Stimulation & fracturing engineer achievements

Joseph Z. Bracic, P. Eng.
Consultant/Advisor Petroleum/Completion/Production/Artificial Lift Engineer
Calgary, Alberta, Canada Mobile: 403-560-7112
Email: josephzb2004@yahoo.com Phone: 403-203-4722
joe_bracic@shaw.ca
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ACHIVEMENTS / SKILLS
As a Stimulation & Fracturing Engineer with Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell, AGOCO, IPM/Schlumberger,
Apex/BHP Billiton Petroleum, SGS/Petrofac Development and Hess Corporation included:
Designs a completion database using data from the operator to facilitate analysis of previous stimulation
treatments. Correlates with producing wells data.
Launches Detailed acid Fracturing Design and Program.
Experience with actual versus designed rates and stresses, mitigations and operational devices.
Applies knowledge of hydraulic fracturing, wireline, coiled tubing, and perforating.
Experience in managing unconventional stimulation and multi-stage fracturing technologies and simultaneous
operations on multi-well pads.
Expertise in overall treatment design and execution in vertical, deviated and horizontal wells , stimulation,
fracturing fluids and additives.
Performs production analysis studies for reservoir development including stimulation & well intervention.
Carries out selective stimulation and isolated water producing areas in horizontal wells.
Maximizes the Company's reserves development of hydrocarbon resources through the design, planning, analysis
and execution of stimulation activities within both unconventional and conventional projects.
Utilizing these results to designs effective stimulation programs and generate answers to key development decisions
that impact well and field performance.
Leads multidiscipline team to ensure proper completion techniques are performed and performs post completion
stimulation and production analysis.
Advanced understanding of integrity issues, completion design, stimulation fluid types, lab testing, additives and
analysis.
Oversees all the HSE aspects of stimulation activities and for their continued development.
Demonstrates extensive experience in CT (Coiled Tubing) acid stimulation C and cleanouts in horizontal wells.
Experience in applying expertise to frac designs in carbonates & acid fracturing modelling.
Understanding of frac design on casing loads and mitigations.
Feasibility scenarios & implementation plan for equipment modifications with time and cost.
Develops requirements for fracture program (Cores, Logs) to be obtained during drilling phase.
Facilitates proficiency in TSA - Tubing Stress Analysis for stimulation and fracturing purposes.

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Design of Unconventional Multi-stage fracturing and completion using appropriate software application: Fracturing
Simulator software (FracCADE) including Proppant Fracturing; and Matrix Acidizing Software (StimCADE).
Appraises post-treatmentproductionresponseusing reservoir simulator to characterize fracture geometry; numerous
field studies characterizing the reservoir and fracturing idiosyncrasies and their relationship to the overall completion
fluid quality control and advanced stimulation design and execution.
Implements information to apply to correct frac stimulation design.
Designs hydraulic fracture stimulation treatments using 3D hydraulic fracture simulator and real-time data
acquisition coupled with fracturing fluids, proppants and overall treatment design.
Experience with actual versus designed rates, stresses and mitigations and operational devices and personnel.
Delivers input for Well Integrity Management System (WIMS).
Carries out Acid Fracturing Simulation (Modeling) and Production prediction (using reservoir simulator) before and
after acid fracture to assure the usefulness of this technique to increase well productivity.
Launches Economic Evaluation Decision: Acid Frac is economic or not.
Directs hydraulic frac-design, perforating, cementing design, shale/unconventional formations and horizontal
completion operation.
Liaises effectively with colleagues to ensure that expectations and deliverables for quality and service are met or
exceeded.
Knowledge of rock mechanics, geophysical and geomechanical concepts and testing,such as mini-frac, leak off and
injection testing. Develops completion alternatives selection including appropriate hydraulic fracturing design,
perforation design and tubing stress/annular fluid expansion analysis.
Insists on quality control/quality assurance offracturing fluids, field calibration of chemical additives, pumps, real-
time interpretation of the treating pressure response and modification of the treatment design to ensure effective
proppant distribution.
Experience in tight oil and gas sands/shale multi-stage fracturing completions.
Skilled at working with CompletionEngineers,SuperintendentsandForemen.Skill in stimulation and fracturing
fluids, additives and overall treatment design and execution in vertical, deviated and horizontal wells.
Knowledge of flow assurance matters,both practical and theoretical, reservoir chemistry and fluid compatibility,
corrosion and erosion modelling, surveillance and prevention.

