IPTC-22205-MS

Novel Morphology Self-Degradable Fiber Enables Enhanced Stimulation

Fluid Diversion in High-Temperature Carbonate Formations

Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/IPTCONF/proceedings-pdf/22IPTC/2-22IPTC/D021S026R001/2619721/iptc-22205-ms.pdf/1 by Gazpromneft NTC user on 14 March 2022

Shahvir Pooniwala and Ataur Malik, Saudi Aramco; Abdul Muqtadir Khan, Vladimir Plyashkevich, and Alexey
Yudin, Schlumberger

Copyright 2022, International Petroleum Technology Conference DOI 10.2523/IPTC-22205-MS

This paper was prepared for presentation at the International Petroleum Technology Conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 21-23 February 2022.

This paper was selected for presentation by an IPTC Programme Committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s).
Contents of the paper, as presented, have not been reviewed by the International Petroleum Technology Conference and are subject to correction by the author(s). The
material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any position of the International Petroleum Technology Conference, its officers, or members. Papers presented at
IPTC are subject to publication review by Sponsor Society Committees of IPTC. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper for commercial
purposes without the written consent of the International Petroleum Technology Conference is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of
not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper was presented.
Write Librarian, IPTC, P.O. Box 833836, Richardson, TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax +1-972-952-9435.

Abstract
In stimulation application, currently available degradable fiber-laden viscoelastic self-diverting acids
(FLVSDA) are limited to moderate reservoir temperatures due to the lack of fiber integrity and stability.
The upper bound temperature for current fiber is limited by the rate of polymer hydrolysis, which
results in inadequate stability and fast degradation in an aqueous environment. As reservoirs are being
encountered with higher temperatures, there is an industry need to expand the technology application to
higher temperature environment (up to 350°F) for enhanced diversion and leakoff control.
A novel high-temperature degradable fiber (HTF) was developed with two distinct features. First, the
modified polymer is used with a highly ordered structure, resulting in higher melting point and enhanced
thermal and hydrolytic stability compared to contemporary mid-temperature fiber (MTF). Second, the
morphology is crimped, which enables better material dispersion and plugging efficiency when designed
with higher concentration. Comprehensive laboratory tests were conducted for degradation and stability
comparison in neutral and acidic media to replicate real acid treatment conditions. Also, bridging tests in
slot geometry were conducted to characterize the diversion efficiency of the fiber-laden slurries. Finally,
the material was tested in fields with temperatures ranging from 290 to 330°F.
Fiber integrity and stability differentiated the performance of HTF and MTF at temperatures higher than
275°F. The critical point of HTF performance was achieved after 6 hours of exposure at 290°F in 100%
spent 15% HCl with a concentration of 175 lbm/1000 gal US, whereas MTF is stable for less than 2 hours
under the same testing conditions. The HTF demonstrated similar enhanced diversion efficacy when tested
in more antagonistic media such as 50% spent acid. Fiber mass loss is considered as a characteristic of fiber
stability, and premature fiber degradation compromises diversion effectiveness. To confirm the correct fiber
shape at the degradation point, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used, and HTF showed no change
in original shape and diameter. Pressure response at bridging was used as an additional characteristic for
relative comparison of bridging ability for different fibers in laboratory conditions. A total of eighteen-stage
acid stimulation treatments were conducted in six HT horizontal and vertical wells in fracturing and matrix
acidizing modes using 51 fiber-laden diverter pills where significantly boosted diversion was observed with
2 IPTC-22205-MS

novel morphology fiber. Consequently, up to 30% to 40% production enhancement was observed in the
wells treated with HTF due to effective stimulation fluids diversion and stimulation across the entire net pay.
The broad-spectrum of fit-for-purpose diverters plays a critical role in optimal treatment fluid distribution
during acid stimulation treatments. Innovation in the material and morphology of the existing fiber portfolio
adds essential value by allowing the wells to deliver higher production rates through improved diversion
and optimum reservoir stimulation.

