SPE-175692-MS

Performance Evaluation of First Horizontal Well Implementation in Tight

Carbonate Reservoir Yields Critical Results in Western Desert, Egypt.
Mohamed Salah, Ahmed Bereak, M.A. Gabry, M.Gallab and S.I.Abdel Fattah, Khalda Petroleum Company

Copyright 2015, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE North Africa Technical Conference and Exhibition held in Cairo, Egypt, 14–16 September 2015.

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
Abu Roash-D (AR-D) is a common carbonate reservoir in Abu Gharadig (AG) field, Western Desert of
Egypt. It is characterized as a limestone reservoir which has good lateral continuity, contains natural
fractures with poor connectivity in addition to formation tightness. The heterogeneity and tightness of
AR-D reservoir are the main challenges to maintain economical well productivity.

Initially, Several vertical wells had been drilled in AR-D reservoir and stimulated via matrix acidizing,
but could not achieve or sustain the economical target production rates. Recently, two vertical wells
were acid fractured as a trial to produce conductive fracture with sufficient length to allow more
effective drainage around the wellbore, but test results showed higher flash production of 3,000 BOPD
then rapid decline and low recovery occurred. This awesome results encourage embarking on field
development and additional production data gathering for development optimization. The large interest
in developing such low permeability reservoirs has been a direct result of the favorable economics
achieved by the advancements in horizontal well drilling and stimulation technologies hold great
promise to increase production by dramatically increasing the contact area with the producing interval,
maximizing the drainage volume around a well and link those natural fractures network.
So, In order to economically develop AR-D reservoir resources a comprehensive parametric study was
conducted on low permeability AR-D reservoir of western desert (through gathering of additional data
during the development a major reservoir, the review of the core and test permeability data across the
reservoir as well an evaluation of the uncertainties and associated development risks) has documented
some critical results, showing the productivity index ratio between stimulated vertical and horizontal
wells illustrates the improvement to be obtained from higher reservoir contact.

This paper takes a multidisciplinary approach to better understand how to enhance the productivity of
low permeability AR-D reservoir in Western desert of Egypt through a detailed analysis of well
performances and exploitation approaches after the successful Implementation of horizontal wells to
maximize drainage volume around the well to revive low producing wells due to reservoir tightness and
discuss the actual performance of the horizontal wells and compares them with the offset conventional
vertical wells and highlights the productivity gain.
2 SPE-175692-MS

Introduction
Carbonate reservoirs contain about 69% of the world’s oil reserves and hold huge reserves, many of
these fields have been on production for several decades resulting in new challenges and opportunities.
The heterogeneity and tightness of carbonate reservoirs are the main challenges to maintain well
productivities moreover, the degree of complexity and heterogeneity changes over the field and within
well drainage areas.
Initially, Abu Roash-D was developed through drilling many of vertical wells in the horst block of Abu
Gharadig field (Figure-1) but could not sustain the economical target production rates and a consistently
decline in production rate accompanied was observed and did not stabilize.
In 2006, the estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) of the completed wells in Abu Roash-D approximately
1.2 MMSTB, indicated that the cumulative oil production from Abu Roash-D in the Horst block of Abu
Gharadig field was equivalent to 9% recovery factor. However, the resources have not been fully
developed to their full capacity. Development of such low permeability reservoir and maturing of the
existing reservoirs have become increasingly important.
To further increase the production from the field, a full development plan for Abu Roash-D carbonate
reservoir was initiated with drilling of horizontal wells. The main objectives of drilling horizontal well
into Abu Roash-D reservoir was to interest the natural fractures through the target reservoir and evaluate
its potential of hydrocarbon production as an aid to develop the tight unconventional reservoirs and
increase production by dramatically increasing the contact area with the producing interval maximizing
drainage volume around a well.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of horizontal drilling on developing Abo Roash-D
reservoir and boosting recovery economically and provides details from a comprehensive nodal analysis.
Study conducted to assess the benefits derived from the horizontal drilling technology and discuss the
actual performance of the horizontal wells and compares them with the offset conventional vertical wells
and highlights the productivity gain. This paper will highlight the planning, execution, challenges and
production benefits of the first installations of horizontal open hole completion system in the AG field,
Western desert of Egypt.

