Well Design Spring 2013

Prepared by: Tan Nguyen

Fracture pressure is the pressure in the wellbore at which a formation will crack
The stress within a rock can be resolved into three principal stresses. A
formation will fracture when the pressure in the borehole exceeds the least of
the stresses within the rock structure. Normally, these fractures will propagate in
a direction perpendicular to the least principal stress.
Fracture Formation Pressure
Definition and Mechanism
Well Design Spring 2013
Prepared by: Tan Nguyen
At sufficient depths (usually below 1000 m or 3000 ft) the minimum principal
stress is horizontal; therefore, the fracture faces will be vertical. For shallow
formations, where the minimum principal stress is vertical, horizontal (pancake)
fractures will be created.
Fracture Formation Pressure
Definition and Mechanism
Well Design Spring 2013
Prepared by: Tan Nguyen
Fracture Formation Pressure
Definition and Mechanism
Well Design Spring 2013
Prepared by: Tan Nguyen
The pressure at which formations will fracture when exposed to borehole
pressure is determined by conducting one of the following tests:
Leak-off test
Limit Test
Formation Breakdown Test
Fracture Formation Pressure
The Leak-off Test Limit Test - Formation Breakdown Test