Degradable Fibers in Stimulation

Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/IPTCONF/proceedings-pdf/22IPTC/2-22IPTC/D021S026R001/2619721/iptc-22205-ms.pdf/1 by Gazpromneft NTC user on 14 March 2022

The degradable fiber was introduced initially to prevent settling of the proppants during hydraulic fracturing
with low-viscosity fluids, however, it immediately expressed the tendency to bridge in a narrow channel.
Thus, first attempts to place fiber-laden slickwater operations resulted in premature screenouts, as reported
by Engels et al. (2004). Therefore, over the next several years, degradable fibrous materials (Fig. 1) were
pumped with higher viscosity fluid (50 cP or higher) in proppant fracturing applications. Such combination
allowed for a significant increase in propped length while reducing the polymer loading, as has been shown
by several authors, including Engels et al. (2004), Bulova, Nosova et al. (2006), and Sitdikov et al. (2009).
Laboratory research has demonstrated a complete dissolution of the fibers at in-situ conditions and improved
retained proppant pack permeability (Bulova, Cheremisin et al. 2006) for a regular temperature range 175
to 230°F. Later, Sukovatiy et al. (2015) demonstrated successful extension of fiber materials using novel
additives capable of efficient degradation at lower temperatures, down to 140°F.

Figure 1—Degradable fiber material.

Degradable fibers were effective in settling prevention of not only particles, but also of the large
proppant slugs, enabling wide use of the channel fracturing technology during the last decade (Altman et
al. 2012; Salah et al. 2017; Yudin et al. 2017). The main advantage of the technology is increased fracture
conductivity, for which comprehensive modeling is presented by Butula et al. (2015) for mid-permeability
gas condensate formations. The technique was extended in extreme low temperature formations, however,
until very recently, there was no reliable solution for high-temperature applications—existing fibers did not
allow for long-term stability once temperature approached 300°F.
Shifting towards stimulation of carbonate rocks, technology developers recalled the negative experience
of fibers bridging in the narrow channels. This feature of the fiber-laden fluids played a critical role in
effective zonal coverage and flow diversion required to stimulate massive carbonate reservoirs. First, fibers
were implemented in matrix treatments to redirect flow from perforations and the near-wellbore area with
noticeable success on hydrocarbons production (Arangath et al. 2008; Thabet et al. 2009; Martin et al.
2010). Modeling and description of fiber plug/cake creation was given by Cohen et al. (2010). To improve
flow diversion, fibers were mixed with viscoelastic self-diverting acid (VSDA), capable of generating
viscosity while reacting with carbonate. Taylor et al. (2003) and Lungwitz et al. (2004) described in detail the
IPTC-22205-MS 3

principle of VSDA systems. Adding fibrous materials at high concentrations (50 to 200 lbm/1,000 galUS)
has improved diversion efficiency significantly when dealing with fissured carbonates. Fig. 2 represents the
main concept of such combination; the fibers, added into originally low-viscosity VSDA, when reacting
with carbonate, generate viscosity and help in bridging fissures and perforation tunnels. After the treatment,
VSDA and fibers dissolve and disappear entirely, leaving no formation damage behind. Fiber selection and
bridging tests for these applications were reviewed by Sau et al. 2015.

Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/IPTCONF/proceedings-pdf/22IPTC/2-22IPTC/D021S026R001/2619721/iptc-22205-ms.pdf/1 by Gazpromneft NTC user on 14 March 2022

Figure 2—Fiber-laden viscoelastic self-diverting acid (FLVSDA)
mechanism, diverting by viscosity and high fiber concentrations.

Following the success in near-wellbore diversion during matrix acidizing, fiber-laden viscoelastic self-
diverting acid (FLVSDA) was field tested in acid fracturing applications (Leal Jauregui et al. 2011) to
enhance leakoff control through wormholes and natural fissures of carbonate reservoirs. The so-called far-
field diversion mechanism was modeled and described in a more comprehensive summary later by Khan,
Emelyanov et al. (2021). As depicted in Fig. 3, fibers restrict acid loss into wormholes and redirect the
flow into new areas far-field, providing longer fractures. Similar to proppant fracturing applications, low
temperature (LT) fiber was first introduced and later extended to high temperature (HT) fiber in the acid
fracturing applications. Ponomarenko et al. (2016) described a detailed case study from the Timan-Pechora
region, showing how fibers improved production by an average of 24% when added into VSDA stages of
acid fracturing schedules. As with proppant fracturing, until very recently, acid stimulations did not have
solutions for high-temperature reservoirs (300°F and above).

Figure 3—Schematic representation of the far-field diversion with FLVSDA system during acid fracturing.

