SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS

Effective Multistage Hydraulic Fracturing of an Extremely Hot Reservoir:

Case History

Chetan Prakash, Mayur Deshpande, and Monalisa Mallick, Halliburton

Copyright 2018, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE International Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference and Exhibition held in Muscat, Oman, 16 - 18 October
2018.

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents
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Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing formations at temperatures >375°F is challenging because of the unavailability of
suitable fluids with sufficient thermal stability. Applying low thermal-stability fluid for fracturing these
formations causes rapid viscosity degradation, leading to high fluid loss and narrow fractures. This paper
discusses strategies adopted in successful offshore high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) formation
multistage fracturing using lower gel-loading fluid.
Commercially available gelled fracturing fluids are made using polysaccharides or their derivatives.
Glycosidic linkages in polysaccharides begin breaking rapidly at temperatures >375°F, making
polysaccharide fluids unsuitable for HP/HT hydraulic fracturing when significant fracture conductivity
must be achieved. Strategies were planned to cool down the reservoir and bring the temperature into the
polysaccharide fluid thermal-stability range. The reservoir's temperature is approximately 400°F and has a
high clay content. Performing fluid/clay mineralogy interaction tests optimized the type and concentration
of the clay control additive; performing stability tests on an HP/HT viscometer optimized the crosslinked
fluid formulation with low polysaccharide gelling agent concentration. Considering well completion and
reservoir complexity, a limited entry technique was used to achieve maximum zonal coverage.
The polymeric clay control additive performed better than conventional salt in clay inhibition; it did not
have a negative effect on fluid thermal stability. Metal-crosslinked fracturing fluid containing 45-lbm/1,000-
gal gelling agent was stable for approximately 1.5 hours at 350°F; results were comparable with gel having
50-lbm/1,000-gal gelling agent. The strong metal-crosslink bond provided higher thermal stability to the gel.
Based on petrophysical log analysis, six zones were identified for hydraulic fracturing treatment;
however, during execution two zones were combined, so five treatments were successfully executed on a
well with a bottomhole static temperature of 400°F in the Krishna Godavari Basin (eastern coast of India). A
total of 1,000,000 lbm of high-strength proppant was placed into the formation using approximately 17,000
bbl of crosslinked gel. The zone was perforated in individual clusters; a limited entry technique was used
to help treat the zone. The limited number of perforations resulted in increased pressure differential across
perforation clusters, leading to effective diversion and maximum zonal coverage. Each stage was isolated
using a bridge plug, and diagnostic pumping was conducted before each main treatment. To gain insight
2 SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS

into the actual geometries achieved, data acquired during the treatment were history matched using a full
3D grid-oriented hydraulic fracture simulator and compared to initial simulations.
Fracturing in extreme high temperature with high pressure poses significant challenges. This paper details
successful hydraulic fracturing applications in one such reservoir regarding optimization and utilization of
a fluid system to achieve optimum fracture geometries and minimizing formation damage and discusses
other aspects of fracturing this reservoir, such as perforation strategies and operational tactics for successful
placement of multistage hydraulic fracture treatments.