Figure-1 Location Map of Abu Gharadig Field, Western Desert

SPE-175692-MS 3

Geological Description
The Abu Roash formation conformably overlies the Bahariya formation and unconformably underlies
the Khoman formation. It is mainly composed of interbedded terrigenous clastic and carbonate rocks. It
is subdivided into seven lithostratigraphic members, distinguished from top to base as A, B, C, D, E, F
and G members, which cover the late Cenomanian to Coniacian time interval (Aadland and Hassan
1972; Schlumberger 1984). Periods of marine inundation and transgression are marked by the limestone
and shale sequences of Abu Roash B, D and F members, while regressive phases are represented by the
clastic deposition characteristic of Abu Roash members C, E and G [RRI 1985] (Figure-2).
Abu Roash-D conformably overlies the Abu Roash-E member and underlies the Abu Roash-C member.
It is composed of white to light dense limestone, dolomitic, interbedded with few sandstone, and
calcareous shale beds.

Figure-2 Generalized stratigraphic succession of north Western Desert, Egypt.

Reservoir Description
Abu Roash-D reservoir forms a reasonable reservoir size spread and extended almost in all wells in the
Abu Gharadig fields (Figure-3). Abu Roash-D reservoir is a solution gas drive reservoir that has good
lateral continuity with different limestone quality of permeability and porosity.
A petrographic evaluation of several Abu Roash-D carbonate (Figure-4) reservoir sample splits have
been subjected to X-ray diffraction analysis in order to obtain a semi-quantitative measurement of the
mineral components of a given sample. The X-ray diffraction results show that the formation is
primarily carbonates. Formation sample shows the principle component as calcite with avgerage 95%.
The results of the X ray diffraction analysis are summarized in Table-1.
4 SPE-175692-MS

Figure-3 Abu Roash-D Potentials in Abu Gharadig area

Figure-4 Photographs of reservoir cores recovered from Abu Roash-D carbonate

The core analysis showed two rock types; type I of moderate quality (with averages permeability,
ka=2.31 and Porosity, Ф=15.5), type II of poor reservoir quality (with averages Permeability, ka=0.34
and Porosity, Ф=8.8), both rock types were strongly affected by pore geometry and digenesis carbonate
cementation (Figure-5). The petrophysical analysis showed averag Porosity 14%, and initial water
saturation 21%.
SPE-175692-MS 5

QUANTITIES (IN WT.%) AT VARIOUS DEPTHS

(IN FEET)
PHASE
9336.7 – 9437 9435.4 9431.9

Calcite 97 95 94
Dolomite 1 4 4
Halite 1 - -
Quartz 1 1 1
Pyrite - - 1
Table 1- X-Ray Diffraction analyses of Abu Roash-D carbonate core samples

Figure-5 Core Permeability- Porosity Cross Plot

The reservoir fluid sample analysis and production data showed black oil reservoir, initially under
saturated with high original bubble point pressure (Table-2).

FLUID TYPE BLACK OIL

API 41
Initial Reservoir Pressure (Pi), psi 4100
Reservoir Temperature, degree F 235
Bubble Point Pressure, psi 3315
Oil Formation Volume Factor at Pi, BBL/STB 1.79
Gas Solubility at Pi, SCF/STB 1250
Oil Viscosity at Pi, cp 0.265

Table-2 PVT reservoir fluid properties for Abu Roash-D reservoir

6 SPE-175692-MS

The core images in some fault blocks did not show natural fractures within the reservoir, however,
natural fractures may exist in other portions of the field. Based on production performance and pressure
history for wells producing from Abu Roash-D reservoir, it has poor connectivity inside the reservoir
itself, in addition to tightness and tortuosity.

Reservoir Development Challenges

However, with all the positive properties of the field, there are some important and critical challenges
that face the development plans of Abu Roash-D reservoir to sustain economical well productivity and
recovery. These main challenges include:
 Tortuosity and low permeability dominates in such tight carbonate rock
 Highly heterogeneous reservoir and varies regionally according to the ratio of matrix porosity
and permeability. The reservoir performance varies widely among offset wells in the same field.
 Abu Roash-D is undersaturated reservoir with depletion drive mechanism, which makes it
necessary to maintain gas in solution and keep the reservoir pressure above bubble point pressure
thus, increasing the recoverable reserves.
 Pressure compartmentalization has a major impact on production performance due to the drop in
the bottom-hole flowing pressure below the bubble point pressure thus, reducing the recoverable
reserves.

