Depth (<i>D</i>) for the calibration   wells and the well of interest at the corresponding depth. </p>     <p>B.&nbsp; Draw a trend line from   the graph obtained on A and express fracture stress in function of depth. </p>     <p>C.&nbsp; Feed the correlation   obtained on <i>B</i> with the depth at which the value of <i>&sigma;</i><i><sub>f</sub></i>&nbsp;f is desired. </p>     <p><b>Selection </b><i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>&nbsp;and <i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>&nbsp;(1)</p>     <p>S1.&nbsp; Select a range of   values for the constants <i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>&nbsp;and <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>,   as: (<i>&oslash;<sub>oi</sub></i>, <i>&oslash;<sub>of</sub></i>) and (<i>K<sub>&oslash;i</sub></i>, <i>K<sub>&oslash;f</sub></i>),   respectively, as well as the increment steps for the constant &nbsp;values: &delta;<i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>&nbsp;and &delta;<i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>.</p>     <p>S2.&nbsp; For <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>,   between <i>K<sub>&oslash;i</sub></i>&nbsp;and <i>K<sub>&oslash;f</sub></i>, with <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>&nbsp;= <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>+ &delta;<i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>, complete S3.</p>     <p>S3.&nbsp; For <i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>,   between <i>&oslash;<sub>oi</sub></i>&nbsp;and <i>&oslash;<sub>of</sub></i>, with <i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>&nbsp;= <i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>&nbsp;+ &delta;<i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>, complete from S4 to S9.</p>     <p>S4.&nbsp; Generate a set of   values where X set are the fracture stress values and the Y set are the   Pseudo-Overburden stress values <i>(</i><i><a href="#equ9">Equation 9</a></i><i>).</i></p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p>S5.&nbsp; Draw a trend line by   the minimum square value method and calculate its slope for the set of values X   and Y, calculated in S4.</p>     <p>S6.&nbsp; A set of values Y’ is   generated corresponding to the evaluation of the line obtained on S5. In   addition, a set of values Y<i><sub>ideal</sub></i>&nbsp;= X corresponding to   the unitary slope line is created. </p>     <p>S7.&nbsp; The absolute error   between the set of values Y’ and Y<i><sub>ideal</sub></i>&nbsp;is calculated. </p>     <p>S8.&nbsp; Is the error   calculated in S7 the least? </p>     <p>S9.&nbsp; Save the couple of   values (<i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub>, &oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>).</p>     <p><b>Effective Stress Method </b></p>     <p>This new method, in contrast to   the method proposed by Brennan and Annis (1984), is applied to   non-over-pressured formations, exhibits a logic and systematic order, and   incorporates a new subprocess which&nbsp; will be called &quot;EE&quot;, that allows   involving formations at depths different from the initial calibration depths in   the Effective Stress Method.</p>     <p>The Effective Stress Method is   presented as follows: </p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i11.jpg"><a name="fig2"></a></p>     <p>Where: </p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p>1.&nbsp;&nbsp; Data collection   of g<sub>p</sub>&nbsp;and (<i>g</i><i><sub>&nu;</sub></i><i>&nbsp;-     g<sub>p</sub></i>) for the   calibration wells and for the prediction well at the depth of interest. </p>     <p>2.&nbsp;&nbsp; Is either LOT or Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> field data available? </p>     <p>3.&nbsp;&nbsp; Data collection   of <i>&sigma;</i><i><sub>f</sub></i>&nbsp;and <i>g<sub>f</sub></i>&nbsp;for the   calibration wells.</p>     <p>4.&nbsp;&nbsp; Tabulate (g<i><sub>f</sub></i>&nbsp;- <i>g<sub>p</sub></i>) and (<i>g</i><i><sub>&nu;</sub></i>&nbsp;- <i>g<sub>p</sub></i>) for each calibration well.</p>     <p>5.&nbsp;&nbsp; Obtain the value   of <i>K</i> for each calibration well <i>(<a href="#equ6">Equation 6</a>).</i></p>     <p>6.&nbsp;&nbsp; Graph <i>K</i> vs. depth (<i>D</i>).</p>     <p>7.&nbsp;&nbsp; Is there uniform   trend for the <i>K</i> value in depth </p>     <p>8.