The following sections will provide a detailed description of a field case in Middle Eastern region that
provoked a clear need for fiber product extensions onto higher temperature ranges and testing, and field
trial results based on diversion efficiency and post-stimulation gas productivity analyses.
4 IPTC-22205-MS

Stimulation Problem Statement

Globally the performance of bullheaded acid stimulation treatments has improved over the years with
the introduction of new diversion technology especially in the realm of chemical diversion technologies;
however, the effectiveness of the chemical diversion techniques used in those treatments to achieve fluid
leakoff control and effective diversion in wells with high-permeability-contrast formations has always been
uncertain. Therefore, to maximize zonal coverage from the bullheaded stimulation treatments in vertical and
highly slanted wells, treatments utilizing FLVSDA was conducted in several gas producers. As the chemistry

Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/IPTCONF/proceedings-pdf/22IPTC/2-22IPTC/D021S026R001/2619721/iptc-22205-ms.pdf/1 by Gazpromneft NTC user on 14 March 2022

of FLVSDA does not contain iron-bearing components, this fluid is preferred in sour gas reservoirs over the
conventional polymer-based diverting acids and the novel diverter became a routine addition in the reservoir
stimulation strategy. With development of the horizontal drilling, an increased number of horizontal sections
required effective diversion during stimulation treatments to improve zonal coverage.
Acid fracturing has been widely applied to multilayered carbonate formations that are interbedded with
impermeable layers separating the net pay. Significant heterogeneities has made achieving uniform and
effective stimulation of all targeted layers in these wells a challenging task. The physical and chemical
processes controlling acid fracturing clearly indicate that fluid leakoff control and diversion capability
of stimulation fluids are the most significant drivers in achieving successful results from stimulation
treatments in these challenging reservoirs. Several techniques to achieve effective acid leakoff control and
diversion have been used throughout the gas development programs globally. Nonreactive and reactive
polymer-based fracturing fluids and diverters were first used, followed by polymer-free viscoelastic acid
systems. Significant optimization steps derived from field experience and post-stimulation results have also
been consistently applied without negatively impacting fracture requirements and performance while still
reducing pumping time and fluid costs. The FLVSDA success in matrix application was tailored to acid
fracturing designs using local experience and lessons learned from these field trials and established the
decade-long dominance of fiber-based diverter within fracturing fluid schedules. FLVSDA success was
indicated by effective diversion, measured by bottomhole pressure; wells with fiber-based diverter showed a
significant reduction in time to full well cleanout and substantial increase of post-stimulation gas production.
However, development in extreme HT environments represents a clear need for extending the use of fiber
materials to higher bottomhole temperature limits to keep the effectiveness of FLVSDA treatments. The
next sections will explain in detail how a new product was selected, developed, and implemented.

Development of Chemistry
HTF is a degradable fiber designed to extend existing fiber-based offerings in stimulation to the higher
temperature range (up to 350°F). Since HTF has similar physical and chemical characteristics to related
fiber products, surface delivery and downhole performance of the HTF are expected to be the same as for
commercial MTF.
This product resulted from previous experience in development of degradable products. The idea was
straightforward—keep controllable material degradation but at the higher temperature range. The task
was implemented via modification of the MTF polymer and its fiber properties. The key properties were
molecular weight, optimized at the phase of raw polymer production, and polymer crystallization degree,
managed at the fiber manufacturing process. The melting temperature of optimized HTF polymer is about
200°F higher than that of MTF. At the same time, HTF can react with water-based media, resulting in fully
soluble products that do not cause damage to the formation or the proppant pack. The current schematic
portfolio of degradable fiber products versus application temperature is represented in Fig. 4.
IPTC-22205-MS 5

Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/IPTCONF/proceedings-pdf/22IPTC/2-22IPTC/D021S026R001/2619721/iptc-22205-ms.pdf/1 by Gazpromneft NTC user on 14 March 2022

Figure 4—Fiber materials extension to 300°F and greater temperature.

In addition to polymer modification, HTF was updated in fiber morphology, with the objective to deliver
maximal performance. Changing fiber shape from straight to crimped (or wavy), as depicted in Fig. 5, was
considered a reasonable modification to achieve higher performance. Crimping allows obtaining a fiber-
laden slurry with a higher number of fiber-fiber particle contacts, which results in an enhanced bridging
efficiency compared to previous generation material with straight morphology like MTF.

