Guide · DFIT
DFIT vs mini-frac: what operators actually need from the test.
If you cannot say which decision the injection supports, you do not have a DFIT program. You have a small pump with leftover gauges.
Two different jobs
A diagnostic fracture injection test is designed to see closure and, if you stay long enough and the rock cooperates, after-closure behaviour. A mini-frac is often a small stim or a breakdown with whatever falloff you get before the next operation.
Both can be useful. They are not interchangeable on a bid sheet.
What to demand
- The question: stress calibration, permeability indication, or both
- Injection volume and rate bounds — and why
- Falloff duration you will actually protect
- Isolation method (including FBA) that makes the injection see the zone
- Gauge type, placement, and sampling
- Who interprets, against what scope
When a mini-frac is enough
If you only need a breakdown and a rough ISIP to start a frac, say that. Do not pay DFIT money for it, and do not pretend the file is a reservoir study.
Related: DFIT design + FBA coordination, DFIT hub, reading a well-test report.
| Factor | Designed DFIT | Mini-frac / breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Primary product | Closure, leakoff, optional after-closure | Breakdown, rough ISIP, maybe a small stim |
| Falloff | Protected duration in the program | Often truncated by the next op |
| Isolation | Specified so the injection sees the zone | Whatever is already in the hole |
| Interpretation | Scoped PTA / specialist | Often a field plot only |
| When to choose | Completions or reservoir decision depends on the diagnostic | You only need to break down and move on |
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