First Implementation of Nano-Proppant Technology in Middle East

Abstract

This paper describes the first application of nano-proppant technology in Middle East that was additionally combined with tailored-made smart-proppant to unlock hard to recover reserves in the first successful hydraulic fracture treatment pumped offshore Abu Dhabi. The primary target reservoir is the Pre-Khuff Clastics Fm., a deep tight gas sandstone that can be found at depths exciding 16,000 ft with temperatures above 350º F. Given the reservoir characteristics, primarily its low permeability, hydraulic fracturing is required to achieve commercial production rates. The design of the fracture stimulation treatment presented several challenging conditions including high formation temperature, high closure stress, poroelastic effects and, among others, the potential for post treatment proppant flowback in an offshore environment. The implementation of tailored-made proppant technologies provided the means to overcome such challenges while providing key information to optimize fracture treatments as wells were completed. The primary objectives of nano-proppants were centered on sustaining production performance by propping the formation natural fracture network, mitigation of near wellbore entry friction pressures and fissure leakoff control to assure the successful placement of the frac treatment. In turn, smart-proppant technology was utilized to obtain an accurate fracture height measurement to reduce the uncertainty and non-uniqueness of pressure matching, better determining the placed frac length and width by properly understanding containment. Resin coated proppant was engineered to lock-in conductivity in a high stress and temperature environment based on expected temperature heat-back profiles required to achieve a targeted proppant pack unconfined compressive strength. This paper will provide insights on the results and lessons learned from the application of state-of-the-art proppant technologies that paved the way to reach stable commercial rates after the first fracture treatment by improving production performance by over 500%.