Introduction
A fracturing fluid is used during stimulation to create adequate fracture geometry and transport the
proppants. The performance of the fluid is vital to accomplish a successful fracturing operation. The
performance of a fracturing fluid is affected by various parameters such as polymer type, crosslinker,
breaker, gel stabilizer, temperature, etc. Traditionally, guar and its derivatised polymers have been used in
fracturing fluid preparation for many decades. These polysaccharides can be used as simple solutions (linear
gel) or as crosslinked gel with boron, zirconium, titanium, aluminum, or chromium crosslinkers (Harris
1993; Harris and Heath 1998; Kramer et al. 1986; Kramer et al. 1987).
The selection of fluid depends on thermal stability and residue generated. The borate crosslinked fluids
have thermal stability up to 320°F whereas zirconate crosslinked (Zr-XL) fluids, because of a stronger
crosslink bond, have greater thermal stability and could be used up to 375°F.
The thermal stability of polysaccharide gel is predominantly dependent on two types of bonds—
crosslinking bonds between polymers and crosslinkers and glycosidic bonds between monomer units of
the polymers. At higher temperatures, the glycosidic bonds, along with crosslink bonds, are degraded
irreversibly. The degradation of glycosidic bonds primarily occurs by hydrolysis (Weaver et al. 2003). The
presence of residue in the gelling agent is another important aspect of fracturing fluid selection. This residue
can have detrimental effects on conductivity of the proppant pack and regained permeability of a formation,
which ultimately lowers the well's potential production rate. Therefore, minimum residue-generating fluid
is the preferred choice for fracturing operations.
The presence of oxygen affects fluid stability at high temperatures. Oxygen is unavoidably introduced
in fluids through entrainment of air during fluid pumping operations. Oxygen can also enter the gel system
in dissolved form. In these conditions, the diatomic oxygen molecule exists as a diradical, which is prone
to react with the polysaccharide. This sets up a radical reaction that initiates a chain scission within the
polymer and yields smaller chains at temperatures greater than 200°F (Walker et al. 1995).
The oxygen molecule contains unpaired electrons in its ground state (e.g., triplet state). The presence
of these unpaired electrons causes the oxygen molecule to behave as a diradical (O - O). In a triplet state,
molecular oxygen reacts with other molecules by the free-radical mechanism. When oxygen molecules come
in contact with polysaccharide, they abstract a hydrogen atom from the molecule and form a hydroperoxide
radical (HOO) and polysaccharide radical (G). Thus, two unstable single radical species are formed (Eq. 1).
(1)
These hydroperoxide radicals and polysaccharide radicals can cause other reactions, which perpetuates
radical generation and polysaccharide degradation.
The polysaccharide radical reaction with water forms a hydroxyl radical and polysaccharide molecule
(GH + OH). These hydroxyl radicals degrade the polymer backbone (Eq. 2).
(2)
The free-radical reaction with water, hydroxyl radical, and polysaccharide produce a catalytic hydrolysis
of the glycosidic bond. This results in small-chain polysaccharide fragments.
SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS 3

The fluid viscosity with small-chain fragments is lower than the original polymer solution and is
not sufficient to transport the proppant reliably. An oxygen scavenger or gel stabilizer is used in fluid
formulations to protect the polymer from the oxygen effects. The scavenger reacts with oxygen radicals and
inhibits reaction with the polymer chain, thus preventing premature gel degradation.
Sodium thiosulfates, and sodium sulfite, are the most commonly used gel stabilizers in fracturing fluids.
Eqs. 3 and 4 show the oxygen-scavenging mechanisms of these compounds.
(3)
(4)
The sulfur-free gel stabilizer is another choice (Eq. 5).
(5)
Hydrocarbon reservoirs, encompassing clastic sedimentary rocks, are composed of minerals or rock
fragments cemented in a fine-grained matrix, often containing clays and other minerals. Clay minerals are
characterized by stacks of two-dimensional sheets composed of SiO4 tetrahedron and/or AlO4 octahedron
with exchangeable cations present in between the alumino-silicate sheets that attract water in the interlayer
molecular spaces, causing osmotic swelling. Another type of clay swelling is surface hydration, where
water molecules are adsorbed on crystal surfaces. Therefore, presence of clay in an oil and gas producing
formation poses a problem for production from wells as clay minerals tend to swell/migrate in the presence
of water, un-stabilizing the formation and reducing formation permeability.
Clay swelling problems in the past have been addressed by pre-flushing with slugs of salt-containing
water and using inorganic salts in the aqueous stimulation fluids. Quite often, the salt of choice has been
potassium chloride (KCl) which converts the clay to a less swellable form by cation exchange with ions
present on the clay surfaces. Other salts include calcium chloride, ammonium chloride, and the like, typically
dissolved in an aqueous preflush and/or in the aqueous stimulation fluid used for the formation treatment.
While salts may be effective in protecting the formation, the clay swelling protection provided by salts
are temporary and an influx of fresh water causes the clays to re-swell.
Another method of clay swelling inhibition includes using an organic polymer solution that contains
hydrophilic and hydrophobic links. The polymer is adsorbed onto the surface of clays. Surface hydration
is reduced as the polymer coats the surface of the clay making it hydrophobic. Polymeric clay inhibitors
are desirable as they are required in minute quantity as well as provide permanent protection against clay
swelling.
With the advancement of technology, wells are being drilled to greater depths having HP/HT conditions.
To maintain production of hydrocarbons both efficiently and economically, many of these reservoirs
must be stimulated successfully with hydraulic fracturing. One such HP/HT well with bottomhole static
temperature of 400°F was drilled in the Krishna Godavari Basin (eastern coast of India). This well was
stimulated using a zirconate-crosslinked low-residue guar-derivative gel. The polymer concentration was
maintained at 40/45 lb/1,000 gal and a polymeric clay control additive (PCCA) was used at 0.5 gal/1,000-
gal concentration. Significant amount of PAD fluid was pumped to cooldown the reservoir and bring the
temperature to the working limit of the fluid system. This fluid was successfully used during five multistage
hydraulic fracturing treatments of an offshore well. This paper presents a case history of multistage hydraulic
fracturing of an offshore HT/HP well.
4 SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS

