Abstract It is a great challenge to divert acid into untreated zones in a thick, heterogeneous, and high permeability sandstone formation. The heterogeneity can be created by hydraulic fracturing, acidizing, or the nature of the reservoir. Common diverting agents do not work well in these situations. In high permeability porous media, foam has the tendency to segregate, gaseous phase will occupy smaller pores while the aqueous phase occupies the larger pores1. Due to the relative permeability effect, the higher permeability streaks becomes the preferable path for acid treatment fluids2. Therefore, limited effective diversion can be achieved by foam. Other diverting agents rely on particulate matter or polymer solution to plug off thief zones temporarily. However, the invasion of the undissolved particles and polymer residue can cause further formation damage. Owing to its rheological properties, and its lack of solids, Visco-Elastic-Surfactant diverting agents (VESDA) have been proven to be effective for acid diversion in carbonate formations3, where large flow channels are generated due to acid-rock reaction. This current study extends the application into diversion in high permeability, highly heterogeneous sandstone formations. Throughout this paper, the term VESDA is used to refer to the VES diverting agent. Laboratory tests have shown that VES is capable of increasing the flow resistance in the high permeability rock (simulated by a proppant pack) and will divert treatment fluid into the low permeability sandstone matrix. The process was more efficient if multiple stages of alternating VES and acid were used. Field case histories in Gulf of Mexico are also presented in this study to demonstrate the effectiveness of the VES material for acid diversion in the highly permeable and heterogeneous sandstone reservoirs.
Abstract Schlumberger and four Eagle Ford Shale Play operators drilling in South Texas joined a consortium initiative to acquire various types of open hole logging data in several horizontal wells, and use the data to design the completions with optimum fracture stage and perforation cluster positioning. Horizontal production logs were subsequently used to gauge the effectiveness of using the log data to engineer the completions. This paper outlines the data acquisition techniques, analyses made on that data, application, results and conclusion. Previous work carried out on production logging data acquired in several shale plays including the Eagle Ford (Miller et al, 2011) shows a significant variation in perforation cluster contribution. Other documented results showing the effect of targeting similarly stressed rock for fracture treatments (Waters, Heinze, Jackson, 2011) in the Marcellus. The objective of this study was to improve the initial flow capacity of the well by increasing the number of perforation clusters contributing to production. A related objective was to determine the optimal horizontal logging program that was needed to characterize the rock with minimal interruption to existing work flows. This paper will show the results of data acquired over 12 horizontal wells in the Eagle Ford Shale (see map in figure 1). Petrophysical and geomechanical analyses were based on horizontal logging measurements and used as inputs to an engineered completion design tool that generated a recommendation on each well design. The design tool grouped intervals with similar properties for stimulation treatment. Following the treatment, horizontal production logs were run through the zones to measure the perforation cluster contribution. The results of the study have the potential to change the way Unconventional Resources are developed. Recent trends have seen a shift away from data acquisition to blind geometrical fracturing. This paper examines the value of acquiring petrophysical data in the lateral section and its application to completion optimization, the minimization of wasted resources, and the impact on early production.