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Executes hydraulic fracturing treatments on deep, high pressure oil and gas wells.
Experience in Fracture simulation of unconventional reservoirs modeling software.
Designs the appropriate reservoir/well interface (e.g. cased hole/open hole, fractured well).
Onsite fracturing pressure analysis of minifrac data.
Develops and maintains completionsdesign,process,fracturing design,implementation,andtechnologypractice
and procedure for horizontal wells.
Arranges fracturing and stimulation models,designs,programs and cost estimates. Knowledge of fracturing fluids,
proppant and overall treatment design.
Performs integrated reservoir studies, post-stimulation production analysis utilizing reverse productivity index
technique, finite difference reservoir simulation, and fracture treatment evaluation to optimize completion approach.
Experience in HTHP frac designs and Sour Service Wells.
Brings about multiple, concurrent well projects which include onsite field engineering support during actual job
execution and implementation.
Delivers input into tubing stress analysis, tubing movement and thermal wellhead growth.
On-site evaluation of injection tests to determine key fracturing parameters such as in-situ stress,
leakoff/permeability values, near-wellbore connection problems and far-field complexity.
Application of Nolte and Smith’s type curve analysis to derive pad volumes leakoff coefficients, fracture widths and
radii. Uses finite difference simulation to increase uniqueness of solution and incorporated pressure buildup when
available.
Applies knowledge ofpredicting production depletion due to permeability variation and compaction of fracture,
temperature limit required during completion and well life, gravel pack/completion/frac design, frac fluid
specifications, proppant size/type.
Arranges hydraulic fracture treatment designs for new well completions, workovers and re-completions.
Analyzes hydraulic fracture monitoring results from a wellbore completion and treatment design perspective.
Extensive experience in rock mechanics for hydraulic stimulation, designing of hydraulic fracturing programs,
diagnostic testing and evaluation of hydraulic fracturing projects in unconventional reservoirs.
Knowledge of for rock mechanical and compatibility studies purposes.

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Timely coordination with PED (Production Engineering Department) & Operations for issue of production water
injection allowable.
Launches short-term well production solutions that maximise well production within life of field, and cost and
volume production/support strategies.
Executes on-site/real-time hydraulic fracturing stimulation treatments in order to diagnose critical fracturing
mechanisms. Designing stimulation fluid and composition of proppant.
Perforation Design (Gun Size, Type, Orientation and specifications) that suites the frac job, delivers best
productivity & passes through test string.
Applies experience of micro-seismic data, applied rock mechanics, type curve analysis, production history
matching, rate transient and pressure transient analysis.
Develops fracturing concepts and theories to be field tested.
Offers expertise in planning, acquisition and interpretation of well logs especially cased-hole production logs.
Ability to read and interpret open-hole logs, integrate geomechanics and other data into the design and interpret well
test data. Analyzes well problems, endorses investigative and/or corrective measures.
Determines the quality of rock strength properties (in soft-sediment reservoirs) in a rock mechanics laboratory by
stress-loading actual formation material to yield and failure.
Defines tests for core flood analysis and return permeability.
Feasibility scenarios and implementation plan for equipment modifications with time and cost.
Knowledge with Modelling of Gas Permeability and Diffusivity of Tight Reservoir Rocks.
Extracts key information from completion reports.
Understanding of routine and special core analysis for rock mechanical and compatibility purposes.
Compiles lessons learned from the present fracturing campaign to inform and optimize future well design options and
future fracturing operations and data acquisition programs.
Experience in Geomechanics Evaluation and its application to fracture modeling.
Proposes fracturing design options, the acquisition of subsurface data,guidance during operational difficulties, and
both real-time and post-fracturing result interpretation.

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Directs Site Supervision ofthe complete Fracking Preparation; Pre-Frac; Fracking; Post-Frac; Setting production
equipment and Turning over to Operation.
Defines data acquisition requirements for optimized development and production enhancement opportunities
throughout the value assurance funnel (e.g. sand grain distribution, rock-strength tests, mineralogy, logs and
fracture gradients).
Determines kh, effective fracture length, skin, reservoir limits/interference, and drainage area.
Directs onsite fracturing supervision both inside and outside of the frac van.
Delivers ability to combine completion data from multiple sources to properly execute frac design.
Determination of closure pressures utilizing Cinco-Ley radial/bi-linear theory.
Regulates near-wellbore and far-field proppant placement by net pressure history matching.
The ability to conduct Root cause analysis for all frac job failures.
Knowledge of horizontal well completions in gas and oil shales, particularly relating to multi-fracked wells.
Supervises hydraulic frac job on different wells in association with Reservoir Engineers and Service company
engineers.
Evaluating in-situ stress tests, diagnosing critical fracturing parameters and beta testing hydraulic fracturing
software. Applies knowledge of geomechanics for designing hydraulic fracturing jobs.
Applies advanced knowledge of wellbore completion and stimulation technologies towards treatment and field
development optimization.
Visits well sites during new technology implementation in cementing, acidizing, or hydraulic fracturing.
Identifies and field testscritical completion components significantly driving productionperformance suchaslbs/ft.,
cluster spacing, lbs/cluster, and rate/cluster.
Performs detailed fracture modeling of stimulation treatment data to estimate fracture geometry.
Uses radiotracers, if available, such as Tc-99m and I-131 to measure flow rates.
Compiles reviews focused on the technical adequacy of studies and reports, such as use of advanced, state-of-the-
practice data collection and analytical methods, the reasonableness of interpretations and assumptions used with the
data to conduct each evaluation of final results, and the relative degree of conservatism used in analyzing potential
natural (geologic) and man-made (wells).