Experimental
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) Analysis
X-ray diffraction is used for identifying unknown crystalline phases. Crystalline solids have organized
arrangements of atoms in three dimensions. X-rays have wave lengths in the same range as the spacing
of atoms in the crystalline solids. When an x-ray beam is projected on a crystalline solid, it will diffract
or reflect at certain angles. By comparing the positions and intensities of the diffraction peaks against a
library of known crystalline materials, the materials can be identified. Quantitative measurements can be
made based on the relative intensity or strength of the reflection for each mineral present. A pulverized one-
gram sample was placed in an X-ray beam and rotated through an arc. The X-ray beam was diffracted by
the sample and the diffraction patterns were recorded.

Determination of total clay content and individual non-clay minerals by powder XRD
Powder XRD patterns were obtained from 2 theta of 4° to 80° with an X-Ray diffractometer at 45 KV and 40
mA. The total clay content was determined by a linear regression method and individual non-clay minerals
in the shale sample were calculated from the linear regression (calibration curve) of standards prepared with
varying concentration of clay and non-clay minerals or the Rietveld method.

Determination of individual clay content

About 1.0 gm of powder shale sample was mixed with about 60 ml of de-ionized water in a 100ml beaker.
The mixture was stirred for two minutes on a magnetic stirrer followed by a 15-minute sonication in an
ultrasonic bath. After sonication, the mixture was again stirred for two minutes on the magnetic stirrer to
disperse the clay. While stirring, 5 ml of dispersed sample was filtered through 0.45 μm filters and then
the clay retained on filter paper was transferred to a glass slide. The glass slide was dried, glycolated, and
then the XRD spectrum was measured from 2 theta of 2° to 30°. Finally, the individual clay content was
determined by peak area based on the mineral intensity factor.

Capillary Suction Time (CST)

This test is to compare the effects of aqueous fluids on the tendency for clay swelling and/or dispersion.
CST utilizes the capillary suction pressure of a porous filter paper for evaluating filtration characteristics
of aqueous fluid systems. A suspension is filtered under the influence of this capillary pressure. The rate at
which filtrate is absorbed from the suspension is determined by the degree of stabilization of the clays in the
sample. Aqueous suspensions of a formation sample are treated with various concentrations of salt or clay
stabilizer solutions and the CST determined. In general, the minimum CST indicates maximum swelling/
dispersion inhibition. CST is intended as a rapid semi-quantitative method for comparison of fluid for a
specific formation.
The capillary suction time of samples with aqueous fluids was measured using CST instruments. It
consists of placing 2g of pulverized formation sample in 50ml of test fluid and mix with a magnetic stirrer
for five minutes. A 5 ml sample is then injected into a cylinder resting on a standard porous filter paper.
Concentric electrodes are located 0.5 cm and 1.0 cm from the edge of the cylinder. Both electrodes are
connected to a timer, where fluid contact with the first electrode starts the timer and fluid contact with
the second electrode stops the timer. The time interval measured depends on the amount of free water
in the pulverized formation sample/treatment fluid slurry and the permeability of the formation mineral
filtercake deposited. The measurement is normally repeated three times per sample. The results of the tests
are presented showing the CST times for each fluid and sample tested.
SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS 5

