8/12/2017 G-Function Analysis

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G-Function Analysis
In F.A.S.T. WellTest, the post-injection (pre-closure) pressure falloff analysis can be performed using the G-function and root time
methods. The G-function is a dimensionless time function designed to linearize the pressure behavior during normal fluid leakoff
from a bi-wing fracture. Any deviations from this behavior can be used to characterize other leakoff mechanisms. The root time plot
exhibits similar behavior and can be used to support the G-function analysis.
A straight-line trend of the G-function derivative (Gdp/dG) is expected where the slope of the derivative is still increasing. Position
the Fracture Closure Identification line, which is anchored to the origin by default, through the straight-line portion of the G-Function
derivative. Fracture closure is identified as the point where the G-Function derivative starts to deviate downward from the straight
line as shown in the following figure.
The shape of the G-function derivative prior to closure qualitatively describes how fluid moves from the fracture into the formation
(see Fluid Leakoff Types).

Algebraic Definition of the G-Function

The G-function is a dimensionless time function relating shut-in time (t) to total pumping time (tp) at an assumed constant rate.
The basic G-Function calculations are based on the following equations:

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8/12/2017 G-Function Analysis

Two limiting cases for the G-function are shown here:

The equation for = 1.0 is for low leakoff, or high efficiency where the fracture area open after shut-in varies approximately linearly
with time.
The equation for = 0.5 is for high leakoff, or low efficiency fluids where the fracture surface area varies with the square-root of time
after shut-in.
The value of g0 is the computed value of g at shut-in.

One of the key variables identified by Nolte is the difference between a high efficiency (upper limit) and a low efficiency (lower limit)
leak-off condition. These two conditions have no significant effect on the overall shape of the curves.

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