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Administrates pre-and post-project fracture stimulation technical/commercial advice and support to Wells
Continuous advancement of safety, environmental, cycle time and unit costs in relation with Fracture Stimulation
projects.
Develops perforations, flow-back and stimulation best practices, including design and monitoring of Key
Performance Indicators (KPI’s) for stimulation and completion.
Conducts hydraulic fracture treatment schedules, fracturing fluid design and post-stimulation production
configuration.
Focuseson horizontal shale completion design optimization by analyzing stimulation treatmentdata and incorporating
frac modeling petrophysics, rock mechanics, and microseismic frac mapping results, RA (Radioactive) and Chemical
Tracer results, production performance, and economic considerations.
Utilizes microseismic monitoring by placing geophones in a nearby wellbore to measure microseismic activity.
Monitors a hydraulic fracture treatment while fluid and proppant ae being injected into the well (this data, along
with knowledge of the underground geology, is used to model information such as length, width and conductivity of a
propped fracture).
Executeshydraulic-fracturing jobs with slurry blender, one or more high-pressure, high-volume fracturing pumps
(triplex or quintuplex) and a monitoring unit.
Utilizes fracturing tanks, units for storage and handling of proppant, high-pressure treating iron, a chemical
additive unit (to accurately monitor chemical addition), low-pressure flexible hoses, gauges and meters for flow rate,
fluid density, and treating pressure.
Operates fracturing equipment over a range of pressures and injection rates (up to 15,000 psi, and 100 barrels
per minute).
Quantifies the depth of this yielded material by using broadband dipole shear measurements.
Adds plastic pellets coated with 10 GBq of Ag-110mm to the proppant or the sand labelled with Ir-192, and monitors
the proppants progress (sand containing naturally radioactive minerals is sometimes used for this purpose).
Carries out injection of radioactive tracers along with the other substances in hydraulic-fracturing fluid to determine
the injection profile and location of fractures.
Note that historically laboratory measurements on recovered core have been accepted as ground truth when
determining mechanical properties.
Maps the location of any small seismic events associated with the growing hydraulic fracture in order to infer the
size, orientation and geometry of hydraulically induced fracture.

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Strong understanding of fracture mechanics and fracture theory.
Deploys a Tiltmeter on the surface or down a well, and monitors the arrays for monitoring the strains produced by
hydraulic fracturing.
Estimates the magnitude of stress causing radially varying damage with a mechanical earth model and the variation
in annular pressure measured between the time of drilling and logging.
Observes formation behavior while drilling, when the formation is subjected to stressesvery similar to those
expected during completion and production (these observations have the advantage of being continuous,
quantifiable, and representative of in-situ conditions).
Places fractures along the wellbore by utilizing either “plug or perf" or "sliding sleeve" method.
Conducts a “plug and perf” job in either cemented or uncemented casing. Perforates the casing near the end of the
well, and carries out a fracturing fluid into a first stage. Sets a plug (once the first stage is finished) to temporarily seal
off that section, and then perforates the next section of the wellbore. Pumps another stage and repeats the process as
necessary along the entire length of the horizontal part of the wellbore.
Executes the “sliding sleeve” technique in the wells where sliding sleeves are included at set spacing in the casing at
the time it is set in place (all sleeves are closed before the fracturing). Opens the bottom sliding sleeve (when the well
is ready to be fractured) and pumps the first stage. Once finished, the next sleeve is opened which concurrently isolates
the first stage, and the process repeats.
Deploys the new technique which monitors and captures the drilling process for what it is, an in-situ stress test.
(As the driller penetrates each formation, the borehole magnifies the far-field stresses by an amount dependent on the
wellbore pressure. This increase in loading near the wellbore causes soft sediment reservoirs to yield and fail).
Conducts logging measurements (if the well is not cored) yielding lithology, porosity, elastic moduli and
transforms theminto rock-strengthparameters to supplement the high quality but sparse laboratory data.(However,
while this strategyof log calibration to laboratory data canyield the correcttrend over large porosity ranges,it generally
fails in predicting the strength variations in high porosity (> 27%), soft-sediment reservoirs).
Gathers pertinent data while drilling, including azimuthally sensitive measurements, time-lapse observations of
formation behavior, and the wellbore pressures that are associated with this behavior.
In addition obtains broadband acoustic logging which is a measure of formation damage.
While recovered core represents the actual formation material under consideration, it can be substantially during
recovery and/or preparation for testing.
In addition, in-situ stress conditions need to be reproduced in the laboratory, a task that is difficult if not impossible.
The propped fracture should be permeable enough to allow the flow of formation fluids to the well.