Rheology Tests at HP/HT

The fluid should have sufficient viscosity to create the fracture geometry needed, transport proppants, and
minimize fluid loss into the formation. Rheology measurements of fracturing fluids provide information
about crosslinking behavior and fluid stability under specific temperature and shear conditions. The
rheology profile of the fluid also provides information regarding time, duration for safe proppant transport,
and break time. Concentration of additives can be varied to increase or decrease stability and break times.
To prepare a sample of the fracturing fluid, biocide, clay control additive, and non-emulsifier were
mixed into water in a blender jar. This was followed by the addition of polymer under continuous stirring.
Other additives, such as pH buffer, gel stabilizer, breaker, crosslinker, and crosslink activator were mixed
sequentially. The concentrations of additives were varied for different testing conditions. A 71-mL fluid
sample was poured in an R1 rotor cup of a HP/HT viscometer equipped with a B2X bob. Rheology tests
were performed at different sets of temperatures and shear rates.

Results and Discussion

Results of XRD – Clay contents
The XRD results of two formation rock samples, collected from different zones, are given in Table 1.

Table 1—Mineralogical composition of the samples determined by XRD.

Sample No. Sample 1 Sample 2

Phases Amount (%)

Quartz 65 64
Anatase 4 4
Calcite 2 3
Ankerite/Dolomite 2 2
Halite 1 1
K-feldspar 9 6
Na-feldspar 1 3
Chlorite 8 10
Mixed Layer (Illite+Smectite) 8 7

XRD analysis results revealed that the formation core samples predominantly contain quartz (~ 65%).
Feldspar and carbonate minerals (calcite and dolomite) are present in minor amounts. The samples contain
a total of 16-17% clays, of which the swelling clay (illite+smectite) is 7-8%.

Results of CST
The CST results of rock samples are given in Table 2.
6 SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS

Table 2—CST results.

Sample 1 Sample 2
Treatment fluid
Average run time (in seconds)

DI Water 53.8 41.6

3% KCl 19.2 18.1
5% KCl 16.2 17.8
7% KCl 17.9 17.5
0.01% PCCA 30.5 15.9
0.05% PCCA 17.0 14.9
0.1% PCCA 16.7 14.8

The basic principle behind CST tests is the lower the average run time value, the better the clay inhibition.
Therefore, CST value of DI water represents a non-inhibiting fluid characteristic. Accordingly, it can
be seen that a higher concentration of clay control agent has lowered the average run value. However,
beyond a certain concentration, the average run value becomes constant and does not vary with change in
concentration.
Although the samples analyzed contained a total clay content of around 16%, about 7% mixed layer
(smectite/illite) clay is present. Hence, as expected, the time required for water is quite high. Average run
value of 5% and 7% KCl of the samples are comparable. Hence, both 5% and 7% KCl would inhibit the
clays in similar fashion. However, 0.05% and 0.1% PCCA show consistently low values for the samples
and hence better clay inhibition compare to KCl. Furthermore, PCCA, being a polymeric molecule, would
provide permanent clay inhibition.

Rheology Tests at 350°F and 325°F

To evaluate the thermal stability of the gel, rheology tests were performed on a viscometer under pressurized
condition. Calculating cooldown after the PAD stage, the test temperature was set at 350°F. The first test
was performed using 50 lb/1,000 gal of gelling agent in fluid with 12 gal/1,000 gal of gel stabilizer (GS)
and 0.5 gal/1,000 gal zirconate crosslinker (ZrXL). The rheology plot of this test is given in Fig. 1. The
concentration of crosslinking buffer was optimized for crosslink pH of ~10.1.
This gel had a viscosity above 400 cP for ~ 100 minutes. Breaker was not mixed in to the gel for this
test. To minimize the amount of generated residue with least effect on fracture conductivity and formation
rock permeability, the amount of gelling agent was reduced to 45 lb/1,000 gal for the next rheology test.
To obtain desired stability time, the amount of crosslinker was increased to 0.6 gal/1,000 gal. This resulted
into a stability time of ~ 80 minutes. The result of these tests are shown in Fig. 1.
SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS 7

Figure 1—A plot of viscosity as a function of time; stability test of crosslinked gels at 350°F.

