WELL STIMULATION TECHNIQUES

WORKSHOP ON
TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES
FOR
EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL & GAS
(21-24 December), Sivasagar
Dr A K Pandey
DGM(Chemistry)
Opening up new channels in the rock for the oil
and gas to flow through is called stimulation.
Three stimulation treatments are commonly used:
explosives to break up the rock, injection of acid to
partially dissolve the rock, and hydraulic fracturing
to split the rock and prop it open with proppants.

TYPES OF FORMATION
TYPES OF FORMATION

FORMATION DAMAGE
FORMATION DAMAGE

ACIDIZATION
ACIDIZATION

HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING

WATER SHUT OFF/ INJECTION PROFILE
WATER SHUT OFF/ INJECTION PROFILE
MODIFICATION
MODIFICATION

SAND CONTROL
SAND CONTROL
COURSE OUTLINE
Types of formation rock
Types of formation rock

Sandstone
Sandstone

Sand grains cemented by silica / calcium
Sand grains cemented by silica / calcium
carbonate
carbonate

Limestone
Limestone

Composed mainly of carbonate
Composed mainly of carbonate

Shale
Shale

Clay mineral and quartz
Clay mineral and quartz

Clay
Clay

Kaolinite, Montmorillonite, Illite, Chlorite
Kaolinite, Montmorillonite, Illite, Chlorite
Sources of
Sources of
Formation Damage
Formation Damage
Formation damage may occur during
Formation damage may occur during
following operations
following operations

Drilling
Drilling

Completion
Completion

Workover
Workover

Stimulation
Stimulation

Production
Production

Water / Gas Injection

Water / Gas Injection

IOR / EOR
IOR / EOR
Formation Damage
Formation Damage
Mechanisms
Mechanisms

Fines Migration
Fines Migration

Clay Swelling
Clay Swelling

Induced particle plugging

Induced particle plugging

Asphaltene & Sludge deposition

Asphaltene & Sludge deposition

Emulsion Block
Emulsion Block

Scale
Scale

Bacteria
Bacteria

Water Block
Water Block

Wettability Alteration
Wettability Alteration
Origins of formation damage & remedies
Origins of formation damage & remedies

Formation damage during drilling

Formation damage during drilling
Damage mechanism Damage mechanism Remedial measures Remedial measures
Particle invasion/ Filter cake Particle invasion/ Filter cake Matrix acidization, Perforation, Matrix acidization, Perforation,
Hydraulic fracturing Hydraulic fracturing
Swelling and dispersion of indigenous Swelling and dispersion of indigenous
reservoir clays by the mud filtrate reservoir clays by the mud filtrate
Matrix acidization Matrix acidization
Mutual precipitation of soluble salts in Mutual precipitation of soluble salts in
the filtrate and formation water the filtrate and formation water
Matrix acidization Matrix acidization
Slumping of unconsolidated sands Slumping of unconsolidated sands Sand consolidation Sand consolidation
techniques, Frac and Pack techniques, Frac and Pack
Water block / Emulsion block Water block / Emulsion block Surfactant treatment, Matrix Surfactant treatment, Matrix
acidization acidization
Formation damage (drilling)
Formation damage (drilling)
Fracture
Plugging
Shallow
Matrix
Damage
Filter
cake
Wellbore
Cross Section
Pore
Plugging
Origins of formation damage &
Origins of formation damage &
remedies
remedies

Formation Damage during cementing

Formation Damage during cementing
Damage mechanism Damage mechanism Remedial measures Remedial measures
Fines migration from the cement Fines migration from the cement
slurry into the formation slurry into the formation
Matrix acidization, Perforation, Matrix acidization, Perforation,
Hydraulic fracturing Hydraulic fracturing
Precipitation of solids from the Precipitation of solids from the
cement within the formation cement within the formation
Matrix acidization ,Perforation Matrix acidization ,Perforation
Precipitation of secondary minerals Precipitation of secondary minerals
following reservoir mineral following reservoir mineral
dissolution dissolution
Matrix acidization Matrix acidization
Damage by Overbalance
Damage by Overbalance
Perforation
Perforation
Origins of formation damage &
Origins of formation damage &
remedies
remedies

During Completion & Workover

During Completion & Workover
Damage mechanism
Damage mechanism
Remedial measures
Remedial measures
Hydration and swelling of clay minerals Hydration and swelling of clay minerals
Matrix acidization ,Clay stabilization Matrix acidization ,Clay stabilization
Movement and plugging by clay size Movement and plugging by clay size
particles in the formation particles in the formation
Matrix acidization ,Clay stabilization Matrix acidization ,Clay stabilization
Plugging by invading materials from the Plugging by invading materials from the
wellbore fluids wellbore fluids
Matrix acidization Matrix acidization
Emulsion and water blocks due to lost Emulsion and water blocks due to lost
wellbore fluid wellbore fluid
Surfactant treatment, Matrix Surfactant treatment, Matrix
acidization acidization
Relative permeability effects Relative permeability effects Surfactant treatment Surfactant treatment
Precipitation of scales Precipitation of scales Acidization Acidization
Plugged perforations due to improper Plugged perforations due to improper
perforating conditions perforating conditions
Acidization, Perforation Acidization, Perforation

During Sand Control

During Sand Control
Damage mechanism Damage mechanism Remedial measures Remedial measures
Fines migration Fines migration Acidization, Clay stabilization , Frac & Acidization, Clay stabilization , Frac &
Pack , Acidization with foam based fluids Pack , Acidization with foam based fluids
Perforation plugging Perforation plugging Acidization Acidization
Polymer invasion Polymer invasion Surfactant treatment, Matrix acidization Surfactant treatment, Matrix acidization

During W.I. & Different EOR Methods

During W.I. & Different EOR Methods
Damage mechanism Damage mechanism Remedial measures Remedial measures
Solid invasion Solid invasion Acidization, Hydraulic fracturing Acidization, Hydraulic fracturing
Fines migration Fines migration Acidization ,Clay stabilization treatment Acidization ,Clay stabilization treatment
Clay swelling Clay swelling High saline fluid High saline fluid
Clay de flocculation Clay de flocculation Surfactant treatment, Clay stabilization Surfactant treatment, Clay stabilization
treatment treatment
Formation dissolution Formation dissolution Acidization, Hydraulic fracturing Acidization, Hydraulic fracturing
Skim oil entrainment Skim oil entrainment Surfactant treatment Surfactant treatment
Sand influx Sand influx Sand consolidation treatment Sand consolidation treatment
Formation of insoluble scales Formation of insoluble scales
and Emulsification and Emulsification
Surfactant treatment, Solvent treatment Surfactant treatment, Solvent treatment
Precipitate formation Precipitate formation Acidization Acidization
Quantifying Formation Damage
Quantifying Formation Damage
-
-
SKIN
SKIN