Abstract Numerous foam diversion models have been developed during the past decade; however, none has been field validated. Field validation of any model used by the matrix treatment design engineer is essential. Without proper validation studies, the engineer cannot optimize the treatment design with any reliability. This paper addresses the field validation of a previously reported foam diversion model incorporated into a matrix treatment design simulator and offers guidelines for diverter selection. A matrix-acidized well located in the Gulf of Mexico was used for validation of the foam model. In most cases, the simulator's bottomhole treating pressure (BHTP) prediction was within ±5% of the BHTP observed in the well during the foam diversion and acidizing stages. The two-phase, finite-difference simulator models foam flow in the matrix through modification of the relative permeability to gas. The simulator models surfactant adsorption, gas solubility and mineral dissolution with the corresponding permeability changes in a multilayer reservoir. The keys to the foam model validation are good well data and BHTP estimation. For field validation, a downhole sensor package was used to record the bottomhole pressure and maximize the accuracy of the validation process. Post-treatment evaluation directed at model validation consisted of simulation of the actual treatment followed by a comparison of the simulated and actual BHTP. A detailed description of the foam validation process and the supporting well data are presented. This study indicates that a matrix treatment using foam diversion is not engineered until it is simulated using valid models. Additionally, the study indicates that foam diversion is not the best diversion technique to use in all wells. Simulations support published laboratory data indicating that poor diversion (equal flow rates per foot) is obtained with foam slugs when a high-permeability contrast and/or damage contrast exist; however, simulations indicate that in most cases good diversion is possible using an oil-soluble resin or foamed acid. Guidelines for diversion type and technique are provided to assist the design engineer.
Abstract High-temperature cementing (above 300°F(149°C) remains a complex operation from job design and execution viewpoints. Temperature prediction is of crucial importance and is still a challenge. To design a slurry with excellent properties (thickening time, rheology, stability and fluid-loss) remains difficult in deep hot reservoirs. The execution of the job is also another critical step: accuracy in additive concentration and constant density are not always easy to achieve using normal cement mixing equipment. All these issues make the cementing of a high-temperature/high-pressure well a critical operation. A new global approach is proposed to minimize the risk associated with these operations. Emphasis is placed on quality control of the materials to be used as well as a quality assurance program for the laboratory testing to give confidence in the results obtained. Quality control of the job execution is also heavily emphasized.
ABSTRACT This paper presents a method for lowering the permeability of thief zones in oil reservoirs to improve recovery during waterflood operations. The method consists of preheating the thief zone around the injection or production well by injecting hot water or steam and then injecting a hot, saturated chemical solution. If the chemical has a lower solubility at reservoir temperature than at injection temperature, cooling within the formation will result in the precipitation of solids in the pore spaces. Several chemicals were identified as having a suitable temperature-dependent solubility with a low environmental toxicity, including potassium carbonate and sodium borate. The porosity and permeability reduction from temperature-dependent precipitation of these chemicals was then experimentally determined and a correlation between the permeability and porosity reduction was obtained. A theoretical analysis of this promising new process and how it can be applied are also presented.
Summary URTeC 1571745 Four operators drilling in the Eagle Ford Shale Play located in South Texas, USA joined Schlumberger in an initiative to acquire various types of open hole logging data in several horizontal wells, and then use the data to design the completions with optimum fracture stage and perforation cluster positioning. The wells were then evaluated with horizontal production logs to gauge the effectiveness of using the log data to engineer the completions. This paper will outline the processes used to acquire the data, the analyses made on that data, application, results and conclusion. The study draws on previous work showing perforation cluster contribution variation in several shale plays including the Eagle Ford (Miller, 2011), and other documented results showing the effect of targeting similarly stressed rock for fracture treatments (Waters, 2011). The main objective was to improve the initial flow capacity of the well by increasing the number of perforation clusters contributing to production. Another related objective was to determine the optimal horizontal logging program that was needed to characterize the rock with minimal interruption to existing work flows. This paper will show the results of data acquired over 12 horizontal wells in the Eagle Ford Shale. Petrophysical and geomechanical analyses were based on horizontal logging measurements and used as inputs to an engineered completion design tool that generated a recommendation on each well design. The design tool grouped intervals with similar properties for stimulation treatment. Following the treatment, horizontal production logs were run through the zones to measure the perforation cluster contribution. The results of the study have the potential to change the way Unconventional Resources are developed. Recent trends have seen a shift away from data acquisition to blind geometrical fracturing. This paper examines the value of acquiring petrophysical data in the lateral section and its application to completion optimization, the minimization of wasted resources, and the impact on early production.