&nbsp;&nbsp; (<i>K</i> =   constant)?</p>     <p>9.&nbsp;&nbsp; Graph (g<i><sub>f</sub></i>&nbsp;-   g<i><sub>p</sub></i>)&nbsp; vs. (g<sub>&nu;</sub>&nbsp;- g<i><sub>p</sub></i>)&nbsp;&nbsp;   and determine the slope which corresponds to the <i>K</i> value.</p>     <p>10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Apply the <i><a href="#equ5">Equation 5</a></i><i>.</i></p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p><i>11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </i>It is not possible to apply the<a href="#equ5"> <i>Equation 5</i></a><i>.</i></p>     <p>12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Graph (<i>g<sub>f</sub>&nbsp;-   g<sub>p</sub></i>) vs. <i>(g<sub>v</sub>&nbsp;- g<sub>p</sub></i>)&nbsp;&nbsp;   and draw a trend line. </p>     <p>13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Express   the trend line as it is presented in the <i><a href="#equ7">Equation 7</a></i><i>. </i>&nbsp;</p>     <p><i>14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </i>Solve for fracture gradient<i> (</i><i><a href="#equ8">Equation 8</a></i><i>).</i></p>     <p>15.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Feed the   equation obtained in the step 13 <i>(</i><i><a href="#equ8">Equation 8</a></i><i>)</i> with <i>g<sub>p</sub></i>&nbsp;and <i>g</i><i><sub>&nu;</sub></i>&nbsp;values for the interest well and find <i>g<sub>f</sub>.</i></p>     <p>16.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Is the <i>g<sub>f</sub></i><sub>&nbsp;</sub>value   required at a different depth?</p>     <p>17.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is not   possible to obtain the fracture gradient value directly by this method. </p>     <p><b>EE:</b> Sub-process to calculate <i>g<sub>f</sub></i><sub>&nbsp; </sub>at a different depth from the value used in the initial prediction. </p>     <p>A.&nbsp; Graph <i>&sigma;</i><i><sub>f</sub></i><sub>&nbsp;</sub>vs. Depth (<i>D</i>) for the calibration wells and   the well of interest at the corresponding depth.</p>     <p>B.&nbsp; Draw a trend line from   the graph obtained on <i>A</i> and express fracture stress in function of   depth. </p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p>C.&nbsp; Feed the correlation   obtained on <i>B</i> with the depth at which the <i>&sigma;</i><i><sub>f</sub></i><sub>&nbsp;</sub>&nbsp;value is desired.&nbsp; </p>     <p>D.&nbsp; Divide the fracture   stress value obtained on <i>C</i> by the new depth value to obtain <i>g<sub>f</sub></i>. </p>     <p><b>APPLICATION OF THE METHODOLOGY   AND RESULTS </b></p>     <p>The proposed methodology is   applied to predict the fracture gradient for Mirador Superior and Barco   formations in FHC 7 and FHC 9L wells respectively.</p>     <p><b>Calculation of the Fracture   Gradient value from the Pseudo-Overburden Stress Method</b></p>     <p>To calculate the fracture   gradient for Mirador Superior formation in FHC 7 well, 6 fracture gradient   values will be used from offset wells. Likewise, to calculate this property for   Barco formation in FHC 9L well, 4 fracture gradient values will be used. Fracture   gradient calculation for each formation will be conducted simultaneously   following the numbering system proposed: </p>     <p>1.&nbsp;&nbsp; Formation grain   density, vertical stress and fluid density values for the calibration and   prediction wells on Mirador Superior and Barco formations are presented as   follow:</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i12.jpg"><a name="tb1"></a></p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i13.jpg"><a name="tb2"></a></p>     <p>2.&nbsp;&nbsp; Minifrac<sup>TM </sup>field   data are available. Go to 3. </p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p>3.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Fracture   Stress Values from Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> field data for calibration wells are   collected. </p>     <p>4.&nbsp;&nbsp; Depth vs.   fracture stress graphs for calibration wells on Mirador Superior and Barco   formations are presented as follow:</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i14.jpg"><a name="fig3"></a></p>     <p>5.&nbsp;&nbsp; From 4, it is   possible to see an increasing trend of fracture stress in depth. This indicates   the Pseudo-Overburden Stress Method is applicable. Go to apply Selection   function <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub>&nbsp;</i>and<i> &oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>&nbsp;(1) for each   formation.