Measurement of the severity of

Measurement of the severity of
the formation damage
the formation damage

Dimensionless factor
Dimensionless factor
expressing the reduction in the
expressing the reduction in the
formation permeability
formation permeability
compared to the original
compared to the original
permeability
permeability
r
w
r
s
r
e
K
K
s
h

=
w
s
s
R
R
K
K
s ln 1
Skin Measurement
Skin Measurement

K = 200
K = 200
md
md

Ks = 25
Ks = 25
md
md

Rs
Rs
= 8.25 inch
= 8.25 inch

Rw
Rw
= 2.25 inch
= 2.25 inch

ln
ln
(
(
Rs
Rs
/
/
Rw
Rw
) = 1.286
) = 1.286

K / Ks = 8
K / Ks = 8

S = (8
S = (8
-
-
1) * 1.286 = 9
1) * 1.286 = 9
r
w
r
s
r
e
K
K
s
h

=
w
s
s
R
R
K
K
s ln 1
Skin : Effect on Production
Skin : Effect on Production

=
S
r
r
B
p p kh
q
w
e
wf r
ln 2 . 141
) (

Pressure Transient analysis

Pressure Transient analysis

Drawdown test
Drawdown test

Build up test
Build up test
Pressure Transient analysis
Pressure Transient analysis

Injection Test
Injection Test

Fall off test

Fall off test
ACIDIZATION
What is acidization
What is acidization
Matrix stimulation by acidization is
Matrix stimulation by acidization is
accomplished by injecting chemicals to
accomplished by injecting chemicals to
dissolve and/or disperse materials near
dissolve and/or disperse materials near
the wellbore that impair well production in
the wellbore that impair well production in
sandstones or to create new, unimpaired
sandstones or to create new, unimpaired
flow channels between the wellbore and a
flow channels between the wellbore and a
carbonate formation.
carbonate formation.
Acidising
Acidising
techniques
techniques

Acid Spotting
Acid Spotting

Matrix Acidisation
Matrix Acidisation

Deep Penetrating Mud Acid

Deep Penetrating Mud Acid

Nitrified Acid
Nitrified Acid

Foamed Acid
Foamed Acid

Selective Acidisation
Selective Acidisation

Acid Fracturing
Acid Fracturing
Acidization
Acid pumper
R
e
s
e
r
v
o
i
r
S
h
a
l
e
S
h
a
l
e
Well
1- 4ft
Remove near wellbore
damage by injecting
acid / reacting fluid into
the formation below
fracturing pressure
Acid
Displacing
fluid
ACID PUMPER
ACID PUMPER
COIL TUBING UNIT
Mechanism of Matrix Acid job:
Mechanism of Matrix Acid job:

To inject acid into formation at a pressure less

To inject acid into formation at a pressure less
than the pressure at which fracture can be
than the pressure at which fracture can be
opened
opened

To dissolve the clays, mud solids near the

To dissolve the clays, mud solids near the
wellbore which had choked the pores
wellbore which had choked the pores

To enlarge the pore spaces

To enlarge the pore spaces

To leave the sand and remaining fines in a

To leave the sand and remaining fines in a
water
water
-
-
wet condition
wet condition
Fluid Selection
Fluid Selection

Acid Type
Acid Type

Concentration
Concentration

Volume
Volume
Acid formulation
Acid formulation
Lab studies involved
Stimulation history
Acid solubility
Mineralogy (type of clay)
Emulsion test
Sludge test
Core flow study
Fluid Selection
Fluid Selection
Previous Stimulation
History
XRDAnalysis
SEM Studies
Solubility Test
Compatibility
Studies
Acid
Formulation
Volume
Optimization
Additives
Acid
Response
Curve*
Permeability
Improvement
Core
Preparation
Formation rock
Formation fluid
Types of clays
Types of clays

Kaolinite
Kaolinite

Minimum effect by acid
Minimum effect by acid

Migrating clay, requires clay stabilizer
Migrating clay, requires clay stabilizer

Smectite
Smectite
(
(
Montmorillonite
Montmorillonite
)
)

Water sensitive (swells)
Water sensitive (swells)

Can be dissolved by weak HF
Can be dissolved by weak HF

Illite
Illite

Migrating clay
Migrating clay

Can be treated with HF
Can be treated with HF

Chlorite
Chlorite

Contains High Amount of Iron
Contains High Amount of Iron

Treatment with Iron Sequestering Agent
Treatment with Iron Sequestering Agent
Type of Acid
Type of Acid

Carbonate reservoirs
Carbonate reservoirs

HCl
HCl
is used as basic rock dissolution chemical
is used as basic rock dissolution chemical

Sandstone reservoir
Sandstone reservoir

HCl
HCl
+ HF (mud acid) is used as basic rock
+ HF (mud acid) is used as basic rock
dissolution chemical
dissolution chemical
Carbonate
Carbonate
acidising
acidising

Carbonate formations generally

Carbonate formations generally
have a low permeability and can
have a low permeability and can
be highly fissured
be highly fissured

HCl is used as basic rock

HCl is used as basic rock
dissolution agent
dissolution agent

Wormholes form in the process

Wormholes form in the process
of dissolution of rock
of dissolution of rock

Other additives are used as per

Other additives are used as per
compatibility with rock minerals
compatibility with rock minerals
Carbonate
Carbonate
Acidising
Acidising
Reactions
Reactions
Calcite
Calcite
2HCl+CaCO
2HCl+CaCO
3 3

CaCl
CaCl
2 2
+ CO
+ CO
2 2
+H
+H
2 2
O
O
Dolomite
Dolomite
4HCl+CaMg
4HCl+CaMg
(
(
CO
CO
3 3
)
)
2 2