Vertical Wells Production Performance

Initially, Abu Roash-D was developed through drilling many of vertical wells in the horst block of Abu
Gharadig field. Usaually, those wells did not produce without acid stimulation, and post matrix acidizing
stimulation they start production with high oil and gas rates at average rate of 2,000 BOPD and
6 MMSCFD gas at 600 psi well head flowing pressure to remove any potential damage and enhance
well productivity but unfortunately, a consistently decline in bottom hole flowing pressure and
production rates accompanied with increase in gas to oil ratio were observed and did not stabilize
(Figure -6). Then production rate stabilized at average 200 BOPD and 0.4 MMSCFD gas at 400 psi well
head flowing pressure. After a while, the oil production rate declined again and stabilized at average 60
BOPD and 0.2 MMSCFD gas at 250 psi well head flowing pressure.
The well yielded cumulative production of 110 MSTB and 350 MMCSF (0.18 MMBOE) over two years
(Figure- 7).

Sever decline in
bottom hole flowing
pressure

Figure-6 Severe decline in oil production rate and bottom hole flowing pressure with major increase in gas
to oil ratio during the initial production test of a vertical well developing Abu Roash-D reservoir
SPE-175692-MS 7

Figure-7 Vertical Well Production Performance and cumulative production

Horizontal Wells Application– Objectives

The primary objective of drilling horizontal wells in Abu Roash-D reservoir is to increase the well
productivity by increasing the exposure or contact with the reservoir. A conventional vertical well
typically penetrated 20 ft of the reservoir whereas the horizontal well easily could penetratre 2500 ft
thus, being exposed to more than a hundred times more reservoir rock than a conventional vertical well.
The results of developing abu Roash-D reservoir conventionally through vertical well and stimulating
same with acid stimulation encourage embarking on Abu-Roash-D reserve development for a
sustainable rate level above the current production capacity and additional data gathering for
development optimization. The interest in developing such low permeability reservoirs has been a direct
result of the favorable economics achieved by the advancements in horizontal drilling, completion
operations and stimulation technologies that hold great promise to increase daily production rates and
recovery.
Horizontal drilling was an unconventional approach for developing the Abu Roash-D carbonate
reservoir in the Western Desert area which was made for the following technical reasons:-
 Maximizing the benefits of reservoir lateral continuity
 Link natural fractures (if exist) and erratic carbonate permeability
 Minimizing the drawdown to minimize gas breakout.
 Increasing the contact area between the reservoir and the wellbore, which in turn, increasing the
drainage volume around the well to overcome the reservoir tightness.
 Little water in many blocks.
 Minimizing drilling a lot of vertical wells.
 Economically better than vertical wells.
 Good horizontal control depth (~ 9,100 ft vertical).
8 SPE-175692-MS

Horizontal Drilling Application and Optimization

The pre-well model created for the well was based on multiple offset wells around the proposed well
plan where good logging data and seismic grid surfaces were available. High-quality seismic data over
the proposed location with consistent velocity across the structure and an unfaulted section with
relatively minor dip changes along lateral length was selected for drilling the well (Figure 8). There
were two wells (vertical wells A and B) within 80 m of the horizontal section to provide depth control.

Figure-8 Abu Roash-D Correlated log and Seismic data and for drilling the horizontal well control.

The target was to develop an uneconomic reserve by maximizing reservoir contact and significantly
enhancing productivity through multistage matrix acidizing treatment. The well was chartered to:
 Drill approximately 2,500 ft laterally horizontal after reaching target (~ 9,100 ft vertical).
 Drill the horizontal section in the good reservoir quality and remain in there.
 Complete the well with pre-perforated casing liner.
SPE-175692-MS 9

The horizontal well was going to be geosteered using a geological model developed based on offset
wells and an expected LWD response along the proposed well trajectory. In this process, the software
would be used to determine the stratigraphic location of the well path, supporting adjustments made in
the well path to remain within the necessary reservoir subzone. Real-time LWD/drilling data during the
actual drilling phase of the well would allow the actual log response to be compared to the expected log
response and then adjust the geological model accordingly.
The horizontal well trajectory was defined based on the most stable wellbore condition as per the
developed mechanical earth model and a detailed well placement planning and petrophysical real time
geosteering.Real Time Resistivity and GR Images allows identifying the formation structure and
geological features, enabling steering to the best place and perform a proactive navigation that save time
and money, while placement the well in the hot spots.
The final trajectory model and the integrated petro-physical open-hole log analysis along the horizontal
well are presented on (Figure 9).

Net Pay, MD: 1167’ Phi Avg.: 13.7% Sw Avg.: 20.7%

Figure-9 Horizontal Well Placement showing well trajectory

The well was drilled vertically to a depth of 8,359ft kickoff point (KOP) and then began building angle
until 9,154ft (landing point) and was covered with 7-in. casing. The horizontal section was drilled from
9,154 until 11,720ft (total depth) and was covered with 5 ½-in. pre-perforated casing (2,566-ft interval).
The final completion diagram is shown in (Figure 10).
10 SPE-175692-MS
COMPANY : KHALDA
WELL : AG-115H

DATE #######

20"CONDUCTOR

ORKB 32 FT

KOP @ 8359 FT.