Figure 5—Comparison of straight (MTF) vs. crimped (HTF) nature of the fiber material.
Morphology was developed to enhance settling prevention and bridging tendency.

Laboratory Testing
Two critical characteristics of fiber products are required to confirm HTF applicability for effective diversion
during acidizing treatments: polymer stability under specified conditions of fluid and temperature and the
fiber efficiency in diversion or plugging characteristics.
Fiber stability was aimed to differentiate the HTF and MTF at temperatures greater than 275°F. The
critical point of HTF performance is achieved after 6 hours of exposure at 290°F in 100% spent 15% HCl
with 175 lbm/1,000 galUS loading, whereas MTF is stable for less than 2 hours, with the same testing
conditions. More aggressive media of 50% spent acid was also considered to simulate real acid treatment
conditions that showed similar results. HTF demonstrated more than two times higher stability. Based on
laboratory experience, fiber mass loss can be considered as a characteristic of fiber stability. If fiber degrades
by more than 20%, the diversion plug efficiency is going to decrease. To confirm the correct fiber shape at
degradation point detection, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used. HTF was visually inspected
and found no change in original shape and diameter. Fig. 6 shows the graphical comparison in mass loss of
HTF and MTF under stimulated reservoir conditions.
6 IPTC-22205-MS

Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/IPTCONF/proceedings-pdf/22IPTC/2-22IPTC/D021S026R001/2619721/iptc-22205-ms.pdf/1 by Gazpromneft NTC user on 14 March 2022

Figure 6—Comparative plots for thermal stability between MTF and HTF.

Simultaneously, using a more stable material can raise questions on post stimulation full degradation or
formation damage. Fig. 6 shows that the full degradation is achieved within 9 hours which is a typical acid
soaking period. The flowback efficiency will not be affected as a result of HT fiber application. SEM is an
appropriate tool to characterize the mechanical solidity or non-stability of fiber material. Fig. 7 shows the
comparison of the HTF appearance after varied conditions of degradation testing, to describe the stability
state. It is noticed that that the stable fiber looked like separated fibrils of solid material without any evidence
of degradation. With the progress of HTF degradation, a bulk mass, consisting of short-cut pieces with a
length below 50 μm is observed instead of a single long fibril. Such fiber appearance is characteristic when
noticeable degradation (at brittleness point) is achieved.

Figure 7—Fiber morphology evolution as a result of degradation with time and temperature.
IPTC-22205-MS 7

The estimation of fiber plugging efficiency is performed through a bridging test. Fiber-laden slurry is
pumped through the specified geometry of a slot. Parameters such as pumping rate, slot dimension, fiber
loading, and pumping rate can be varied during the testing. The typical scheme is given in Fig. 8 below.

Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/IPTCONF/proceedings-pdf/22IPTC/2-22IPTC/D021S026R001/2619721/iptc-22205-ms.pdf/1 by Gazpromneft NTC user on 14 March 2022

Figure 8—Scheme of fiber bridging setup.

Bridging experiments were conducted in a slot bridging apparatus with 2 mm × 16 mm slot imitating
a 2mm natural fracture or any specified wormhole diameter. Bridging ability is estimated by monitoring a
pressure response and observing blocked parts of the slot with fiber agglomerates. Absent or minor pressure
increase (ΔP below 10 psi) with no fiber at the entrance or inside the slot was considered as a no bridging
or free flow. Pressure response (ΔP) above 10 psi during the test and formation of fiber plug is indicative
of bridging or plugging. The testing conditions (fluid velocity vs. fiber loading), where low repeatability of
bridging results was obtained, were marked as a transition zone. To confirm the non-bridging area, at least
three repeated experiments were carried out.
The current testing series was done at room temperature. These conditions are required to keep the highest
repeatability of results, aiming to compare one type of fiber to another. Pumping pressure increase and spurt
loss are observed as testing outputs. Typically, if one product is being characterized in terms of plugging
efficiency, the series of tests are performed under the specified conditions, and the resulting fiber flow
regimes are plotted for comprehension. The summary of HTF plugging characteristics is given in Fig. 9. The
HTF bridging zone is highlighted in green. This zone limits the flow and loading conditions of confirmed no
flow of related fiber-laden slurry. There also exists a free flow regime and a transition (or uncertainty) regime
in between. As a comparison, similar characteristics of MTF are highlighted in blue. HTF demonstrates
higher bridging/plugging efficiency for the fiber loadings above 100 lbm/1,000 gal US based on the given
characteristics.
8 IPTC-22205-MS

Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/IPTCONF/proceedings-pdf/22IPTC/2-22IPTC/D021S026R001/2619721/iptc-22205-ms.pdf/1 by Gazpromneft NTC user on 14 March 2022

Figure 9—Resulting plot from bridging efficiency tests, showing the advantage of HTF versus MTF at higher fiber loading.