CaCl
CaCl
2 2
+
+
MgCl
MgCl
2 2
+ 2CO
+ 2CO
2 2
+2H
+2H
2 2
O
O
Siderite 2HCl + FeCO
Siderite 2HCl + FeCO
3 3

FeCl
FeCl2 2
+ CO
+ CO2 2
+H
+H2 2
O
O
Carbonate
Carbonate
acidising
acidising

For effective stimulation deep worm

For effective stimulation deep worm
holes are necessary to maximize
holes are necessary to maximize
conductivity between reservoir and well
conductivity between reservoir and well
bore for enhancement of production
bore for enhancement of production

The reaction rate between conventional

The reaction rate between conventional
Plain HCl and carbonate is very fast at
Plain HCl and carbonate is very fast at
reservoir temperature
reservoir temperature

For effective stimulation of carbonate

For effective stimulation of carbonate
reservoir following acid systems are used
reservoir following acid systems are used

Emulsified acid system
Emulsified acid system

Acid emulsified with hydrocarbon(diesel)

Acid emulsified with hydrocarbon(diesel)

Gelled acid system
Gelled acid system

Acid modified with gelling agent

Acid modified with gelling agent
(polymer/
(polymer/
viscoelastic
viscoelastic
surfactants)
surfactants)
Role of emulsified/Gelled acid is
Role of emulsified/Gelled acid is

To provide retardation
To provide retardation

To achieve deep penetration

To achieve deep penetration

Compatible at high reservoir temperature

Compatible at high reservoir temperature
Carbonate
Carbonate
acidising
acidising
Causes of Damage
Mud & Mud filtrate invasion
Cement solid & filtrate invasion
Cutting invasion
Perforation damage
Created emulsions
Sand stone acidization
Sand stone acidization
Sand stone acidisation
Sand stone acidisation

Mud acid (HCl + HF) is used as basic rock

Mud acid (HCl + HF) is used as basic rock
dissolution agent for acidization of sandstone
dissolution agent for acidization of sandstone
reservoir
reservoir

A preflush of HCl or organic acid is normally

A preflush of HCl or organic acid is normally
used prior to injection of mud acid
used prior to injection of mud acid

Additives are selected based on the rock

Additives are selected based on the rock
mineralogy and reservoir fluid properties.
mineralogy and reservoir fluid properties.

An
An
overflush
overflush
is injected to push all the mud acid
is injected to push all the mud acid
to formation
to formation
Reactions
Reactions

Sand
Sand
4HF + SiO
4HF + SiO
2 2

SiF
SiF
4 4
(silicon
(silicon
tetrafluoride
tetrafluoride
)
)
+ 2H
+ 2H
2 2
O
O
SiF
SiF
4 4
+ 2HF
+ 2HF

H
H
2 2
SiF
SiF
6 6
(
(
fluosilicic
fluosilicic
acid)
acid)

Clay Al
Clay Al
2 2
Si
Si
4 4
O
O
10 10
(OH)
(OH)
2 2
+ 36
+ 36
HF
HF

4
4
H
H
2 2
SiF
SiF
6 6
+ 12H
+ 12H
2 2
O
O
+
+
H
H
3 3
AlF
AlF
6 6
Sand stone acidisation
Sand stone acidisation
H
H
2 2
SiF
SiF
6 6
+ 2Na
+ 2Na
+ +

Na
Na
2 2
SiF
SiF
6 6

+ 2H
+ 2H
+ +
H
H
3 3
AlF
AlF
6 6
+ 3Na
+ 3Na
+ +

Na
Na
3 3
AlF
AlF
6 6

+ 3H
+ 3H
+ +
Sand stone acidization
Sand stone acidization
Hydrofluoric acid (HF)
Hydrofluoric acid (HF)
treatment
treatment
OVERFLUSH
SURFACTANT
HF ACID
SURFACTANT
+
+
NaCl
(3)
(2)
(1)
KCl
SURFACTANT
FORMATION
WATER
+
Sand pack
Perforated Casing
Perforated Cement
Liner
Acidization
Acidization
steps in general
steps in general

Pre
Pre
-
-
flush Stage (5%
flush Stage (5%
-
-
10%
10%
HCl
HCl
)
)

50 to 100 gal/ft of formation in general
50 to 100 gal/ft of formation in general

To remove carbonates
To remove carbonates

To push
To push
NaCl
NaCl
or
or
KCl
KCl
away from
away from
wellbore
wellbore

Acid Stage
Acid Stage

HF to dissolve clay / sand
HF to dissolve clay / sand

HCl
HCl
to dissolve carbonates
to dissolve carbonates

After
After
-
-
flush stage (10% EGMBE)
flush stage (10% EGMBE)

To make the formation water wet
To make the formation water wet

To displace acid away from
To displace acid away from
wellbore
wellbore
Acid additives
Acid additives

Corrosion Inhibitor
Corrosion Inhibitor

Surfactant
Surfactant

Non
Non
-
-
Emulsifier
Emulsifier

Anti
Anti
-
-
sludge Agent
sludge Agent

Iron Controller
Iron Controller

Mutual Solvent
Mutual Solvent

Friction Reducer
Friction Reducer

Clay Stabilizer
Clay Stabilizer

Diverting Agent
Diverting Agent
Corrosion Inhibitor
Corrosion Inhibitor

Factors Affecting Corrosion During an

Factors Affecting Corrosion During an
Acid Treatment
Acid Treatment

Temperature
Temperature

Contact Time
Contact Time

Acid Concentration
Acid Concentration

Metal Type
Metal Type

Corrosion Inhibitor Used
Corrosion Inhibitor Used
Surfactant
Surfactant

Can act to :
Can act to :

Change surface and interfacial tensions
Change surface and interfacial tensions

Disperse or flocculate clays and fines
Disperse or flocculate clays and fines

Break, weaken emulsions
Break, weaken emulsions

Change or maintain the wettability of reservoir
Change or maintain the wettability of reservoir

Reduce acid
Reduce acid
-
-
induced sludging
induced sludging

Create or break foams
Create or break foams

Promote or prevent water blocks
Promote or prevent water blocks
Contains water soluble group (polymer)
Contains water soluble group (polymer)
Temperature sensitive
Temperature sensitive
More versatile & results in
More versatile & results in