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Calculates both non-Darcy and multiphase flow in the evaluation.
Maintains "fracture width", or slows its decline, with a proppant (grains of sand or ceramic) to prevent the fractures
from closing when the injection is stopped and the pressure of the fluid is reduced.
Ensures that proppant strengths is high enough to prevent proppant failure at greater depths where pressure and
stresses on fractures are higher.
Controls the fracturing fluid leak-off or loss of fracturing fluid from the fracture channel into the surrounding
permeable rock (it can exceed 70% of the injected volume).
To pay back the large investments required to develop unconsolidated, high-permeability, deep-water reservoirs, it is
necessary to produce wells at high rates.
Executing, evaluating for conventional and advanced techniques/technologies applicable for different types of
reservoirs.
Utilizes hydraulic fracturing combined with gravel packing in high-permeability gas reservoirs in order to bypass
damage near the wellbore and prevent formation sand production a very high pressure drop exists near the wellbore.
Avoids formation matrix damage, adverse formation fluid interactions, or altered fracture geometry thereby
decreasing production efficiency.
Strictly controls the location ofone or more fractures along the length of the borehole that create or seal off holes
in the side of the wellbore.
Non-Darcy flow in the fracture and perforation tunnels results in substantial near-wellbore pressure drops for
typical gas wells with gas rates greater than 0.2 to 3 MMscf/D/ft.
Experience in fracture modeling and stress profiling.
Utilizes minifrac data to make onsite adjustments to sand schedules and treating rates for tip-screen/double width
fracture designs.
Selects new technologies, such as distributed temperature systems or down hole seismic.
Selects most appropriate software(s) to address hydraulic fracture treatment design and post-job analysis.
Carriesout reservoirsimulationanduses inflow equation for pressure drop across the perforation tunnels to quantify
the relative pressure drop contributions in the reservoir, fracture, and gravel pack system.
Increasing fracture conductivity and fracture lengths and using proppants with lower non-Darcy flow
coefficients thus reducing non-Darcy pressure drops and optimizing completions.

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As a Stimulation & Fracturing Engineer with Chevron, Dutch Shell, AGOCO, IPM/Schlumberger,
Employs Frac-packing tip-screenout (TSO) during hydraulic-fracture stimulation pumped with screens in place
to reduce operational costs.
Completes wells, subject to proppant size limits, and produces to pressure drawdown limits in order to control
sand production. To do this optimization requires knowledge of the pressure drops in all components of the
completion-gravel pack, hydraulic fracture and reservoir-and the factors affecting these pressure drops.
At high rates, well productivity is often affected by non-Darcy flow, which increases the pressure drawdown at a
given rate, or decreases the flow rate at a given pressure drawdown.
Compares fracture modeling software (e.g. Frac Pro,M-Frac/M-Shale,Gohfer) in terms of capability, accuracy and
usability.
Carries out fracture treatment stimulations, including propped fracture treatment designs, proppant and fluid
selection, downhole tools, well logs and petrophysical analysis.
Runs Net Pressure Matching to determine most likely fracture geometry.
Optimizing wells by designing the completion and operating the well to accomplish a balance between
(1) production rates,and revenue, (2) completion costs, (3) non-Darcy flow effects,which reduces well productivity,
and (4) prevention of sand production.
Performs stage-by-stage, cluster-by-cluster analysis of as-pumped treatments, and compiles a meaningful and
consistent database offracture treatment parameters and geometric descriptors (e.g. frac height, frac half-length,
propped height, propped half-length, pack conductivity, etc.) for use by reservoir engineers in production analysis and
forecasting.
Works cooperatively with reservoir engineers and other disciplines, appraises relationships between frac treatment
design parameters, geological and geomechanical variables,and well performance in the various assets with the
goal of optimizing well spacing and fracture treatments for value.
Develops techniques to analyze impact or supercharging ofoffset wells or completions, and of complex fracturing
techniques (e.g. "zipper fracs" or "Texas Two-step") on the design of a fracture treatment, and on expected well
performance.
Reduces sand flow-back after fracture stimulation by implementing the use of resin coated sand in a pool
development program.
Safely supervises forced closure operations for fracture stimulations with pressures up to 10,000 psi.
Design of Unconventional Multi-stage fracturing & completion using appropriate software application.
Develops requirements for find fracture program (Cores, Logs) to be obtained during drilling phase.
Direts Multi-Stage completion proposals to include wellbore design, completion and frac procedures.