Field Validation
The advancement in morphology and chemistry of the fiber products was followed by a series of field
trial tests. Total six wells, two vertical and four horizontal wells were chosen during the evaluation phase
that were treated either via acid fracturing or matrix acid stimulation treatments based on the reservoir
requirements. All wells had bottomhole reservoir temperatures above 300°F. A total of 18 stages with 51
FLVSDA cycles were pumped using HTF. Research-based experimental findings were validated in the field
on two levels—diversion success and production performance.

Diversion Experience and Comparison

Decades of experience in using FLVSDA for diversion purposes (primarily for far-field diversion and
secondarily for near-wellbore diversion) reveal that fiber concentration directly correlates with the diversion
pressure. First, it was essential to validate this phenomenon from the statistical analysis on data captured
during the trial test. Fig. 10 shows a box plot to elaborate the effect of HTF concentration on the recorded
diversion pressure. If we constrain our analysis to the interquartile range or the median points, there is a
clear trend of increased diversion pressure with higher HTF concentrations. Also, some outliers can be
observed, which is expected. Khan, Emelyanov et al. (2021) have shown a detailed demonstration of the
interplay of multiple parameters on the diversion pressure, such as the volume of the pill, the concentration
of particulate material, bottomhole injection rate, lithology, and permeability.
IPTC-22205-MS 9

Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/IPTCONF/proceedings-pdf/22IPTC/2-22IPTC/D021S026R001/2619721/iptc-22205-ms.pdf/1 by Gazpromneft NTC user on 14 March 2022

Figure 10—Box plot demonstration to comprehend the effect of fiber on the
diversion pressure achieved using HTF-laden viscoelastic self-diverting acid.

After the understanding established through the studies, a diversion factor (α) was calculated with inputs
pill volume in bbls (V), HTF concentration in lbm/1000gal (C), and injection rate in bbl/min (Q):
(1)
The α parameter showed a logarithmic relation (Fig. 11) with the diversion pressure, indicating an
optimum point where diversion would not increase by increasing individual parameters. The physical
processes behind this trend of treatment parameters affecting the fluid diversion process are presented by
Khan, Usova et al. (2021) through laboratory-scale and yard-scale experimental findings.

Figure 11—Diversion effect of multiple influential treatment parameters calculated through an α

parameter, including the acid pill volume in barrels, HTF concentration in lbm/1,000 galUS, and
injection rate in bbl/min. The statistic consists of parameters from 51 diversion observations.
10 IPTC-22205-MS

The next step was to compare the HTF diversion performance with a representative offset well
where MTF was used. Two close acid stimulated vertical wells were selected for this comparison. A
temperature survey with slickline was conducted to evaluate the bottomhole static temperature (BHST) in
the prefracturing intervention phase. Well-H1 with a BHST of 303°F was treated with HTF while Well M1
with a BHST 304°F was treated with MTF. Fig. 12 demonstrates that well-M1 was not able to maintain
a positive net pressure for more than 50% of the treatment over five cycles of mid temperature FLVSDA
utilizing 1,160 lbm of fiber. In contrast, well-H1 maintained a good positive net pressure throughout the
treatment and requiring only three high temperature FLVSDA cycles with 525 lbm of fiber (i.e., less than

Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/IPTCONF/proceedings-pdf/22IPTC/2-22IPTC/D021S026R001/2619721/iptc-22205-ms.pdf/1 by Gazpromneft NTC user on 14 March 2022

50% of well-M1). The case study validates the hypothesis proposed through extensive laboratory testing. At
elevated temperatures, MTF will start turning brittle earlier, thus losing its mechanical strength and affecting
its properties as a leak-off aid, which is critical for an effective acid fracturing treatment.

Figure 12—Treating plots for close offset wells treated with HTF (left, well-H1) and MTF (right, well-M1) indicating net
pressure evolution through a dashed line for closure pressure boundary. Fiber-laden acid cycles’ bottomhole reaction
is also marked with colored flags to comprehend fracture geometry support through the effectiveness of leakoff aid.