O
MAX. DOGLEG: 10.7 @ 9564 FT.
O
AVERAGE DOGLEG:7.5 /100FT

SURFACE CSG
13 3/8" ( 68 #, K-55 , BTC ) @ 3400 FT.

7'' T.O.L. @ 7760.5 FT.

9 5/8" CSG ( 43.5#, N-80, BTC ) @ 8000 FT.

HYD RET PKR.

W.L.E.G. @ 9136'.

X-OVER 5.5'' x 7'' @ 9154 FT.

7" CSG.( 26#, N- 80, BTC ).

5.5'' CSG (17#, N- 80, BTC) @ 11720'.

Figure-10 horizontal well completions design.

Core and Treating Fluids Laboratory Experiments

Formation cores and samples formation fluids were subjected to laboratory studies. Various types of
analysis were performed on these fluid and core samples to obtain the necessary information for
designing a proper matrix treatment, selecting the optimum treating fluids and treatment strategy.
Core tests were an integral part of the laboratory study used. Tests performed on core samples from Abu
Roash-D carbonate reservoir were conducted as following:
 Petrographic studies: X-ray diffraction (XRD).
 Acid solubility test.
 Stimulation Fluids and Formation Fluids Compatibility test

X-Ray Diffraction Analysis, has been conducted to obtain a semi-quantitative measurement of the
mineral components of core sample, the maximum intensity of each identified mineral has been
measured and compared to a standard intensity obtained from a pure mineral sample. A petrographic
studies show more than 95% of calcite for the main reservoir, 4% quartz and low clay content were also
encountered.
SPE-175692-MS 11

Acid Solubility Test was conducted to determine the ability of 15% HCl to dissolve the formation core
sample, as well as provide an indication of the amount of fines that may be generated. For this test, 1 gm
of formation core was weighed and 100 ml of 15% HCl was added to the formation core sample and the
beaker was kept for 1 hour. After 1 hour, any remaining solids were filtered from the acid solution,
washed with deionized water and dried at 150°F. All formation core samples exhibit very good acid
solubility with more than 90% suggesting a good acidizing candidate.

Fluids and Formation Fluids Compatibility test, formation fluids compatibilty test with planned treating
fluids to investigate the possibility of sludge or emulsion formation when treating fluid get in contact
with formation oil samples.
The mixture composition is showen in Table-3 was shaken vigorously at temperature of 150 F then; it
was placed in flask for phase separation observation during 10 minutes. No emulsion was observed on
the interface and after filtration; no emulsion or sludge was observed (Figure-11).

SAMPLE-1 SAMPLE-2 SAMPLE-3

20% HCL + Mutual
20% HCL + non-
solvent + non-
20% HCL + Mutual emulsifying, water-
Composition emulsifying, water-
solvent + Oil wetting, agent
wetting, agent
+ Oil
+ Oil
Sludge No No No
Emulsion Clear Clear Clear

Table-3 Fluid Mixture for Compatibility Testing

Figure-11 Fluid and Formation Oil Breaking and Compatibility Test for Samples 1,2 and 3
12 SPE-175692-MS

Stimulation Treating and Diverting Fluids Selection

The recent advance in stimulation fluids and diverter technologies give the ability to futher improve post
stimulation performance while simultaneously enhancing treatment economics. Subsequently, this task
became more challenging as the ongoing development strategy targets the tighter zones which require
maximum reservoir contact and effective stimulation to achieve the production goals

 Emulsified Acid
Emulsified acids are widely used to stimulate carbonate formations due to their highly retarded nature
and designed for use in matrix stimulation and acid fracturing. Carbonate formations generally have a
low permeability and can be highly fissured. Long fractures in acid fracturing treatments or deep
wormholes in matrix treatments are necessary to maximize production. The retarded nature of
emulsified acids is useful to generate longer etched fractures or deeper wormholes.
Several authors reported the existence of an optimum ratio of reaction versus convection for which the
longest wormholes can be formed with the minimum volume of acid injected. Therefore, for a given
acid system there is an optimum injection rate. The use of a retarded acid system allows the operator to
pump at lower rates to meet the optimum ratio. This is particularly important at high temperatures where
the reaction rate of straight acid is very high. The high viscosity of emulsified acid is useful in matrix
applications to improve the distribution of acid on different permeability zones. Emulsified acid consists
of an internal acid phase (HCl of varying strengths from 7.5 to 28%) and an external oil phase.
The emulsion retards the acid reaction rate of 28% HCl approximately 13-fold. Even greater retardation
is achieved at lower acid concentrations. The graph below (Figure-12) shows the difference between the
HCl and the emulsified acid effects on the wormholing when simulating a matrix stimulation treatment
of horizontal well at bottom hole temperature of 250 F.