Prevention of emulsion formation

Prevention of emulsion formation

Lowered surface tension

Lowered surface tension

Damage prevention
Damage prevention
Non
Non
-
-
Emulsifier
Emulsifier
Anti Sludge agent
Anti Sludge agent

Sludge is a precipitate formed from

Sludge is a precipitate formed from
reaction of high strength acid with crude oil
reaction of high strength acid with crude oil

Methods of sludge prevention

Methods of sludge prevention

Solvent (
Solvent (
Xylene
Xylene
, Toluene) pre
, Toluene) pre
-
-
flush to
flush to
minimize physical contact
minimize physical contact

Use of low strength acid
Use of low strength acid

Anionic surfactant to minimize precipitation of
Anionic surfactant to minimize precipitation of
colloidal suspension
colloidal suspension
Iron Controller
Iron Controller

Methods of Iron Control

Methods of Iron Control

Chelating (iron chemically bound) e.g. Acetic acid,
Chelating (iron chemically bound) e.g. Acetic acid,
Citric acid
Citric acid

Sequestering (iron retained in solution) e.g. EDTA,
Sequestering (iron retained in solution) e.g. EDTA,
NTA
NTA

The Precipitation of Iron

The Precipitation of Iron

Ferrous Ion (Fe++) pH 7 or Greater
Ferrous Ion (Fe++) pH 7 or Greater

Ferric Ion (Fe+++) pH 2 to 3
Ferric Ion (Fe+++) pH 2 to 3

Sources of Iron
Sources of Iron

Scale: Iron oxide, Iron Sulfide, Iron Carbonate
Scale: Iron oxide, Iron Sulfide, Iron Carbonate

Formation: Chlorite, Pyrite, Siderite
Formation: Chlorite, Pyrite, Siderite
Mutual Solvent
Mutual Solvent
Reasons for using a mutual solvent
Reasons for using a mutual solvent

To maintain a water wet formation
To maintain a water wet formation

To water wet insoluble formation fines
To water wet insoluble formation fines

To reduce water saturation near the
To reduce water saturation near the
wellbore
wellbore

To help reduce the absorption of
To help reduce the absorption of
surfactants and inhibitors on the formation
surfactants and inhibitors on the formation
Clay Stabilizer
Clay Stabilizer

Reasons for using Clay Stabilizer

Reasons for using Clay Stabilizer
To keep clays and fines in suspension and to
To keep clays and fines in suspension and to
prevent migration and swelling of clays
prevent migration and swelling of clays

Normal treating concentrations

Normal treating concentrations
normally up to 1% (V/V)
normally up to 1% (V/V)
Diverting Agent
Diverting Agent

Why Diverting Agent?

Why Diverting Agent?
To place the reactive fluid evenly
To place the reactive fluid evenly

Among the pay zones in wells completed in
Among the pay zones in wells completed in
multiple layers with permeability contrast
multiple layers with permeability contrast

Wells completed in single layer with very
Wells completed in single layer with very
long interval with heterogeneity within the
long interval with heterogeneity within the
layer
layer

Wells completed in single layer with
Wells completed in single layer with
different magnitude of damage within the
different magnitude of damage within the
layer
layer
Diversion
Diversion
Techniques
Techniques

Mechanical diversion techniques

Mechanical diversion techniques

Mechanical isolation of pay zones with packers
Mechanical isolation of pay zones with packers
Chemical diversion techniques
Chemical diversion techniques

Ball sealers
Ball sealers

Particulate diversion
Particulate diversion

Foamed acid diversion
Foamed acid diversion

Viscous fluid diversion
Viscous fluid diversion
Self diverting acid (SDA) based on polymer/surfactants Self diverting acid (SDA) based on polymer/surfactants
Diversion with Emulsified acid Diversion with Emulsified acid
Diversion with viscous slug Diversion with viscous slug
Ball Sealers
Ball sealers are rubber-coated balls that are
designed to seat in the perforation
Reactive fluids carry the balls and place on the
perforation tunnel of high perm zone, blocks them,
diverts acid to other intervals.
Particulate diversion technique

Fine particles are added and placed against the

Fine particles are added and placed against the
high perm/less damaged zone
high perm/less damaged zone

Creates a relatively low permeable filter cake on

Creates a relatively low permeable filter cake on
the formation face of high perm zone
the formation face of high perm zone

Resists flow of reactive fluid to high permeable

Resists flow of reactive fluid to high permeable
zone and divert the fluid to the zone of interest
zone and divert the fluid to the zone of interest
Particulate diversion technique
Particulate diversion technique
Diverting agent
Diverting agent
s
s
Concentration
Concentration
1.
1.
Oil soluble resin/ polymer
Oil soluble resin/ polymer
0.5
0.5

5.0 gal/1000 gal

5.0 gal/1000 gal
2.
2.
Benzoic acid
Benzoic acid
(
(
not to use with HF)
not to use with HF)
1.0
1.0
lbm
lbm
/ft
/ft
3.
3.
Rock salt
Rock salt
0.5
0.5
-
-
2.0
2.0
lbm/f
lbm/f
4.
4. wax beads
wax beads
1.0
1.0

2.0
2.0
lbm
lbm
/ft
/ft
5.
5.
Naphthalene flakes
Naphthalene flakes
(
(
not to use in injection wells)
not to use in injection wells)
0.25
0.25

1.0
1.0
lbm
lbm
/ft
/ft
Foamed diversion technique
Foamed diversion technique

Foams are stable mixture of liquids and

Foams are stable mixture of liquids and
gases
gases

In oil field, foam is produced by

In oil field, foam is produced by
Injecting Nitrogen
Injecting Nitrogen
into water mixed with foamer
into water mixed with foamer

Nitrogen gas is trapped into the liquid

Nitrogen gas is trapped into the liquid
,
,
occupies
occupies
50
50
-
-
60% of total volume of foam
60% of total volume of foam

Foam restricts the flow of reactive fluid to high

Foam restricts the flow of reactive fluid to high
perm layer and diverts the fluid to low perm layer
perm layer and diverts the fluid to low perm layer
Viscous fluid diversion technique
Viscous fluid diversion technique

Acid modified with polymer/surfactant

Acid modified with polymer/surfactant

Preferably enters into the high perm zone and

Preferably enters into the high perm zone and
increases the viscosity in
increases the viscosity in
-
-
situ during acid
situ during acid
spending process
spending process
Diverts remaining acid to the low perm or more
Diverts remaining acid to the low perm or more
damaged zone at elevated pressure.
damaged zone at elevated pressure.
Self
Self
-
-
diverting
diverting
Acid(SDA
Acid(SDA
) system
) system
Acid diversion process
Flow Back
Retarded Mud Acid
Retarded Mud Acid
(For Retarding and clay stabilizing)
(For Retarding and clay stabilizing)

Used mainly to increase penetration depth.