In addition to the evaluating net pressure evolution, shown in Fig. 12, the diversion pressure and the α
factor were calculated for each of the diversion pills, and the results are shown in Fig. 13. It can be observed
that the diversion in well-M1 was inconsistent and can be explained by degradation of fibers pumped in
cycles 1 and 2 that resulted in ultra high leak-off. As a result, the consequent cycles with higher volumes,
injection rates, and fiber concentrations completely failed in creating any far-field diversion. In contrast, in
well-H1, a very consistent diversion performance was observed along with the fracture geometry evolution
throughout the treatment.
IPTC-22205-MS 11

Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/IPTCONF/proceedings-pdf/22IPTC/2-22IPTC/D021S026R001/2619721/iptc-22205-ms.pdf/1 by Gazpromneft NTC user on 14 March 2022

Figure 13—Diversion pressure comparison for each acid pill normalized by the α parameter
showing a relatively more consistent diversion performance for well-H1 utilizing HTF.

Production Enhancement Comparison

Both wells M1 and H1 were in the same prolific gas-saturated sublayer with a history of good production
rates in the area. The far-field diversion processes analyzed in the previous subsection are related to the
final etched fracture geometry generated and should directly impact the production performance of the well.
Post-fracturing flowback achieved cleanup, the gas rates and flowing bottomhole pressures were used to
evaluate and compare the production. The data used for both wells were taken after a basic sediment and
water (BS&W) measurement of 3% was achieved, which ensures that fracture cleanup was completely
achieved. Fig. 14 shows that the productivity index (PI) was 27% lower in H1 but with a considerably lower
reservoir quality measured through 31% lower porosity and 81% lower flow capacity (kh) compared to M1.
The final normalized PI/Kh shows a 4-fold better production performance for H1. It is evident that better
production rates could have been achieved for M1.

Figure 14—Production performance normalized comparison for acid

fracturing case indicating 4-fold increase for HTF treated well H-1
12 IPTC-22205-MS

Diversion chemistry is very critical for matrix acidizing treatments. The depth of penetration into the
reservoir is not the design objective. Rather, the coverage of the reservoir net pay, vertical or lateral
depending on the well trajectory, is the primary objective, and this calls for effective diverting agents.
The M2 and H2 are horizontal wells matrix acidized using MTF and HTF assisted diversion chemistry,
respectively. M2 and H2 have measured bottomhole temperatures of 305°F and 302°F, respectively. Both
wells penetrated the same reservoir sublayer, with similar openhole MSF completion and were treated with
similar volume of nitrified acid systems across five stages. Fig. 15 shows the production comparison for
these matrix acidized wells. PI for H2 was 4.5-fold higher, but it also had a better reservoir development with

Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/IPTCONF/proceedings-pdf/22IPTC/2-22IPTC/D021S026R001/2619721/iptc-22205-ms.pdf/1 by Gazpromneft NTC user on 14 March 2022

25% higher porosity and 18% higher kh averaged across the lateral. Therefore, normalizing was necessary
to realize the actual increase. The normalized PI (PI/kh) was determined to be almost 4.5 times higher in
H2 than for M2.

Figure 15—Production performance normalized comparison for matrix acidizing

case indicating 4.5-fold increase for HTF well H-2 based on the reservoir quality.

The production comparison encompassed vertical, horizontal cased hole, and openhole completions that
were acid stimulated in both matrix and fracturing modes. In conjunction with the detailed comprehension
of treatment diversion, this case study highlights the benefits of HTF in acid stimulation at elevated
temperatures.

Recommendations
After successful chemistry development and field trial test, the followings steps can be considered in the
near future for further enhancement:
1. Laboratory testing demonstrated a clear difference between the MTF and HTF in two critical
parameters – thermal stability and plugging efficiency. These advantages are getting evident at
temperatures starting at 290°F. Resulted from such characteristics, the utilization of the HTF fiber can
be expanded in all wells that match such temperature interval.
2. Yudin et al. (2021) presented a digitalization workflow to create twins of the chemistry that can
be easily modeled for stimulation applications. Digitizing the HTF and MTF into an advanced acid
fracturing simulator, described by Kuznetsov et al. (2020), would add another dimension of modeling
acid stimulation.
IPTC-22205-MS 13

3. Check CT compatibility of HTF and redesign the shape and size, if necessary, for CT applications.
4. Expand the HTF utilization for proppant fracturing applications such as channel fracturing and fiber
frac treatments.
5. Alabdulmuhsin et al. (2020) have shown a particulate chemistry application to mitigate inter-stage
communication in openhole fracturing completions. HTF can be used for similar applications for ultra
high temperature reservoirs.