Figure-12 Effect of HCL and Emulsified acid on wormholing formation

SPE-175692-MS 13

 Viscoelastic Surfactant Diverting Acid

One of the main challenges of matrix acidizing is obtaining uniform coverage of the treatment across the
zone of interest. Diversion is usually required to ensure stimulation throughout the interval. Common
diverting techniques involve pumping multiple stages of alternating acid and diverting agent.
Viscoelastic Surfactant Diverting Acid (VSDA) is a self-diverting acid that can significantly simplify
the process by continuously injecting acid into the formation. The acid will viscosify in-situ and
temporarily block the existing channels to divert itself into undissolved areas. VSDA contains no
polymer; therefore, it does not have a solid residue to cause damage to the rock. It has a great potential
in treating zones with widely varying permeability streaks, as well as horizontal wells.
Extensive laboratory test has been done to better understand how viscoelastic surfactants diverting work.
These surfactants can generate high viscosity at low shear rate and impede cleanup from the formation.
Formation hydrocarbons, diesel or mutual sovent act as breakers when they come into contact with
viscoelastic surfactant (Figure-13).

Live VSDA Spent VSDA Breaking VSDA with Mutual Sovent

Figure-13 Laboratory Experimrnt of Viscoelastic Surfactant Diverting Acid

 Degradable Fiber-Laden Self Diverting Acid

The Degradable Fiber-Laden Self Diverting Acid system stimulates natural fractures and high-
permeability zones first and then creates a temporary restriction to steer the treatment acid for more even
fluid distribution. The system combines nondamaging viscosity-based viscoelastic fluid with degradable
fibrous particulates provding a very robust diversion for the treatment across the large lateral section of
the wellbore (Figure-14). The fibers have been designed to be inert under surface and pumping
conditions, and their geometry allows them to form strong and stable fiber networks that can effectively
bridge across natural fractures, wormholes, and perforation tunnels.
A viscoelastic surfactant is blended with degradable fibers. The acid develops viscosity by reacting with
the carbonate formation, while the fibers bridge across perforation tunnels and fractures to form a filter
cake. Eventually, the fibers network completely degrades with time and temperature that is produced
back to the surface during flowback.
The combination of the self-diverting acid and fiber enhances the diversion process by combining the
aspects of both particulate and viscosity-based diversion techniques. This two-part diversion method
temporarily limits injectivity to thief zones, forcing acid into zones with lower natural permeability.
14 SPE-175692-MS

Fiber

Figure-14 Degradable Fiber-Laden Self Diverting Acid

Stimulation Fluids, Volumes and Pumping Strategy

The stimulation of the first horizontal well was planned several months a head of the actual completion
date of the well. Before this well, various stimulation jobs were performed on many vertical wells. The
stimulation of more than 2,000 ft of lateral section would require massive volumes of stimulation fluid.
In order to stimulate the Abu Roash-D carbonate reservoir, 15% HCL was selected as main stimulation
fluids. The stimulation program for each one of the three stimulation stages to be perfrmed also included
a chemical diverting stage of viscoelastic diverting acid and degradable fiber-laden self diverting acid.

Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) and Stimulation Real-Time Monitoring

Due to reservoir heterogeneity, the high degree of uncertainty in downhole fluid placement has in the
past led to stimulation treatments that have not achieved the desired objective of spotting acid all across
the openhole section using coiled tubing.
Evaluation of such scenarios is extremely difficult due to low degree of information about the downhole
events; also, it is difficult to separate the evaluation of the effectiveness of diversion and the placement
of the fluids.
The real-time Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) measurement provides a true step change in the
coiled tubing (CT) matrix stimulation. It provides a mean to stop using assumptions and rules of thumb,
instead providing measured facts enabling the operator to interact with the reservoir while the treatment
is still ongoing. The temperature in the vicinity of the wellbore is measured by fiberoptics cable. The
temperature profile derived from DTS can be used to monitor the fluids distribution during acidizing
treatment. DTS analysis based on a comparison of temperature changes along the wellbore used to infer
areas of fluid flow. The temperature contrast measured in openhole sections during a stimulation
treatment is used to determine where fluids distributed.
In summary, the approach allows tracking, controlling and optimizing the stimulation fluid placement,
thereby maximizing the post treatment production.
The fiber optic system enables real time measurement of downhole parameters during a CT intervention.
It includes a CT head where the fiber optic connections are terminated, the electronic package that
houses the downhole communication system, the battery and the sensors that record internal and
external pressure, temperature and a Casing Collar Locator (CCL).
SPE-175692-MS 15