</p>     <p><b>Selection <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>&nbsp;and <i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>&nbsp;(1)</b></p>     <p>The objective of the Selection <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>&nbsp;and <i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>&nbsp;(1) function is to determine the values of the <i>K<sub>&oslash; </sub></i>and <i>&oslash;<sub>o </sub></i>constants for which the Pseudo-Overburden   stress value equals to the fracture stress value. This can be obtained by   graphing Pseudo-Overburden Stress vs. fracture stress and finding a trend line   with a slope of 1.0. </p>     <p>&bull; Mirador Superior formation</p>     <p>S1. The value ranges for constants <i>K<sub>&oslash; </sub></i>and <i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>&nbsp;to be applied are the next:</p>     <p>For <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>:<i><sub>&nbsp; </sub></i>(0,00001; 0,0015)</p>     <p>For <i>&oslash;<sub>o </sub></i>:<i><sub> </sub></i>(0,9; 1,0)</p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p>With an increment step of:</p>     <p>&delta; <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>=   0,00005</p>     <p>&delta; <i>&oslash;<sub>o </sub></i>= 0,001</p>     <p>Once the program was run (from   S2 to S9), the obtained values are presented as follow: </p>     <p><i>K<sub>&oslash; </sub></i>= 0,00011</p>     <p><i>&oslash;<sub>o&nbsp; </sub></i>= 0,9</p>     <p>&bull; Barco formation</p>     <p>S1.&nbsp; The value ranges for   constants <i>K<sub>&oslash;&nbsp; </sub></i>and <i>&oslash;<sub>o </sub></i>to be applied are   the next:</p>     <p>For <i>K<sub>&oslash; </sub></i>:   (0,000002; 0,0001)</p>     <p>For <i>&oslash;<sub>o </sub></i>:   (0,8; 1,0)</p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p>With an increment step of:</p>     <p>&delta; <i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>=   0,000005</p>     <p>&delta; <i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>&nbsp;=   0,001</p>     <p>Once the program was run (from   S2 to S9), the obtained values are presented as follow: </p>     <p><i>K<sub>&oslash;</sub></i>= 0,000097</p>     <p><i>&oslash;<sub>o</sub></i>&nbsp;= 0,8</p>     <p>Go to 6.</p>     <p>6. Once the   calibration constants are obtained, it is possible to estimate the   Pseudo-Overburden Stress Value <i>(<a href="#equ3">Equation 3</a>)</i> which equals to the fracture   stress value. The results are presented as follow:</p>     <p>&bull; Mirador Superior formation</p>     <p>&sigma;<i><sub>pseudo </sub></i>= <i>&sigma;</i><i><sub>f</sub></i><i>&nbsp;</i>=&nbsp; 10936,41 psi</p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p>&bull; Barco formation</p>     <p>&sigma;<i><sub>pseudo </sub></i>= <i>&sigma;</i><i><sub>f</sub></i><i>&nbsp;</i>&nbsp;=&nbsp; 12096,22 psi</p>     <p>7. The fracture stress   value is not required at a different depth at which the test was conducted. Go to 8.</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i15.jpg"><a name="tb3"></a></p>     <p>8. If the fracture stress   values obtained on 6 are divided by their corresponding depth, fracture   gradients are obtained: </p>     <p>&bull; Mirador Superior formation</p>     <p><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i16.jpg"><a name="no1"></a></p>     <p>&bull; Barco formation</p>     <p><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i24.jpg"><a name="no2"></a></p>     <p><b>Comparison of fracture   gradients obtained from the Pseudo-Overburden Stress Method and from Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> field data</b></p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p>The fracture gradient for the   target formations in FHC 7 and FHC 9L wells are known from Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> field data. Therefore, a comparison between these values and the values   obtained by the Pseudo-Overburden Stress Method at the same depth can be   accomplished to validate the results. <a href="#tb3">Table 3</a> presents the comparison.