Conclusions

Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/IPTCONF/proceedings-pdf/22IPTC/2-22IPTC/D021S026R001/2619721/iptc-22205-ms.pdf/1 by Gazpromneft NTC user on 14 March 2022

A successful trial campaign was conducted with novel degradable fibrous material, allowing for substantial
temperature range extension into the 300°F to 350°F range. Fiber material was used in both matrix acidizing
and acid fracturing scenarios to enhance near-wellbore and far-field diversion capabilities, respectively. In
this range, high-temperature fiber material demonstrated significantly better stability time (3-fold increase)
that resulted in more consistent pressure gains during treatments and improved gas productivity compared
to cases where regular MTF was implemented.
Broad spectrum of fit for purpose diverters plays a critical role in optimal fluid distribution during
acid stimulation treatments. Innovation in the material and morphology of the existing fiber portfolio adds
essential value by allowing the wells to deliver higher production rates through improved diversion and
optimum reservoir stimulation.

References
Alabdulmuhsin, A., Alkulaib, H., Hansen, J., et al "Self-Degradable Particles Mitigate Communication Between Stages
in Multistage Acid Fracturing Completion." Paper presented at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition &
Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE, November 2020. https://doi.org/10.2118/202612-MS
Altman, R., Viswanathan, A., Xu, J., et al 2012. Understanding the Impact of Channel Fracturing in the Eagle Ford
Shale through Reservoir Simulation. Paper presented at the SPE Latin America and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering
Conference, Mexico City, Mexico, 16–18 April. SPE-153728-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/153728-MS
Arangath, R., Hopkins, K., Lungerchausen, D., et al 2008. Successful Stimulation of Thick, Naturally-
Fractured Carbonates Pay Zones in Kazakhstan. Paper presented at the SPE International Symposium and
Exhibition on Formation Damage Control, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA, 13–15 February. SPE-112419-MS. https://
doi.org/10.2118/112419-MS
Bulova, M., Cheremisin, A., Jr., Nosova, K., et al 2006. Evaluation of the Proppant-Pack Permeability in Fiber-Assisted
Hydraulic Fracturing Treatments for Low-Permeability Formations. Paper presented at the SPE Gas Technology
Symposium, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 15–17 May. SPE-100556-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/100556-MS
Bulova, M., Nosova, K., Willberg, D., et al 2006. Benefits of the Novel Fiber-Laden Low-Viscosity Fluid System in
Fracturing Low-Permeability Tight Gas Formations. Paper presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and
Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 24–27 September. SPE-102956-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/102956-MS
Butula, K., Yudin, A., Magdeyev, I., et al 2015. Fracturing Considerations in Mid Permeability Gas Condensate
Formations. Paper presented at the SPE Russian Petroleum Technology Conference, Moscow, Russia, 26–28 October.
SPE-176577-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/176577-MS
Cohen, C., Tardy, P., Lesko, T., et al 2010. Understanding Diversion with a Novel Fiber-Laden Acid System for Matrix
Acidizing of Carbonate Formations. Paper presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition,
Florence, Italy, 19–22 September. SPE-134495-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/134495-MS
Engels, J., Martinez, E., Fredd, C., et al 2004. A Mechanical Methodology of Improved Proppant Transport in
Low-Viscosity Fluids: Application of a Fiber Assisted Transport Technique in East Texas. Paper presented at
the SPE Eastern Regional Meeting, Charleston, West Virginia, USA, 15–17 September. SPE-91434-MS. https://
doi.org/10.2118/91434-MS
Khan, A., Emelyanov, D. Romanovskii, R., et al 2021. Advanced Modeling Capability to Enhance Near-Wellbore and
Far-Field Bridging in Acid Fracturing Field Treatments. Paper presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and
Exhibition, Dubai, UAE, 21–23 September. SPE-206255-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/206255-MS
Khan, A., M., Usova, Z., and Yudin, A. "Integrated Workflow with Experimentation, Modeling, and Field Implementation
Framework Enhances Fracture Diversion Understanding in Carbonate Reservoirs." Paper presented at the SPE/IATMI
Asia Pacific Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition, Virtual, October 2021. https://doi.org/10.2118/205665-MS
14 IPTC-22205-MS