Used mainly to increase penetration depth.

Chemistry
Chemistry

NH
NH
4 4
HF
HF
2 2
+ HCl
+ HCl

2HF+ NH
2HF+ NH
4 4
Cl
Cl

H
H
3 3
BO
BO
3 3
+ 4HF
+ 4HF

HBF
HBF
4 4
+ 3H
+ 3H
2 2
O
O
(Tetra
(Tetra
Fluo
Fluo
-
-
Boric Acid)
Boric Acid)

HBF
HBF
4 4
+ HOH
+ HOH

HF (Slow generating)
HF (Slow generating)

Limitation
Limitation

Suitable for low BHT wells
Suitable for low BHT wells
Acid formulation design
Acid formulation design
Treating Fluid
Treating Fluid
Formulations
Formulations
Pre flush
Pre flush
3% NH
3% NH4 4
Cl+6.5% HCl+ 3%
Cl+6.5% HCl+ 3%
Acetic acid
Acetic acid
6.5% HCl + 1.5% HF +
6.5% HCl + 1.5% HF +
3% Acetic acid + 0.5%
3% Acetic acid + 0.5%
Citric acid + 0.3%
Citric acid + 0.3%
surfactant +1% ACI
surfactant +1% ACI
6.5% HCl +3% Acetic
6.5% HCl +3% Acetic
acid 10% EGMBE
acid 10% EGMBE
Mud acid
Mud acid
After flush
After flush
Volume of
Volume of
fluid/m
fluid/m
690 Lit
690 Lit
1150 Lit
1150 Lit
690 Lit
690 Lit
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
Hydraulic Fracturing
Hydraulic fracturing is the most common mechanism
for increasing well productivity
In certain carbonate reservoirs fracturing is
performed with acid
In other carbonate and sandstone reservoirs propped
fracturing is used
Why Fracture?
By-pass near wellbore damage
Increase well production by changing flow
regime from radial to linear
Reduce sand production
Increase access to the reservoir from the
well bore
Near Wellbore Permeability Damage
Radial Flow Regime
By its nature, radial flow is inefficient
Effect of Hydraulic Fracture on Flow Regime
If properly created, hydraulic fractures can
change flow regime from radial to linear
Pressure Traverse In HF Job
Pressure Traverse In HF Job
Idealized Surface Pressure and Rate response during an HF treatment
Vertical fracture usually occurs at a depth below 6000 ft.
Fracture Orientation
Fracture Orientation
Fracturing Gradient = bottom-hole frac-pressure/ Depth
Horizontal fracture usually occurs at a depth above 6000 ft.
Fracture Orientation
Fracture Orientation
Fracturing Gradient = bottom-hole frac-pressure/ Depth
Purpose Of Fracturing
To increase productivity by penetrating blocked permeability near the well bore.
Purpose Of Fracturing
Purpose Of Fracturing
To increase the total volume of oil that a well can produce in primary recovery
before the economic limit of production is reached.
Fracturing
Fracturing
-
-
Classification
Classification

Acid Fracturing
Acid Fracturing

Non Acid Fluid Fracturing
Non Acid Fluid Fracturing

Water Based
Water Based

HC Based
HC Based

Poly Emulsion
Poly Emulsion

Non Conventional
Non Conventional

Nuclear
Nuclear

Explosive
Explosive

HEGS(high energy gas stimulation)
HEGS(high energy gas stimulation)
Good Candidates For Fracturing
Good Candidates For Fracturing

Sufficient Recoverable Reserves
Sufficient Recoverable Reserves

Sufficient Reservoir Pressure
Sufficient Reservoir Pressure

Low Permeability (Less Than 10
Low Permeability (Less Than 10
mD
mD
)
)

O/W And O/G contacts Not Very Close
O/W And O/G contacts Not Very Close

Good Cementation
Good Cementation
General Criteria For Well Selection
General Criteria For Well Selection

State of depletion of producing formation
State of depletion of producing formation

Formation composition & consolidation
Formation composition & consolidation

Formation permeability
Formation permeability

Formation thickness
Formation thickness

Isolation of the zone to be treated
Isolation of the zone to be treated

Condition of well equipment
Condition of well equipment

Production history of the well
Production history of the well

Offset production history
Offset production history

Location of water, oil
Location of water, oil
-
-
water and gas
water and gas
-
-
oil contacts
oil contacts
Frac Fluids
Frac Fluids
-
-
Properties
Properties

Reservoir Compatiblity
Reservoir Compatiblity

Low leak off rate

Low leak off rate

Ability to carry the propping agent

Ability to carry the propping agent

Low friction loss

Low friction loss

Easy removal from the formation

Easy removal from the formation

Stability at reservoir condition

Stability at reservoir condition

Availability
Availability

Safety
Safety

Cost economics
Cost economics
Type Of Frac Fluids
Type Of Frac Fluids

Water base
Water base

Oil base
Oil base

Acid base
Acid base

Fluid emulsions
Fluid emulsions

Foamed fluid
Foamed fluid
Characteristics
Characteristics
Of
Of
Major Fluid Systems
Major Fluid Systems

Water base
Water base

Gelled water: medium viscosity, low friction
Gelled water: medium viscosity, low friction

Cross linked water gel: high viscosity, high
Cross linked water gel: high viscosity, high
proppant
proppant
carrying capacity, low friction loss
carrying capacity, low friction loss
(with the help of delayed cross linker)
(with the help of delayed cross linker)

Oil base
Oil base

Compatible with reservoir, high viscosity, high
Compatible with reservoir, high viscosity, high
friction loss
friction loss

Emulsion base
Emulsion base

Good viscosity, low fluid loss, good clean up
Good viscosity, low fluid loss, good clean up

Acid base
Acid base

Low viscosity, unstable at high temperature
Low viscosity, unstable at high temperature
FRAC PROCEDURES /
FRAC PROCEDURES /
OPERATIONS
OPERATIONS
Spearhead
Spearhead

Spearhead reduce breakdown pressure

Spearhead reduce breakdown pressure

Typically 5
Typically 5
-
-
10 bbl HCl acid ahead of pad
10 bbl HCl acid ahead of pad

Formations can be difficult to breakdown,

Formations can be difficult to breakdown,
due to perforation damage, etc.
due to perforation damage, etc.