The fracturing fluid was planned to be formulated with PCCA to achieve better clay inhibition. Therefore,
it was necessary to evaluate its effect on the stability of the fracturing fluid. Another test was conducted by
replacing the KCl with 0.5 gal/1,000 gal of PCCA in the formulation of 45 lb/1,000 gal of metal crosslinked
gel. The comparative results of these tests are presented in Fig. 2. The PCCA containing gel had stability
time similar to KCl-containing gel. This demonstrates that PCCA does not affect gel stability.

Figure 2—A plot of viscosity as a function of time; stability test of crosslinked gels, with KCl and with PCCA at 350°F.

To achieve good cleanup of filter cake and maximum fracture conductivity, breaker is added to the
formulation of fracturing fluid. Another test was conducted using an oxidizing breaker (OB) at very low
8 SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS

concentration, 0.1 gal/1,000 gal. This gel achieved a break in ~ 90 minutes at 350°F with viscosity below
200 cp at 40 1/s. The plot is given in Fig. 3.

Figure 3—A plot of viscosity as a function of time; crosslinked gels with and without OB at 350°F.

Accounting further cooldown during the progressive frac stages, additional rheology tests were
performed at 325°F with reduced gelling agent and GS concentration, and higher OB concentration. The
gelling agent and GS concentration were reduced to 40 lb/1,000 gal and 6 gal/1,000 gal, respectively. The
amount of OB was increased to 0.5-1.5 gal/1,000 gal. The results of these tests are shown in Fig. 4.

Figure 4—A plot of viscosity as a function of time; crosslinked gels with and without OB at 325°F.
SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS 9

The fluids with 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 gal/1,000 gal OB achieved break in 180, 135, and 65 minutes, respectively.
Higher breaker concentration will help to achieve higher fracture conductivity.

Case History
The well in this study, Well A, is located in Deen Dayal West (DDW) Field in the Krishna–Godavari (KG)
basin off the east coast of Andhra Pradesh, India. Well A was the fourth development well in the DDW
field (Fig. 5).

Figure 5—Site Map of Well A

Well A targets a gross prospective interval of about 500m TVD in which there are more than 20 individual
sands, each with thickness ranging between 3 to 10m. The reservoir quality of these individual sands is
highly variable with a logged porosity of 6-12% and permeability ranging from 0.03 to 30mD. Petrographic
analysis of the rock matrix reveals that some of the porosity is the result of mineral dissolution which
contributes to a higher porosity but with poor connectivity.
The KG Basin holds one of the largest hydrocarbon deposits of India with an estimate of about 20 TCF
of gas reserves in-place. A number of fields in the KG basin contain extremely tight formations that require
hydraulic fracturing techniques for economic production of hydrocarbon.
The temperature of the targeted reservoir in Well A was ~400°F with a fracture gradient in excess of
0.9 psi/ft., categorizing this well as HPHT. Designing a suitable fluid system for this condition has been a
challenge. This paper discusses various aspects of designing a suitable fluid system along with some aspects
of the hydraulic fracturing treatments conducted in this well.