Abstract Although numerous sandstone and carbonate simulators have been developed during the past decade, few have been field validated. This paper addresses the field validation of a numerical simulator used for treatment design. Five matrix acidized wells were used for validation of the simulator. In most cases the simulator was within +10% of the actual skin reduction observed in the well. The simulator calculates the pressure at the formation face and within the multiple layers along the corresponding flow rates. Diversion and mineral dissolution with the corresponding permeability changes are also calculated for sandstone and carbonates. The key to simulator validation is good well data including pre and post-treatment pressure buildup analysis, PLT data, log and/or core data, formation mineralogy and the knowledge of the damage mechanism. Simulations indicate previously developed "rule of thumb" guidelines for mud acid volume may not yield the best results. When formation damage is shallow, as in some of the case histories the "rule of thumb" may results in the use of excessive acid, whereas, when damage is 2 to 3 feet from the wellbore higher volumes of acid are normally required. Simulations support the concept that diversion is essential and can easily be observed via the flow per layer output. This study indicates matrix treatment design is not engineered until it is simulated using valid models. Application of the validated simulator results in increased production and improved economics for the operator. A detailed description of the validation process and the supporting well data are presented. Introduction Sandstone matrix acidizing using mud acid formulations has been used for decades to remove siliceous formation damage. The damage can be formed during drilling, completion and/or production phases of a well, which can cause severe production decreases. Numerous papers have been written on laboratory and field studies directed at clay damage removal. These laboratory studies were conducted in support of development of acidizing simulators. However, none of the simulators were field validated. This paper will address this issue by using well documented case histories. The numerical simulator used in this study was previously described in the literature. The simulator is 2d and is capable of acidizing and diverting fluids. Fluid fingering, acid concentrations and fluid saturation at each point radially in the formation are calculated at each time step. The model considers diversion by using cake resistance or a pseudoskin correlation. Dissolution of the mineral species is based on a change in porosity. The porosity is converted to permeability based on a modified Labrid's formula. The three sandstone cases presented are graveled pack wells from the Gulf of Mexico. Two wells were suspected to have HEC polymer damage and the third well was suspected to have silt and clay damage. Information for each of the wells varied from detailed laboratory flow studies to porosity logs. The later is probably what most operators have for their well description. In all three cases we were able to model the pre and post skin results. The two carbonate cases are wells from the Middle East. They represent the acids used routinely in carbonate reservoirs (HCl and emulsified HCl). Two distinct models are used in the simulator process. The first model is cable of modeling wormhole growth used for non-retarded HCl whereas the second model assumes uniform dissolution by a emulsified (retarded) acid i.e. radial flow through all pore throats. Sandstone Acidizing Validation Case Histories Modeling. During sandstone acidizing the numerical simulator models the dissolution of formation damage and native minerals. P. 283^
Abstract This paper provides guidance for selecting and designing optimum sand control systems for water injector wells. This guidance is based on a detailed study on issues and problems in water injection wells in the Foinaven field operated by BP. Given openhole, stand-alone screen failures experienced on two Foinaven water injector wells, a water-injector sandface-completion study was commissioned with the following objectives: to review the issues and problems in water injector wells, propose possible solutions, and conduct engineering designs for water-injector sandface completions listed below. Cased and perforated Openhole stand-alone screens Openhole gravel packs Openhole frac packs Cased hole frac packs Expandable screens The paper summarises possible causes of sand control failure in the Foinaven field water injection wells and provides potential mitigations by selecting solutions using conventional and innovative technology.
SPE 93564 Designing Effective Sand Control Systems to Overcome Problems in Water Injection Wells H. Sadrpanah SPE Schlumberger; R. Allam SPE BP; A. Acock M. Norris SPE and T. O’Rourke Schlumberger; and L.R. Murray and D.J. Wood SPE BP Copyright 2005 Society of Petroleum Engineers This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Europec/EAGE Annual Conference held in Madrid Spain 13-16 June 2005. 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 of the paper as presented have not been reviewed by the Society