Pump 50% into formation at matrix rates
Pump 50% into formation at matrix rates

Shut down 5 minutes
Shut down 5 minutes

Pick up rate and Frac the last 50% of acid
Pick up rate and Frac the last 50% of acid

Continue with main Frac
Continue with main Frac
PAD
PAD

Initiate fracture
Initiate fracture

Breakdown the perforations

Breakdown the perforations

Develop width required for

Develop width required for
proppant
proppant

like a wedge to initiate fracture
like a wedge to initiate fracture

Sometimes use extra

Sometimes use extra
-
-
viscous pre
viscous pre
-
-
pads
pads

Sometimes referred to as clean fluid

Sometimes referred to as clean fluid
PAD
PAD

Small pads may not develop sufficient

Small pads may not develop sufficient
width for
width for
proppant
proppant
, potentially causing
, potentially causing
screen
screen
-
-
outs
outs

Excessive pad may delay closure for a

Excessive pad may delay closure for a
significant period of time, allowing
significant period of time, allowing
proppant
proppant
convection out of zone.
convection out of zone.
RATE
RATE

Rate must exceed leak

Rate must exceed leak
-
-
off into the
off into the
formation in order to propagate the
formation in order to propagate the
frac
frac

Typically performed 15
Typically performed 15
-
-
25 bbl/min
25 bbl/min

In some cases, either higher or lower
In some cases, either higher or lower
rates are required.
rates are required.
Proppant Schedule
Proppant Schedule

Defines the
Defines the
proppant
proppant
addition rate into the
addition rate into the
slurry
slurry

Typically 1
Typically 1
-
-
16 ppg
16 ppg

e.g. 5 ppg means that 5 lb of
e.g. 5 ppg means that 5 lb of
proppant
proppant
is
is
added to 1.0 gallon clean fluid, for a total of
added to 1.0 gallon clean fluid, for a total of
1.225 gallon slurry.
1.225 gallon slurry.

Increase either in a ramp or increments of

Increase either in a ramp or increments of
1
1
-
-
2 ppg.
2 ppg.
Proppant
Proppant
Stages
Stages

Immediately follow the pad

Immediately follow the pad

Slurry is clean fracturing fluid mixed with

Slurry is clean fracturing fluid mixed with
proppant
proppant
-
-
sometimes referred to as dirty
sometimes referred to as dirty
fluid
fluid

Continue to generate length and width

Continue to generate length and width

Start proppant at 1
Start proppant at 1
-
-
3 ppg
3 ppg

Slowly increase proppant concentrations.

Slowly increase proppant concentrations.
Proppant
Proppant
Stages
Stages

Perforation and near

Perforation and near
-
-
wellbore may not
wellbore may not
accept higher concentrations of proppant
accept higher concentrations of proppant
early in the treatment ( i.e if wedge isnt
early in the treatment ( i.e if wedge isnt
large enough)
large enough)

Erode the perforation and the formation

Erode the perforation and the formation
Flush
Flush

Immediately follows the

Immediately follows the
proppant
proppant
stages
stages

Pump clean (non

Pump clean (non
-
-
sand
sand
-
-
laden) fluid to
laden) fluid to
displace the
displace the
proppant
proppant
to within a short
to within a short
distance of the perforation and remove it
distance of the perforation and remove it
from the wellbore
from the wellbore

Use low friction, economical fluid

Use low friction, economical fluid

Often friction reduced based fluid is used.

Often friction reduced based fluid is used.
Under
Under
-
-
Flush
Flush

Volume by which the

Volume by which the
proppant
proppant
is under
is under
-
-
flushed to the perforation
flushed to the perforation

Safety factor to ensure that
Safety factor to ensure that
proppant
proppant
in not
in not
accidentally over
accidentally over
-
-
flushed into the perforation,
flushed into the perforation,
as this gives poor conductivity near the
as this gives poor conductivity near the
wellbore
wellbore

Usually, under
Usually, under
-
-
flush :
flush :

3 bbl down tubing
3 bbl down tubing

6 bbl down casing or annulus
6 bbl down casing or annulus
Real Time Monitoring
Real Time Monitoring
Fracture Initiation
Fracture Initiation
Proppant Initiation
Proppant Initiation
Ideal Frac Completion
Ideal Frac Completion
Pad Created Fracture Vol. = Proppant Laden Fracture Vol.
WATER CONTROL
WATER CONTROL
WHY & HOW
WHY & HOW
Why Water Control
Why Water Control

For every barrel oil we produce 3 barrel water.

For every barrel oil we produce 3 barrel water.

For a typical well with 80% water cut the we

For a typical well with 80% water cut the we
spend $4 /bbl for water
spend $4 /bbl for water
Reasons of additional cost
Reasons of additional cost

Lift and separation

Lift and separation

Treatment & disposal

Treatment & disposal

Corrosion & Scaling

Corrosion & Scaling

Formation damage, loss of productivity

Formation damage, loss of productivity
Water Types
Water Types

Sweep water 1. Active aquifer

Sweep water 1. Active aquifer
2. Injection water
2. Injection water

Good water Unavoidable

Good water Unavoidable
1. Water in oil at OWC
1. Water in oil at OWC
2. Oil in water emulsion
2. Oil in water emulsion
3. Injection water
3. Injection water

Bad Water Avoidable

Bad Water Avoidable
1. Water competing with oil
1. Water competing with oil
2. Mechanical failure
2. Mechanical failure
3. Operational mistake
3. Operational mistake
Good Water
Good Water
Injector
Producer
Injector
Injector
Bad
Bad
Water
Water
Coning
Crossflow
Breakthrough Rise of OWC
Fracture
Channeling
Casing Leak
Casing, tubing or packer leaks
Casing, tubing or packer leaks
-
-
Channeling
Channeling
-
-
Flow behind casing
Flow behind casing
Coning
Coning
Movement of oil water contact
Movement of oil water contact
Vertical Window - Cross-flow
Fracture or Fault from a water
Fracture or Fault from a water
layer
layer
Injection water breakthrough
Injection water breakthrough
Injector
Producer
Key to water control is proper diagnosis
Key to water control is proper diagnosis