GEOLOGIC OVERVIEW
The geological model of this basin categorizes it to be originally an unconfined channel complex which
was later filled by sand. Modern analogues suggest relatively small individual lenticular sand bodies around
50m wide and 250m long.
The relative size of these channel sand deposits is supported by comparing well logs of sidetracks drilled
50m or less away from the original boreholes – many of the sands are not present in the adjacent wellbore.
However, it is unknown if, and how well these individual sand accumulations are connected as well as
distributed vertically through the gross interval and outward away from the wellbore. Seismic data does
10 SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS

not provide the level of granularity required to directly observe these channel sands. So, it is difficult to
ascertain the probability of encountering channel sands outside of the wellbore
No aquifer contact was observed in the well penetration to date. Moreover, the wide range of calculated
water saturation, if representative, could either reflect stranded formation water in the small individual
sand compartments, or differences in pore size and pore surface area – smaller pores having a higher
irreducible water saturation. There is no empirical well test data that can tie movable water to any critical
water saturation. Given the lack of an aquifer and the relatively-small size of the individual channel sand
compartments, the amount of water present should be limited and would be easily depleted.

HYDRAULIC FRACTURE – DESIGN OVERVIEW

Hydraulic fracture stimulation for Well A was designed by taking an integrated approach involving
petrophysics, hydraulic fracture design, and reservoir engineering. The petrophysical evaluation results
were aimed at identifying the target zones to stimulate and evaluate all parameters required for stimulation
treatment, as well as utilization of reservoir engineering to forecast the pre-frac and post-frac production.
A holistic approach was employed via an integrated workflow incorporating necessary job disciplines to
deliver an optimum hydraulic fracturing design.
The well log was interpreted, and 14 completion targets were identified (Table 3) which after reviewing
was expanded to 19 targets. These targets were ranked on the basis of three main parameters; Kh (product
of formation permeability and thickness), storage capacity, and water saturation. The ranking was done into
two main categories; targets for perforations and targets for perforations with fracturing treatment. These
completion targets were modelled in a reservoir simulator. Pre frac and post frac production response was
modelled and used to rank hydraulic fracture (HF) candidates (Fig. 6).

Table 3—Completion Interval Summary.

Storage Capacity
Completion Zone Thickness Top MD Bottom (MDm) Kh (mD.m)
(Sb*Phie*h)

1 6.7 4691.5 4698 42 0.43

1.1 3.1 4707 4710 2 0.13
1.2 10.6 4717 4727.5 5 0.46
1.3 4.1 4736.5 4740 1 0.29
2 10.1 4770 4780.5 17 0.79
3 16 4789 4805 242 1.05
4.1 6.7 4811 4818 427 0.7
4.2 3.6 4821 4824.5 186 0.45
5 4.7 4834 4838.5 10 0.45
6 5.1 4866.5 4871.5 9 0.4
7 5.6 4907 4912.5 1 0.27
8 5 4957 4962 53 0.44
9.1 14.2 5044.5 5058.5 8 0.5
9.2 9 5061 5070 5 0.22
10 8.7 5105 5113.5 35 0.41
11 5.9 5115.5 5121 143 0.57
12 11.7 5126 5137 70 0.76
13 9.2 5154.5 5163.5 39 0.57
14 2.8 5183 5186 28 0.2
SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS 11

Six zones were selected for hydraulic fracturing based on the ranking and a minimum separation of 30m
between interval perforations to facilitate isolation of the lower zone using a sand plug (Table 4).

Table 4—Summary of Frac Intervals.

Interval Perforation Interval Perforation Interval

Zone Frac Rank Interval (Top MDm)
(Bottom MD m) Top (MD m) Bottom (MD m)

12 F3 5126 5137 5135 5137

6 F5 4866 4871 4867 4869
5 F6 4834 4838 4834.5 4836.5
3 F1 4789 4805 4724 4726
1.2 F4 4717 4727 4724 4726
1 F7 4691 4698 4691.5 4693.5

Figure 6—Petrophysics Workflow

Limited Entry Technique

Pressure loss across a set of perforations is an important part of the design and analysis of a hydraulic
fracturing treatment. The main aim of a perforation interval is to achieve maximum zonal coverage in the
net pay zone, creating minimum fracture complexities. The limited entry technique has been proven viable
for designing perforation intervals, especially in cases of complex completions and treating multiple zones.
The limited entry technique was adopted to finalize the perforation strategy with the view of achieving
two targets:

• Achieving maximum reservoir coverage

• Maintaining ‘rate per perforation’ to prevent proppant fall off

The term "limited entry" implies the size or the number of the perforations, which is specifically selected
to limit the flow rate into a zone at a given injection pressure and total injection rate if more than one
zone is exposed. The limit occurs because the velocity of the fluid exiting the perforation approaches sonic
velocity and is therefore choked or throttled. This results in effective diversion of fluid into the remaining
12 SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS

set of perforations, achieving better zonal coverage. The pressure drop across a perforation interval can be
estimated using Eq. 6 (orifice flow equation).