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Actively leads field diagnostics that will verify completion and well design functionality as well as aiding in
optimization of fracture design; this includes staying abreast of field completion results.
Experience in stimulation/fracturing job modeling, design, execution & optimization in tight oil/gas
carbonate reservoirs.
Arranges for onsite engineering support for hydraulic fracturing and other complex completion operations.
Directs contracts and contractors to continuous upgrading.
Utilizes completion efficiency and reservoir performance utilizing tools including microseismic data, applied rock
mechanics, type curve analysis, production history matching, rate transient and pressure transient analysis.
Understands and actively directs HES program.
Involved with different Acid Fracturing Simulation (Modeling) and Production prediction (using reservoir simulator)
before and after acid fracture to assure the usefulness of this technique to increase well productivity.
Description and break down of the proposed Acid frac job, acid type, injection rate, injection pressures, volumes
and nature and type of the material and equipment to be used.
Pre-Frac preparation and program (Mini Frac, step-test) to be performed before starting the main acid fracture job.
Formulates completion procedures,wellbore schematics,and cost estimatesfor new well completions; supervisesfield
applications relating to hydraulic fracturing, wireline, coiled tubing, and perforating.
Maximizes reserves development of hydrocarbon resources through the analysis, design, planning, and execution of
stimulation activities (both matrix and fracturing) utilizing in design of multistage fracs in conventional and
unconventional projects.
Completes and stimulates hydrocarbon bearing over-pressured fractured shale.
Keeps abreast and identifies innovative technical ideas introduced in technical advancement, new technology,
research and development worldwide.
Demonstrates extensive experience in CT - Coiled Tubing acid stimulation and cleanouts in horizontal wells.
Leads internationally Production Technology and Optimization aspects in different parts of the world.
Experience in log analysis, pressure buildup/drawdown transient testing including four point tests, isochronal and
modified isochronal tests, and injectivity tests.

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Applies knowledge of predicting production, depletion due to permeability variation and compaction of fracture,
temperature limit required during completion & well life, gravel pack/completion/frac design, frac fluid specifications,
proppant size/type etc.
Ability to lead work programs and projects to develop and optimize life of field EOR solutions that span reservoir
simulation screening studies, chemicals screening, wells and facility requirements, pilot execution, and effective
monitoring.
Develops and coordinates major studies based upon requirements by interpreting scope, initiating new studies or
applied technical work as required; and directing and performing all phases of the study through formal summary
reports and presentation to Owner Company technical personnel.
Carries out Tubing movement calculations.
Familiarity with unconventional completions and fracturing operations, particularly on long reach, multi-stage
horizontal wells.
Investigates stimulation techniques and makes actions accordingly.
Experience in multistage fracturing of horizontal wells.
Knowledge of core analysis (routine & SCAL) for rock mechanical and compatibility studies purposes.
Consults with and delivers technical guidance to related engineering groups on matters which fall into area of expert
technical competence including budget studies, development programs reservoir studies and equipment purchases.
Knowledge of project management and budgeting.
Experience with interpretation of cased-hole production and diagnostic logs in large oil and gas fields.
Generates weekly/monthly production forecast and injection targets, and well test priorities.
Caries out projects related to asset board,field development planning, well modeling,sand control design,sand
control, artificial lift studies, flowassurance, production chemistry, reservoir engineering and well test analysis.
In conjunction with Production Chemistry, identifies any elements (e.g. mercury,CO2,H2S,salts, heavy metals, etc.)
in the production stream, which can reduce the sales value or potentially damage processing facilities.
Ability to undertake daily production engineering and support to offshore production operations subsea and well
services.
Ensures that any financial change request and cost commitment projections for any production engineering activity
has a clear work scope, cost and schedule approved before any action commences.

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