Implementation of PinPoint Fracturing Technique in the Western Egypt Desert

Abstract

In the western desert region of Egypt, previous propped multiple-fracture treatments were performed using conventional methods (i.e., perforate, frac, set mechanical/zone isolation, and repeat cycle). Although the resulting treatment efficiency was satisfactory, other methods were being considered to help reduce cost and improve production performance. Also, it was desired to decrease total operational time, which would further impact economics (rig time, production delay, etc).In an attempt to improve production response, fracturing designs in the El Fadl field in the western desert went from a standard three-stage design up to as much as a six-stage design to more effectively stimulate the pay zones. A careful review of the field and operations suggested possible benefits from implementing the pinpoint method for hydraulic-fracturing treatments. It was, however, not a simple case of just applying a hydraulic-fracturing treatment to every potential zone, but required proper well screening, thorough log analysis, calculating and validating mechanical rock properties, and enhanced 3D fracture modeling to achieve a successful campaign.A pinpoint method for stimulation was implemented to perform multistage jobs at reduced costs. As the stage count per well was increased, production response and economics were improved. Both treatment design and staging design with this fracturing technique continue to be further refined as performance and statistical analysis of previous design changes are completed.This paper discusses a pinpoint method for frac treatment and the methodology applied on a recent well. Differences in job execution that will be discussed include: using a hydrajet perforating mechanism instead of conventional casing-gun perforation, time-consumption reduction, analysis of vertical-fracture coverage per potential zone, and cumulative production response from the different designs tested. This could serve as guidelines for other operators who might be facing similar challenges in the North Africa region and elsewhere.

A New Stimulation Method to Significantly Improve Hydrocarbon Recovery Using Temporary Beneficial Changes in Stress Anisotropy

“…Stanojcic et al (2010) provides a good overview of many of them, and McDaniel (2014) offers a more current update of hydra-jet perforating tools and related fracturing applications. Pinpoint stimulations have been successfully applied globally (Adil et al 2014;Chellani et al 2012;Garzon et al 2010;Gilbert et al 2005;Mohsen et al 2010;Pongratz et al 2008;Surjaatmadja et al 2005) using all types treatment fluid systems, including acid fracturing (Surjaatmadja et al 2002). In addition, pinpoint stimulation is the only hydraulic fracturing method to be successfully applied in both cased and cemented completions as well as openhole without liners (Love et al 1998;Surjaatmadja et al 1998 and2002) and also slotted liner (Jakobsen et al 2009) completions.…”

An Evaluation of Coiled Tubing Fracturing Compared to Traditional Completion Techniques in Horizontal Wells

“…More than 20 different pinpoint stimulation techniques (Stanojcic et al 2010) exist that have been successfully applied globally (Adil et al 2014;Chellani et al 2012;Garzon et al 2010;Gilbert et al 2005;Mohsen et al 2010;Pongratz et al 2008;Surjaatmadja et al 2005). In addition, pinpoint stimulation is the only hydraulic fracturing method to be successfully applied with virtually every completion type, including openhole (Love et al 1998;Surjaatmadja et al 1998 and2002) and slotted liners (Jakobsen et al 2009).…”