(6)

ΔPperf - ..Pressure drop across perforations

ρ - …….density of the fluid pumped
 d - …….perforation diameter
Cd - ……coefficient of discharge
Q - …….flowrate of the fluid
N - …….number of perforations

Diagnostic Fracture Injection Tests

Pre-fracturing diagnostic injection test analysis provides important information for more accurate hydraulic
fracture modeling and improved reservoir characterization for post-fracturing production modeling. The
pre-fracturing injection tests include a diagnostic fracture injection test (DFIT), which allows determination
of least principle formation in-situ stress values (closure stress) along with other rock properties, such as
fracture gradient and formation permeability. Pressure transient analysis techniques, such as G-function
plots, square root plots, and log-log plots, are used to determine the closure pressure of the formation and
type of leakoff observed in the formation to achieve closure. The type of leakoff can be divided into four
categories:

• Normal leakoff (no additional geometry growth after shut-in)

• Pressure-dependent leakoff (PDL)

• Height recession (fracture geometry reducing prior to closure)

• Tip extension (growth continuing after shut-in)

Each type of leakoff has a particular signature that can often be used for identification in the diagnostic
plots. The formation properties determined from DFIT are used as inputs to calibrate the fracture simulation
model, and the treatment can be redesigned based on the fluid leakoff signature of the formation.
A rate step-down test is a pre-stimulation injection test that is instrumental for determining the friction
values for the injection test. The fluid encounters friction in the tubulars, through the perforations, and in the
near-wellbore (NWB) area of the fracture. A step-down test enables determination of the dominance and
the approximate values of friction down hole. Using this technique, the approximate value of perforation
friction for a particular perforation strategy can be determined, enabling redesign of the strategy, if required.
Parameters, such as fracture extension pressure, can be determined from a rate step-up test, which indicates
the pressure at which the fracture initiation occurs and possibly the rate necessary to maintain fracture
extension.

Execution Summary
From the 19 completion targets identified, six targets were shortlisted for hydraulic fracturing treatments
on the basis of petrophysical analysis. Further analysis of reservoir properties resulted in grouping of
perforation clusters 2 and 3 (Table 5).
All the fracturing treatments were placed utilizing a vessel-based HPHT frac package (Fig. 7).
SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS 13

Table 5—Final Perforation Intervals.

Perforation Interval Perforation Interval

Object Interval (Top MDm) Interval (Bottom MD m)
Top (MD m) Bottom (MD m)

1 5126 5137 5130.5 5132

5135 5136.5
2 4834 4871 4836 4837.5
4869.5 4871
3 4775 4805 4775 4777
4777 4778.5
4785 4786
4794 4795
4 4717 4739 4726 4727
4738 4739
5 4691 4698 4692 4693
4696 4697

Figure 7—Vessel Equipment Layout

The perforation interval and strategy were finalized on the basis of reservoir parameters and limited entry
results. The interval was divided into two clusters as depicted in Table 6.

Table 6—Frac 1 - Perforation cluster details.

Perforation Interval Perforation Interval

Object Interval (Top MD m) Interval (Bottom MD m)
Top (MD m) Bottom (MD m)

1 5126 5137 5130.5 5132

5135 5136.5
14 SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS

Post perforation, a DFIT was conducted by pumping 20 lb/1,000 gal linear gel at a maximum rate of 20
barrels per minutes (bpm). Analysis of the G-Function plot indicates pressure-dependent leakoff. The initial
high leakoff value indicates leaking fluid into multiple secondary fractures which later closed and matrix
leakoff dominated afterwards. The closure signature was observed at 13005 psi. The Closure Analysis
(ACA) of Log-Log and Horner Plot revealed a pore pressure of 12058 psi and a reservoir permeability of
0.65 mD. Actual pumping data was history matched to calibrate the frac simulation model. (Fig. 8-11)