During a typical operation of the system, the downhole data is transmitted from the CT working reel, via
wireless communication to the CT control cabin, where the DTS monitoring system and specialized
software are used to acquire, display, monitor and record real-time job parameters (Figure-15).

Figure-15 Surface Acquisition of working CT and Fiber Optics

Due to the volumes pumped during matrix injection, absolute downhole temperatures may vary greatly.
However, continuous monitoring of distributed temperature during the treatment, allows monitoring of
the temperature variation induced by each treatment stage. This allows a continuous qualitative
estimation of the fluid placement that can be used to confirm acid placement, diverter efficiency and
treatment progress.
The following are the generalized workflow to optimize the fiber optic enabled coiled tubing matrix
stimulation of openhole completions in carbonate reservoirs treatment:
1. Run in hole with CT to total depth and record DTS base line profile.
2. Acid Wash, Record DTS and monitor the theif zones.
3. Selectively place the diverter against intake theif zones
4. Main acid treatment and Improve acid placement
5. Over flush (Repeating stages 3 and 4 unitl acid placement is achieved)

DTS was used to identify zones of high and low injectivity across the openhole. DTS profiles after each
pumping stage enabled effective use and placement of 15% HC1 and self diverting acid based on real
time dowahole conditions. The DTS profiles allowed immnediate, real time quality control of the
diversion efficiency after each pumping stage, and zones of fast and slow warm-back can be clearly
identified on shut-in warmback DTS profiles recorded after the preflush pumping stage.
After the diagnostic acid wash, zones of accelerated heating due to the exothermic reaction of acid and
carbonate and their subsequent cooldown give positive, qualitative confirmation of the placement and
matrix penetration of the acid.

The objectives of the real time monitoring of matrix acidizing treatment were to:
 Determine the injection profile and the zones that receive most of the fluids and identify
high intake zones.
 Monitor the formation warmback after performing the stimulation in real time.
 Determine in real time the effectiveness of the diversion and perform the necessary
changes to the pumping schedule to cover the perforated intervals with the treatment.
 Enhances the ability to place stimulation fluids and diversion.
 Select the best diversion technique with possibility of real time change of the technique
effectively
 Allows for real time Optimization of the treatment.
16 SPE-175692-MS

Treatment Execution

 Acid Wash and 15% HCL Preflush Stage

250 bbls of mud dissolver was pumped through CT followed by 300 bbls preflush of 15% HCL that
pumped downe through the coiled tubing with pumping rate 1.35 BPM and additional 200 bbls of 15%
HCL was pumped through coiled tubing/Tubing Annulus with highest pumping rates of 6 BPM.
The below Table-4 shows the general stimulation schedual program and the preflush treatment stategy

ACID PERFORATION WASH AND PREFULSH SCHEDULE

Stage Fluid Via Volume, bbls
DTS base line Coiled Tubing at total depth
50% Diesel, 10%
CT moving along
Organic Dissolver Mutual Solvent, 250
horizontal Section
40% Xylene

DTS DTS-1 Warmback, Coiled Tubing at total depth

CT moving along
Acid 15% HCL 250
horizontal Section

DTS DTS-2 Warmback, Coiled Tubing at total depth

Flow Back Using Nitrogen lifting

Table-4 Stimulation treatment pumping schedule for acid wash and preflush stage

 Well Flowing Back and Horizontal well Productivity Testing Prior main acid treatment
After pumping the mud dissolver and 15% HCL preflush, the well was opened to flow back through
Nitrogen lifting via coiled tubing and after the well kick off the well started to flow naturally with 800
BFPD, 6.5% water cut and 0.8 MMSCFD gas. Flowing the well was monitored for 24 hours then
another DTS was performed in order to get the full picture and well profile prior the main treatment.
Figure-16 Shows a match to the production data before the main matrix acidizing treatment (Post
preflush). The productivity index of 1.45 STB/d/psi has been calculated and the Estimated absolute open
flow (AOF) of 3,310 bbls per day.
SPE-175692-MS 17