Screen wells suitable for water control

Screen wells suitable for water control

Determine the type of problem

Determine the type of problem

Find the correct water entry point

Find the correct water entry point

Find the best control system

Find the best control system

Find suitable placement method

Find suitable placement method
Well Diagnostics & Candidate selection
Well Diagnostics & Candidate selection
TOOLS & TECHNIQUES
TOOLS & TECHNIQUES
Well History :
Well History :

Drilling history
Drilling history

Well geometry
Well geometry

Mud loss history

Mud loss history

Filtration loss
Filtration loss
Well Diagnostics & Candidate election
Well Diagnostics & Candidate election
TOOLS & TECHNIQUES
TOOLS & TECHNIQUES

Geological data
Geological data

Reservoir data
Reservoir data

Water analysis data

Water analysis data

Oil analysis data

Oil analysis data
Well Diagnostics & Candidate election
Well Diagnostics & Candidate election
TOOLS & TECHNIQUES
TOOLS & TECHNIQUES
Production history
Production history

Recovery plot
Recovery plot

Production history plot

Production history plot

Decline curve
Decline curve

Diagnostic plot
Diagnostic plot
Well Diagnostics & Candidate election
Well Diagnostics & Candidate election
Well Logs
Well Logs

Open hole logs

Open hole logs

Cased hole logs

Cased hole logs

Production logs
Production logs

USIT
USIT

FMI
FMI
TOOLS & TECHNIQUES
TOOLS & TECHNIQUES
Well Diagnostics & Candidate election
Well Diagnostics & Candidate election
Water Control Solutions
Water Control Solutions
Mechanical
Mechanical
Physical
Physical
Chemical
Chemical
Mechanical Solutions & Well Techniques
Mechanical Solutions & Well Techniques

Packers
Packers

Bridge Plugs
Bridge Plugs

Casing Patches
Casing Patches

Infill Drilling
Infill Drilling

Side Tracking
Side Tracking

Pattern Flow Control

Pattern Flow Control

Horizontal
Horizontal

Multilateral
Multilateral
Water Control Materials
Water Control Materials
Physical Plugging Agents
Physical Plugging Agents
Conventional Cement Squeeze
Conventional Cement Squeeze
Ultra Fine Cement
Ultra Fine Cement
Foam
Foam
-
-
cement
cement
Particulates
Particulates
Sand Plug
Sand Plug
Conventional Cement Squeeze
Conventional Cement Squeeze
Often performs well as a blocking agent
Often performs well as a blocking agent
Good solution for large casing hole
Good solution for large casing hole
Long life
Long life
Near wellbore application
Near wellbore application
Poor penetration
Poor penetration
Provide Mechanical strength to Polymer
Provide Mechanical strength to Polymer
gel
gel
Economical
Economical
Ultra
Ultra
-
-
fine Cement (
fine Cement (
Size
Size
-
-
< 10 micron)
< 10 micron)
Better penetrability than conventional
Better penetrability than conventional
cement
cement

Small size casing hole

Small size casing hole

Micro
Micro
-
-
channels
channels

Can be mixed with ultra fine silica

Can be mixed with ultra fine silica

Thermal stability
Thermal stability

Expensive
Expensive
Hydrocarbon based ultra
Hydrocarbon based ultra
-
-
fine Cement
fine Cement

Reacts slowly upon contact with water

Reacts slowly upon contact with water

Moderate penetration depth

Moderate penetration depth

Can be used in conjunction with polymer

Can be used in conjunction with polymer
gel
gel
Foam Cement
Foam Cement

Reduced weight
Reduced weight

Moderate penetration depth

Moderate penetration depth

Can be used in conjunction with polymer gel

Can be used in conjunction with polymer gel
Particulates
Particulates

Clay gels
Clay gels

Carbonates
Carbonates

Various Loss control materials

Various Loss control materials
To be used in combination with other
To be used in combination with other
chemical system,
chemical system,
Sand plug
Sand plug

Rig
Rig
-
-
less alternative to cement plug
less alternative to cement plug

Low cost
Low cost

To be applied with binder

To be applied with binder

Supporting agent to
Supporting agent to
low strength polymer gel
low strength polymer gel

Inexpensive
Inexpensive
Monomer Systems
Monomer Systems

Water thin
Water thin
gellant
gellant

Thermal & catalytic activation

Thermal & catalytic activation

In
In
-
-
situ polymerization
situ polymerization

Designable placement time

Designable placement time

Matrix treatment in low permeable reservoir

Matrix treatment in low permeable reservoir

High volume application possible

High volume application possible

Applicable
Applicable
upto
upto
140
140
0 0
C
C

Total to partial sealant

Total to partial sealant

Easy to mix
Easy to mix
Cross
Cross
-
-
linked Polymer Systems
linked Polymer Systems

Mainly
Mainly
acrylamide
acrylamide
ter
ter
-
-
polymer
polymer

Organic or Inorganic cross

Organic or Inorganic cross
-
-
linker
linker

Variable concentration
Variable concentration

Low to very high viscosity

Low to very high viscosity

Designable placement time

Designable placement time

Applicable in sand stone & carbonate

Applicable in sand stone & carbonate

Large volume application possible

Large volume application possible

Applicable
Applicable
upto
upto
140
140
0 0
C
C

Total sealant
Total sealant
Cross
Cross
-
-
linked Polymer Systems
linked Polymer Systems
Application
Application

Bottom water shutoff

Bottom water shutoff

Coning
Coning

Channel from Injector

Channel from Injector

Casing leak
Casing leak

Fracture into injector/aquifer

Fracture into injector/aquifer

Plugging operation/zone abandonment

Plugging operation/zone abandonment

Gas shutoff
Gas shutoff
Relative permeability Modifier (RPM)
Relative permeability Modifier (RPM)

Xantham
Xantham
co
co
-
-
polymer (XC)
polymer (XC)