</p>     <p><a href="#tb3">Table 3</a> reveals that fracture gradient values obtained from the Pseudo-Overburden   Stress Method are very close to that obtained from Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> field   data. This reflects the effectiveness of this method.</p>     <p><b>Calculation of fracture   gradient from the Effective Stress Method </b></p>     <p>To calculate the fracture   gradient for Mirador Superior Formation in FHC 7 well, 6 fracture gradient   values will be used from offset wells. Likewise, to calculate this property for   Barco Formation in&nbsp;&nbsp; FHC 9L well, 4 fracture gradient values will be   used. Fracture gradient calculation for each formation will be conducted   simultaneously following the numbering system proposed: </p>     <p>1.&nbsp;&nbsp; Pore pressure   gradient and vertical stress gradient for calibration and prediction wells on   Mirador Superior and Barco are presented as follow:</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i17.jpg"><a name="tb4"></a></p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i18.jpg"><a name="tb5"></a></p>     <p>2.&nbsp;&nbsp; Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> field data are available. Go to 3.</p>     <p>3.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Fracture   Stress Values from Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> field data for calibration wells are   collected.</p>     <p>4.&nbsp;&nbsp; Effective   fracture gradient values and effective vertical stress gradient values for each   well are calculated. </p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p>5.&nbsp;&nbsp; The value   corresponding to the stress constant ratio value <i>(<a href="#equ6">Equation 6</a>)</i> for   calibration wells in each formation is determined. </p>     <p>6.&nbsp;&nbsp; Stress constant   ratio in depth for calibration wells on Mirador Superior and Barco formations.</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i19.jpg"><a name="fig4"></a></p>     <p>7.&nbsp;&nbsp; From 6, it is   possible to observe that the stress constant ratio (<i>K</i>) is not a constant   value. Go to 10.</p>     <p>10.&nbsp;   Since the stress constant ratio (<i>K</i>) is not a constant,&nbsp; <a href="#equ5">equation 5</a> cannot be applied. Go to 11.</p>     <p>11.   &nbsp;After graphing effective fracture gradient vs. effective vertical stress   gradient, it is possible to obtain the trends lines (which will be expressed   mathematically on 12). Go to 12.</p>     <p>12. The   relationship between the effective fracture gradient and effective vertical   stress gradient (based on trend lines) for each formation is presented as   follow: </p>     <p>&bull; Mirador Superior Formation </p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i20.jpg"><a name="equ10"></a></p>     <p>&bull; Barco formation</p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i21.jpg"><a name="equ11"></a></p>     <p>13. Solving the expressions   obtained on12 for fracture gradient: </p>     <p>&bull; Mirador Superior Formation</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i22.jpg"><a name="equ12"></a></p>     <p>&bull; Barco formation</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i23.jpg"><a name="equ13"></a></p>     <p>14.   Solving the equations obtained on 13 with the values of pore pressure gradient   and effective vertical stress gradient of the prediction wells for each   formation:</p>     <p>&bull; Mirador Superior formation</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i16.jpg"><a name="no3"></a></p>     <p>&bull; Barco formation</p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i24.jpg"><a name="no4"></a></p>     <p>15. The fracture gradient value   is not required at a different depth at which the test was   conducted.</p>     <p><b>Comparison of fracture   gradients obtained from the Effective Stress Method and from Minifrac<sup>TM </sup>field   data</b></p>     <p>The fracture gradients for FHC   7 and FHC 9L wells are known from Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> field data. Therefore,   a comparison between these values and the values obtained by the Effective   Stress Method at the same depth can be accomplished to validate the results. <a href="#tb6">Table 6</a> presents the comparison:</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i25.jpg"><a name="tb6"></a></p>     <p><a href="#tb6">Table 6</a> reveals that fracture gradient values obtained from the Effective Stress Method   are very close to that obtained from Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> field data. This   reflects the effectiveness of this method.