Figure-16 Horizontal well Productivity evaluation via nodal analysis post perforation acid wash and pre-
main matrix acidizing Treatment

 Matrix Acidizing stimulation main treatment

The warmback analysis prior main matrix acidizing treatment is evident that two main areas of the
horizontal section remains cooled down longer besides the three hours warmback period. The first zone
next to the casing shoe (intake 1) and the second zone on the right hand side towards the toe (intake 2).
During this event intake 1 continues to accept fluids.
This step helped in identifying the injection profile, explained the injectivity across the open hole
intervals and determined the thief zone which allowed for better optimization of the main acid treatment
pumping. A thermal engine simulator was utilized to evaluate the fluid intake based on the temperature
changes that occurs during the warmback. Results coincide with the previous analysis, providing two
regions of major intake covering a length of 800 ft. Based on the temperature analysis, pumping 15%
HCL without any diversion stage would have resulted in acid invading the flagged Intake-1 and
Intake -2 regions (Figure-17) .
18 SPE-175692-MS

Figure-17 Shows the fluid intake based on the temperature changes that occurs during the Warmback

Prior to the main acid treatment and according to the data gathered from the various recorded
warmbacks of different stages and the temperature and injection profiles along open hole horizontal
section. It was decided to divert the acid from intake zones with chemical diverter in order to uniformly
stimulate all the section of horizontal section. Total of 500 bbls of diverter was pumped via coiled
tubing.
The below Table-5 shows the general stimulation schedual program and the treatment stategy for the
main treatment
SPE-175692-MS 19

MAIN ACID TREATMENT

Pumping Rate,
Stage Fluid Via Volume, bbls
BPM
DTS DTS-1 Baseline, Coiled Tubing at total depth

Organic 50% Diesel, 10% Coiled tubing

Dissolver with Mutual Solvent, /tubing 6 520
DTS-2 40% Xylene annulas

DTS DTS-3 Warmback, Coiled Tubing at total depth

Coiled tubing
Viscoelastic
Diverter gainst Upper 1.35 500
Surfactant Diverter
Intake Zone

Acid 15% HCL 6 250

HCL, Emulsifying
Emulsified acid 6 240
Agent, Diesel

Acid 15% HCL 6 30

Viscoelastic
Diverter 6 50
Surfactant Diverter Coiled tubing
/tubing
Laden Fiber Fiber+Viscoelastic Annulus 4.3 30
Diverter Surfactant Diverter With DTS-4,
Coiled
Viscoelastic
Diverter Tubing at 6 50
Surfactant Diverter
total depth
Acid 15% HCL 6 430

HCL, Emulsifying
Emulsified acid 6 445
Agent, Diesel

Acid 15% HCL 4.3-6 430

Brine + 2% Mutual
PostFlush 6 925
Sovent
DTS Final Evaluation DTS-5 Warmback

Table-5 Main Stimulation Pumping schedual for the horizontal well simulation
20 SPE-175692-MS

Post Main Acidizing Stimulation Treatment of Horizontal Well Production Evaluation

After the main stimulation job, the well was opened to flow back via Nitrogen lifting through coiled
tubing and after kick off the well started to flow naturally to evaluate the well performance. A bottom
hole real time monitoring system was used to monitor bottom-hole pressure and temperature
(Figure-18).

Stabilization
in bottom
hole flowing
pressure

Figure-18 real time monitoring of bottom hole pressure and temperature

Horizontal Well Production Performance

Several simulations runs were done to match the production and compare the productivity index post the
main acid treatment to the productivity index of the preflush and mud dissolver stages. Figure-19 Shows
a match to the production data after the Main Matrix Acidizing Treatment.
The productivity of 4 STB/d/psi has been calculated.The Estimated absolute open flow (AOF) of 11,000
bbls per day and the Oil Production rate was 2,100 bbls/day.

