(Chapter 12)WHEN THE HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL COLLIDE: FRAC HITS AND OPERATOR QUEST FOR DETENTE IN THE COMMON RESERVOIR

摘要

"Frac hits" is a term used to describe communication between wells penetrating the same geologic formation that is manifested during a hydraulic fracture treatment. The frac hit scenario may or may not involve a frac fissure traveling across a property line. In some cases there may already be a frac fissure from nearby operations that provides the pathway for pressurized frac fluids to travel across property lines into a neighboring wellbore.There may be natural geologic fissures that provide the connection. This chapter examines the frac hit phenomenon, the relative rights and liabilities of parties affected by a frac hit, regulatory responses, and a proposed analysis to properly address competing uses of the connected oil and gas reservoir where frac hits can occur.