</p>     <p><b>Selection of fracture   gradient values for the prediction wells</b></p>     <p>As the final stage of this   methodology, and it was former mentioned, the greatest fracture gradient values   corresponding to each formation are selected and presented as follow:</p>     <p align="center"><img src="img/revistas/ctyf/v3n5/v3n5a4i26.jpg"><a name="tb7"></a></p>     <p><b>RESULT ANALYSIS</b></p>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p>For the Mirador Superior   Fomation, the fracture gra-dient value obtained from the Pseudo-Overburden   Stress Method and the Effective Stress Method was the same (i.e., 0,74 psi/ft),   and this was the value selected as definitive. For the Barco Formation, the   definitive fracture gradient value selected by the methodology corresponds to   the value obtained by the Pseudo-Overburden Stress Method (i.e., 0,77 psi/ft). Due   to this, it was greater than that obtained by the Effective Stress Method.</p>     <p>The quantitative comparison   between the fracture gradient values obtained from the proposed methodolo-gy   and that obtained from Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> field data, reveals error   percentages of 4,22% and 1,31% respectively. This demonstrates the   effectiveness of the methodology.</p>     <p>The fracture gradient values   obtained from this new methodology overestimate the values obtained from   Minifrac<sup>TM</sup> tests. For practical purposes, the fact of overestimating   the fracture gradient value leads to ensure the success of the treatment in a   higher measure, since this value conditions the operational design (hydraulic   power requirements) to accomplish the treatment.</p>     <p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b></p> <ul>     <li>This paper   proposes a new methodology to calculate a fracture gradient value involving two   new methods: Pseudo-Overburden Stress Method and Effective Stress Method. A   reliable fracture gradient value with low associated uncertainty was obtained   from this methodology. </li>     <li>Despite the   different considerations which each method is based on, the fracture gradient   values obtained from them for the Barco formation are considerably closed   (i.e., 0,73 and 0,77 psi/ft) and for Mirador Superior formation are the same   (i.e., 0,74 psi/ft). </li>     <li>The methodology   proposed in this paper can be applied in formations with different   characteristics to that presented in this work, this due to the fact that two   new methods that compose the methodology are calibrated from real   characteristics of the target formation, leading to predictions based on real   formation conditions.</li>     <li>The fact that the   fracture gradient values obtained from this methodology are not very high at   all despite the issue that Colombian Andean Foothills experiments strike-slip   Faulting Regime is a subjective matter. This because it has been proved in some   geomechanical studies in Colombian Fields (Mateus, Corzo, Garc&iacute;a &amp; Mar&iacute;n,   2008) that even in fields which experiment Normal Faulting, fracture gradient   values reach values up to 0,9 psi/ft.</li>     <li>The <i>K<sub>&oslash;&nbsp; </sub></i>and <i>&oslash;<sub>o </sub></i>values obtained from the Pseudo-Overburden   Stress Method and the ratios between the vertical and horizontal stress   gradients obtained from the Effective Stress Method for Mirador Superior and   Barco formations can be extrapolated to the same formations through Colombian   Andean Foothills, ensuring no important variations in the faulting regime.<b> [/body]</b></li>       </ul>     ]]></body>
<body><![CDATA[<p><b>[back]ACKNOWLEDGMENTS</b></p>     <p>The authors express their most   sincere feelings of gratitude to Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS),   ECOPETROL S.A. -Instituto Colombiano del Petr&oacute;leo (ICP) and to the   Wellbore-Stability Research Team (UIS - ICP Agreement) for their unconditional   support during the development of this work. </p>   <hr>     <p><b>REFERENCES</b></p>     <!-- ref --><p>Addis, M. A., Yassir, N., Willoughby, D. R. &amp; Enever, J. A. (1998). 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