Inorganic cross
Inorganic cross
-
-
linker
linker

Low to very high viscosity

Low to very high viscosity

Shear thinning
Shear thinning

Applicable in sand stone

Applicable in sand stone

Large volume application possible

Large volume application possible

Applicable
Applicable
upto
upto
100
100
0 0
C
C

Designable gel strength

Designable gel strength
Relative permeability Modifier (RPM)
Relative permeability Modifier (RPM)

Permeability of oil/water
Permeability of oil/water
upto
upto
10
10

Bull head treatment possible

Bull head treatment possible

Needs mechanical support

Needs mechanical support

Low cost
Low cost

Applicable in 3
Applicable in 3
-
-
D conning &
D conning &

unpredictable watered out zone

unpredictable watered out zone
Resins
Resins

2 or 3 component system
2 or 3 component system

Low viscosity
Low viscosity

Permanent solution
Permanent solution

Irretrievable
Irretrievable

Relatively higher cost

Relatively higher cost

Applicable for channel repair and casing

Applicable for channel repair and casing
leak
leak
Placement Strategies
Placement Strategies
Coning
Crossflow
Breakthrough Rise of OWC
Fracture
Channeling
Casing Leak
SAND CONTROL
SAND CONTROL
Geological Sands
Geological Sands

Marine deposited sands:

Marine deposited sands:

Cemented with calcareous or siliceous
Cemented with calcareous or siliceous
material.
material.

Well consolidated.
Well consolidated.

Erosion deposited sands

Erosion deposited sands

Cemented with soft clay/silt.
Cemented with soft clay/silt.

Partly consolidated.
Partly consolidated.

Unconsolidated.
Unconsolidated.

Overburden, Friction, Differential Stresses.

Overburden, Friction, Differential Stresses.

Cementing material, Degree of

Cementing material, Degree of
consolidation.
consolidation.

Fluid viscosity, Production velocity, Drag

Fluid viscosity, Production velocity, Drag
forces.
forces.

Capillary forces, Water production.

Capillary forces, Water production.
Factors Affecting Sand Production
Factors Affecting Sand Production
OVERBURDEN
CEMENTING
CAPILLARY
DRAG
Sand Control
Sand Control

Definition
Definition

Stop sand movement & maintain maximum
Stop sand movement & maintain maximum
production.
production.

Success measures:
Success measures:

Stop sand movement.
Stop sand movement.

Maintain maximum production
Maintain maximum production

Pay out cost.
Pay out cost.
Why Sand Control?
Why Sand Control?

Sand fill up
Sand fill up
Hole, Casing, Tubing
Hole, Casing, Tubing

Erosion
Erosion
Down hole tubular,Safety
Down hole tubular,Safety
valves,
valves,
Chokes, A/L equipment
Chokes, A/L equipment

Sand
Sand
accumulation
accumulation
Surface lines, Equipment
Surface lines, Equipment

Abrasive wear
Abrasive wear
Surface control, Valves,
Surface control, Valves,
Pipes
Pipes

Buckling of casing
Buckling of casing

Handling & disposal

Handling & disposal
Methods Of Sand Control
Methods Of Sand Control

Restrictive production rate.

Restrictive production rate.

Mechanical methods:Slotted liner, Wire

Mechanical methods:Slotted liner, Wire
-
-
wrapped screen, Pre
wrapped screen, Pre
-
-
packed screen, Frac
packed screen, Frac
pack, Gravel pack, High rate water pack.
pack, Gravel pack, High rate water pack.

Chemical methods.
Chemical methods.

Combination methods.
Combination methods.
Resin coated sand is pumped through perforations, filling voids
and re-stressing formation. It will harden in this shapes form a
permeable mass.
STEP: 1
The mass is drilled out to return the well to production. The
production of the mass remaining hdps prevent production of sand.
STEP: 2
Gravel Pack
Gravel Pack

Consists of sized
Consists of sized
particles placed
particles placed
in the annular
in the annular
space between an
space between an
unconsolidated
unconsolidated
formation and a
formation and a
centralized
centralized
screen.
screen.

open or cased
open or cased
hole.
hole.
Sand Gravel Screen
OIL GAS
Laboratory Analysis
Laboratory Analysis

Sand sampling:
Sand sampling:

Rubber sleeve cores.
Rubber sleeve cores.

Conventional cores.
Conventional cores.

Side
Side
-
-
wall cores.
wall cores.

Bailed samples.
Bailed samples.

Produced sand.
Produced sand.

Sieve analysis
Sieve analysis

Clay content.
Clay content.
Sieve Analysis
Sieve Analysis
U.S. MESH
C
U
M
U
L
A
T
I
V
E

%

O
F

S
A
M
P
L
E
50 % SIZE
10 % SIZE
ROUNDNESS
S
P
H
E
R
I
C
I
T
Y
KRUMBEIN & SLOSS CHART
Well Preparation
Well Preparation

Perforation:
Perforation:

Type: Over balance, TCP, EOB
Type: Over balance, TCP, EOB

Density: 12 SPF
Density: 12 SPF

Entry hole
Entry hole
dia
dia
.: 0.75
.: 0.75

Perforation Cleaning:
Perforation Cleaning:

Back surging
Back surging

Perforation washing
Perforation washing
TYPICAL
TYPICAL
GRAVEL
GRAVEL
PACK
PACK
SYSTEMS
SYSTEMS
Sequence Of Operation
Sequence Of Operation
1.
1.
Clear bottom
Clear bottom
2.
2.
Perforate/ Re
Perforate/ Re
-
-
perforate
perforate
3.
3.
Scrap the well
Scrap the well
4.
4.
Set bridge plug
Set bridge plug
5.
5.
CTC
CTC
6.
6.
Make up GP assembly
Make up GP assembly
7.
7.
Tag bridge plug
Tag bridge plug
8.
8.
Set packer
Set packer
9.
9.
Mark circulating / Squeeze / Reverse position
Mark circulating / Squeeze / Reverse position
10.
10.
Acidize
Acidize
in squeeze mode
in squeeze mode
11.
11.
Pump slurry till screen out/pack
Pump slurry till screen out/pack
12.
12.
Reverse out excess gravel
Reverse out excess gravel
13.
13.
Stab seal
Stab seal
BLANK
PIPES
SCREEN
LOWER TELL
TAIL
LANDING
NIPPLE
CROSS OVER
TOOL
POLISHED BORE RECEPTACLE
WITH O RING