Kuznetsov, D., Emelyanov, D., Romanovskii, R., et al 2020. New Acid Fracturing Model on Reservoir-Centric Platform
for Carbonate Formations. Paper presented at the International Petroleum Technology Conference, Dhahran, Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia, 13–15 January. IPTC-19818-Abstract. https://doi.org/10.2523/IPTC-19818-Abstract.
Lungwitz, B., Fredd, C., Brady, M., et al 2004. Diversion and Cleanup Studies of Viscoelastic Surfactant-Based Self-
Diverting Acid. Paper presented at the SPE International Symposium and Exhibition on Formation Damage Control,
Lafayette, Louisiana, USA, 18–20 February. SPE-86504-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/86504-MS.
Martin, F., Quevedo, M., Tellez, F., et al 2010. Fiber-Assisted Self-Diverting Acid Brings a New Perspective to Hot, Deep
Carbonate Reservoir Stimulation in Mexico. Paper presented at the SPE Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum
Engineering Conference, Lima, Peru, 1–3 December. SPE-138910-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/138910-MS

Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/IPTCONF/proceedings-pdf/22IPTC/2-22IPTC/D021S026R001/2619721/iptc-22205-ms.pdf/1 by Gazpromneft NTC user on 14 March 2022

Ponomarenko, D., Kubrak, M., Karimov, A. 2016. Advanced Technologies of Acid Fracturing—A Great Advantage
in the Development of Carbonate Reservoirs of the Timan-Pechora Region. Paper presented at the SPE Russian
Petroleum Technology Conference and Exhibition, Moscow, Russia, 24–26 October. SPE-182118-MS. https://
doi.org/10.2118/182118-MS
Salah, M., El-Sebaee, M., and Batmaz, T. 2017. Channel Fracturing Technology: A Paradigm Shift in Stimulation of Tight
Reservoir and Unlock Production Potential. Paper presented at the SPE Europec featured at 79th EAGE Conference
and Exhibition, Paris, France, 12–15 June. SPE-185873-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/185873-MS
Sau, R., Shuchart, C., Clancey, B., et al 2015. Qualification and Optimization of Degradable Fibers for Re-Stimulation
of Carbonate Reservoirs. Paper presented at the International Petroleum Technology Conference, Doha, Qatar, 6–9
December. IPTC-18352-MS. https://doi.org/10.2523/IPTC-18352-MS
Sitdikov S., Serdyuk, A., Nikitin, A., et al 2009. Fiber-Laden Fluid – Applied Solution for Addressing Multiple Challenges
of Hydraulic Fracturing in Western Siberia. Paper presented at the 2009 SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology
Conference, The Woodlands, Texas, USA, 19–21 January. SPE-119825-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/119825-MS
Taylor, D., Kumar, P., Fu, D., et al 2003. Viscoelastic Surfactant Based Self-Diverting Acid for Enhanced Stimulation in
Carbonate Reservoirs. Paper presented at the SPE European Formation Damage Conference, The Hague, Netherlands,
13–14 May. SPE-82263-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/82263-MS.
Thabet, S., Brady, M., Parsons, C., et al 2010. Changing The Game In The Stimulation of Thick Carbonate Gas Reservoirs.
Paper presented at the International Petroleum Technology Conference, Doha, Qatar, 7–9 December. IPTC-13097-
MS. https://doi.org/10.2523/IPTC-13097-MS
Yudin, A., Khan, A., Romanovskii, R., et al 2021. Control over the Fracture in Carbonate Reservoirs as a Result of an
Integrated Digital Stimulation Approach to Core Testing and Modelling. Paper presented at the SPE Russian Petroleum
Technology Conference, Moscow, Russia, October 2021. SPE-206636-MS.
Yudin, A., Sypchenko, S., Gromovenko, A., et al 2017. First in Russia Large-Scale Implementation of the Channel
Fracturing Technology in Horizontal Wells. Paper presented at the SPE Russian Petroleum Technology Conference,
Moscow, Russia, 16–18 October. SPE-187932-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/187932-MS