Success of the unconventional resources (UR) operations is improving the efficiency by minimizing cost without compromising production. Plug and perforation (PnP) method is widely applied practice for unconventional wells completion due to flexibility of stimulating targeted intervals. One of the key parameters for operations efficiency of stimulation activities is utilization of fit for purpose frac plug to run with wireline PnP, proper frac isolation, and increasing efficiency of coil tubing mill-out. This paper provides comprehensive evaluation and comparison of various frac plug selection, execution and evaluation as well as optimization considering improving efficiency at multi-stage frac operations. To improve contact area with targeted formations, longer laterals are drilled and during milling operations, it can generate additional challenges to the milling efficiency due to decreasing weight on bit and potential lockups due extended laterals. There are various types of plugs in the market depending on the technical requirements of the operation such as composite, semi-dissolvable and fully dissolvable fracturing plugs. Therefore, the search to obtain the most optimum fit for purpose frac plug selection is critical with the objective of being milled with minimal weight on bit and low to no debris produced from milling activities. The application of a rigorous system for choosing frac plugs to be tested and implemented considers various well completion, formation, operational and technical parameters, while cross-referencing case studies and historical usage at different fields worldwide. For the current study, more than twenty frac plugs were systematically evaluated based on technical requirements, and were implemented across more than 2,000 stages of UR stimulation applications and coil tubing (CT) millout operations. Additionally, the paper discusses about contingency plans with solutions during wireline pump down and coil tubing millout operations challenges and opportunities. Fracturing plug manufacturers are continuously improving their frac plug technologies to meet customers demands of ease of use, applicability and functionality. Hence, the introduction and development of semi or fully dissolvable plugs. This paper highlights a full cycle of process for qualifying fracturing plugs for fit-for-purpose applications.
The objective of the paper is to evaluate the successful implementation of refrac treatment in unconventional wells with initial completion and stimulation practices. The implementation of refracturing treatment utilizing various diverter systems proved to be operationally feasible, increase productivity, and extend well life cycle. Slick-water refrac practice relies on the combination of adding additional clusters through e-coil within previously stimulated clusters and utilizing mechanical or chemical diverters to plug dominant clusters, allowing the treatment to stimulate newly added or poorly contributing clusters. A fit-for-purpose criteria was developed for proper diverter selection, number and spacing of additional clusters, diverter drop systems, enhanced pumping schedules, and contingency plans. The approach had been utilized in several wells, previously stimulated with various fluid systems and job volumes, completed with different completion types and sizes, and through numerous diverter types and drop systems, with notable success from operational and production point of view. Clear indications of effective diversion and stimulation were observed based on pressure response during diverter drop and treatment cycles, as well as an increased wells productivity. In conclusion, the application of refrac approach proved to be operationally feasible while allowing for an enhanced well performance post the refrac treatment. The implemented combined approach of additional clusters, optimized diverter volumes, adjusted pumping schedules, and multiple diverter drop options offer several benefits in multiple categories: Operational (allowing for on-the-fly addition of diverters and continues cyclic pumping, and preventing the occurrence of screenouts during the refrac treatment), Technical (increasing the stimulated reservoir volume and contact with the formation), and Productivity (enhancing well performance and increasing well life cycle)
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