Figure 8—DFIT Pumping Plot

Figure 9—G-Function Plot

SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS 15

Figure 10—Log Log Analysis Plot

Figure 11—Horner Analysis Plot

Post DFIT, a step-up rate test (SRT) was conducted to determine friction parameters (Fig. 12). About 165
bbls of 20 lb/1,000 gal linear gel was pumped to understand the dominant friction as well as the quality of
perforations shot across the region. Analysis (Table 7) indicated near wellbore friction to be dominant at
lower rates, while at higher pumping rates, the friction values were almost similar.
16 SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS

Figure 12—Step Rate Tests Analysis Plot

Table 7—SRT Analysis Results.

Step Rate (bpm) Pressure (psi) Pipe Fric (psi) Entry Fric (psi) Perf Fric (psi) NWB Fric (psi)

1 0.67 7482.3 6.6 154.3 1.3 153

2 4.89 8166.2 219.1 481.1 68.6 412.5
3 8.58 8869 592.9 758 211.4 546.6
4 11.83 9650.1 1046.1 1043.6 401.8 641.8
5 15.96 10684 1776.1 1476.6 731.2 745.4

Post SRT, a minifrac was conducted with a crosslinked fluid system to estimate the maximum surface
pressures as well as friction that would be anticipated during the actual treatment. About 570 bbls of fluid
volume was pumped during the treatment at a maximum rate of 21.06 bpm and a maximum pressure of
roughly 12000 psi (Fig. 13).
SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS 17

Figure 13—Minifrac Pumping Plot

Taking results of all the pumping into consideration, the main fracturing treatment design was reviewed
and finalized. The treatment was executed successfully by placing ~304,000 lbs of 20/40 high strength
proppant (HSP) into the formation using ~ 2333 bbls of crosslinked fluid. Post treatment analysis indicated
good coverage of the desired treatment interval with 12m of overall frac height (Fig. 14-16).

Figure 14—Main frac treatment plot

18 SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS

Figure 15—Post Treatment Pressure Match

Figure 16—Post treatment zonal coverage

Overall, five hydraulic fracturing treatment stages were conducted which were successful from an
operations standpoint, considering equipment performance and fluid stability. The summary of the
treatments is detailed in the table below (Table 8).
SPE-191450-18IHFT-MS 19

Table 8—Frac Treatment Summary.

Volume of Percent of
Volume of Fluid Average Average Pumping
Object Fluid System Proppant placed proppant placed
Pumped (bbls) Pressure (psi) Rate (bpm)
(HSP 20/40) (lbs) with initial design

40 lb/1,000
1 2333 304,000 100.1% 10,137 20.3
crosslinked gel
40 lb/1,000
2 1198 108,800 36% 11,588 20.1
crosslinked gel
40 lb/1,000
3 (Attempt 1) 681 22,400 7.36% 12,277 19.2
crosslinked gel
40 lb/1,000
3 (Attempt 2) 2299 120,081 97.7% 11,915 14.6
crosslinked gel
40 lb/1,000
4 2432 307,200 120.8% 10,821 20.2
crosslinked gel
40 lb/1,000
5 2093 225,405 73.4% 10,672 19.8
crosslinked gel

Conclusions
The following conclusions are a result of this work:

• Polymeric clay control additive concentration was optimized for inhibiting swelling clays.

• A low gel loading fracturing fluid, containing polymeric clay control additive, was designed for
an HPHT well. The optimized fluid had required stability time at cooled temperatures.
• A total of five hydraulic fracturing stage operations were successfully executed on an offshore HP/
HT well located in a Field in the Krishna–Godavari basin off the east coast of Andhra Pradesh,
India.
• Limited entry techniques were used to achieve maximum reservoir coverage.

• A total of 1,000,000 lbm of high-strength proppant was placed into the formation using
approximately 17,000 bbl of crosslinked gel.

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