Intially, the well flowed naturally with 2100 BOPD and 2.23 MMSCFD at 1200 psi well head flowing
pressure, then the rate stabilized at 850 BOPD and 3.5 MMSCFD at 1400 psi well head flowing
pressure. After a while, the rate declined again and stabilized at 170 BOPD and 3 MMSCFD at 500 psi
well head flowing pressure.
The cumulative production volumes from this horizontal well showed 218 MSTB and 2 BCF (0.6
MMBOE) (Figure. 20).
SPE-175692-MS 21

Test point at 2,100 BFPD at 3610 psi

PI = 4 stb/d/psi
AOF = 11,000 bpd

Figure-19 Horizontal well Productivity evaluation via nodal analysis post main acid treatment

Figure 20- Production performance and cumulative productionfor the horizontal well developing
Abu Roash-D reservoir
22 SPE-175692-MS

Comparison between Vertical and Horizontal Drilling

In Conclusion, the results of this pilot project indicated a successful stimulation and a significant
increase in production from horizontal wells application in Abu roash-D carbonate reservoir compared
to offset vertical wells as shown in the following comparison taking in consideration some factors:
 Abu Roash-D reservoir is usually under saturated oil reservoir of high original bubble point
pressure (Less than 1000 psi below initial reservoir pressure), so it is difficult to produce wells
keeping bottom hole flowing pressure above bubble point pressure even after production
optimization, therefore, a huge gas volumes are produced which must be accounted for during
comparison, so the cumulative production will be expressed in terms of equivalent cumulative
production (MMBOE).
 The cumulative production should be attributed to the production period for acceleration
purposes.
 The total cost of the well includes; costs of drilling, completion string, and stimulation job.
The Table-6 demonstrates the comparison summary between the vertical and horizontal wells
application in term of (NPV, Capex, Cumm. production …etc).

HORIZONTAL WELL VERTICAL WELL

Length of producing interval, ft 2000 20

2,000 BOPD 600 BOPD
Initial rate at 24/64” choke size
2.23 MMSCFD 0.26 MMSCFD
Average stabilized rate, BOPD 850 220
Productivity Index, bbl/day/psi 4 1
Cummulative Production, 0.48 0.15
MMBOE within 18 Months within 25 Months
EUR Using DCA, MMBOE 0.61 0.2
Capex, $MM 6 3.12
Ney Present Value ( NPV) at
21.1 5.5
10%, $MM
Payback Time, Month(s) 1 2

Table- 6 clarifies the comparison between the vertical and horizontal wells application in term of (NPV,
Capex, Cumm. production …etc).

The comparison shows that the recovery achieved from the application of the horizontal well drilling.
In Abu Roash-D tight carbonate reservoir is more than the triple that of the vertical well productivity
and cumulative production in shorter period of time. Figure-21, shows a comparison of equivalent
cumulative production over time for horizontal and vertical wells.
SPE-175692-MS 23

Vertical Well Horizontal Well

Cumulative Production, MMBOE

0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0

Date, Months

Figure- 21- A comparison of equivalent cumulative production over time for horizontal and vertical wells
producing from the same reservoir an the same fault block

Economic Analysis
The economical analysis comparison of the drilling and completion cost and the net present value (NPV)
between the vertical and horizontal drilling application in Abo Roash-D reservoir. So Figure-22 shows
the real estimated costs of drilling and completion for each type of well. Here in this study in order to
compare the best technical scenarios economically, NPV for both scenarios had been calculated.

25

20

15
$MM

Capex

10 NPV

0
Vertical Well Horizontal Well

Figure- 22 Comparison of Vertical and Horizontal wells Capex and NPV

24 SPE-175692-MS

Conclusions

1. Case history representes the first success in which the operator applied an unconventional
development strategy for a marginal reservoir.
2. The well plans were achieved with multiple challenges faced during the operation. Additionally,
the wells delivered the expected production and proved the applicability of the development
strategy.
3. Developing Abu Roash-D reservoir via horizontal wells not only improves daily production rates
and recovery, but also accelerates production.
4. Abu Roash-D reservoir is a tight, poorly connected limestone reservoir that extends in Abu
Gharadig field forming reasonable oil in place that needs to be developed.
5. Developing Abu Roash-D reservoir via vertical wells yields low to moderate recovery.
6. Wells developing Abu Roash-D reservoir usually do not produce unless they are stimulated.
7. Proper drilled horizontal wells could achieve triple the recovery of the vertical wells with less
than double cost.
8. The implementation of Matrix Acidizing Engineering and multistage simulation improve the
near wellbore connectivity and has resulted in a successful treatment.
9. Real time monitoring and DTS Technology has been successfully utilized in data capturing and
evaluation. It has been also utilized successfully in real time optimization and enhancement of
stimulation efficiency.
10. Well production should continue to be under evaluation especially the gas production rate that
must be optimized to be optimized above the bubble point.
11. Monitoring the stimulation with DTS allowed all open-hole horizontal section to be effectively
stimulated by modifiying the treatment schedual in real time

Acknowledgments
The authors thank Khalda Petroleum Company management for permission to present this paper in
addition to all who contributed to the success of this project.

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[

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