Water Frac Application

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    SPE 36459

    Sociaty of PetroleumEngineers

    WATER FRAC APPLICATIONS IN HIGH ISLAND 384 FIELD

    E, B. CLAIBORNE JR*, ORYX ENERGY COMPANY, R. SAUCIER*, BAKER HUGHES INTEQ

    CONSULTANT, and T. W. WILKINSON*, ORYX ENERGY COMPANY

    * SPE Member

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    ABSTRACT

    A frac pack technique using water, herein referred to

    as a water frac, has ken developd for use in wells

    where the goal is to achieve effective sand control at

    minimal cost while bypassing wellbore skin thus

    increasing well productivities.

    This increased

    productivity is accomplished by a properly designed,

    length Iimitedj hydraulic tlacture, created and

    propped with non-damaging fluid/prop that provides

    a highly conductive flow path through the wellbore

    damaged zone, in conjunction with a proper gravel

    packed completion. The process is applicable to

    intervals comprised of mulliple pay zones by using a

    multi-stage water frac technique. The ent]re process

    of

    creating

    and packing the fracture(s) and gravel

    packing is accomplished using a properly defined gel

    free brine,

    The multi-stage water frac process has been applied

    and evaluated in the High Island 384 Field Job

    evaluations herein illustrate the process.

    The

    process has also been applied using uncrosslinkcd

    gelled fluids in this field as well, with the

    evaluations to date indicating the water frac results

    to be superior, Comparisons with larger sized frac

    packs in a similar area also indicate the water fracs

    to be equaJ or superior to the frac packs in well

    performance,

    In the following, the process of a water frac will be

    described, typical field pumping techniques will be

    provided and field applications and results wrll b

    presented.

    INTRODUCTION

    B}passing near wellbore damage in relatively high

    permeability formations using a propped hydraulic

    fracture is an increasingly well known and

    commonly applied practice. 23 Wellbore damage is

    g-pically relatively close to the wellbore (ie: three

    times wellbore radius)4 and hence to bypass wellbore

    damage requires only a short fracture (+/- 2 ft).

    More generally, for relatively high permeability

    formations, the fracture does not have to be long to

    opt imize the production rate, as illustrated by Figure

    1, Figure 1 shows that a fracture length of 5-10 ft

    will deliver virtually all that can be produced from

    many high permeability formations,

    The small

    fractures can be created and propped effectively with

    brine, as opposed to more viscous, highly complex

    fluids3s, These type treatments are herein referred to

    as Water Fracs (wF),

    These short conductive

    frac[urcs that bypass damage, coupled with an

    cffcctivc grakcl pack constitute an effective,

    sand

    free,

    high productivity completion. This WF

    process is not to be confused with high rate water

    packs that are pumped below fracture pressure.

    The following describes the water frac process, and

    applications on the HI 379B platform. Also included

    is a brief background and history of the HI 384 area

    leading to the application of the WF process, as well

    as typical treatments and pumping techniques.

    Discussion of results follow and include the

    evaluation of field data via history matching, post

    frac buildup analysis (both initially and over time),

    other observations from the data, results, and

    conclusions,

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    and/or continuing pressure application through the

    treatment.

    THE WATER FRAC PROCESS

    From the preceding, it is clear that short fractures

    can bypass wellbore darnage and provide excellent

    completions in high permeabity formations. As

    stated,

    such short fractures can be created and

    packed with brine, Figure 2 illustrates via field step

    rate test data, the creation and propagation of a

    hydraulic fracture using brine. To create and prop

    the hydraulic fracture requires, as typical of all

    hydraulic fractures,

    a pad fluid to create an

    appropriate fracture followed by a properly designed

    slurry. This proper design of the pad and slurry is

    accomplished with the use of a psuedo 3-D computer

    modelb. An illustration of typical design dimensions

    for a single pay sand is seen in Figure 3.

    Many long intervals consist of numerous pay or sub-

    zones separated by non- pay or shalcy sections. Each

    of these sub-zones will have different properties that

    determine fracturability (ie: stress, toughness,

    permeability, etc.) and thus all will not fracture at

    the same time. The weakest sub-zone will fracture

    first, and as bottom hole treating pressure builds ,

    the pressure level will reach a point where the next

    sub-zone may be fractured, and so on. Thus, if a

    single pad is provided, the majority of it will likely

    be spent on only one sub-zone, and when pressure

    increases stilciently to induce a fracture in the next

    sub-zone, only slurry will be present.

    The new

    fracture not having any available pad left at this

    point, will not propagate significantly with slurry

    only. To accommodate this condition , a pad and

    slurry arc provided for each sub-zone in what is

    defined as a multi-stage water frac (MS-WF).

    The MS-WF is a self diverting system that provides

    a maximum opportunity for frac creation and

    packing of the multiple sub-zones in long intervals

    as illustrated by Figure 4. The first pad creales the

    first frac, slurry enters, tip screenat (TSO) occurs,

    pressure increases, and a frac is created in the next

    sub-zone. The next pad can propagate the second

    frac through TSO, pressure increases again, and the

    diversion process thus continues. The system order

    is not predictable, but that in itself is not a

    requirement to provide the maximum opportunity for

    fracing and packing the multiple sub-zones of a long

    internal. Complete packing of a sub-zone is not

    required before diversion either, The annular gravel

    pack operation to follow can continue to till the

    fractures that are held open by the parlial propping

    APPLICATIONS TO HI 384 FIELD

    Background & History:

    The HI 384 Field is located approximately 125 miles

    south of Sabine Pass, Texas.

    Expiration &

    appraisal drilling was conducted in late 1970s &

    early 1980s, In late 1990, Oryx set the HI 384-A

    platform, a 4-pile gas-only platform.

    In 1992-93, Oryx leased additional blocks based on

    an off-structure oil prospect developed utilizing 3D

    seismic. The HI 379 l was drilled in the summer

    of 1993, discovering 177 of net oil pay in several

    Trim sands ranging in depth from -4500 to -5100

    SS. After finding stacked oil pay sands in two

    appraisal wells, O~x reached platform threshold for

    the oil development in October, 1993 and began

    platform fabrication. Concurrently, OVX discovered

    Basal Nebraskan gas-condensate pay in an adjacent

    block (HI 385) and made plans for a satellite

    platform development. In all, five wells were pre-

    drilled from two surface locations and saved, High

    Island blocks 378,379,384, and 385 were unitized

    with Oryx as 100/0 working interest owner shortly

    therafter.

    In October, 1994, installation began on two new

    platforms in approximately 360 water depth. HI

    379-B is a 24-slot, drilling-capable, 4-pile oil & gas

    platform with full processing and export facilities.

    HI 385-C is a 4-slot, tripod satellite platform with

    minimal processing facilities. Additionally, a 14-

    mile oil export pipeline and several intrtileld

    pipelines were installed. The pre-drilled wells were

    tied back and completed, with first production in

    January, 1995. Continued platform drilling of 15

    additional HI 379-B wells has added to the

    production and reserve base, Platform drilling will

    likely continue throughout the remainder of 1996.

    Additional oil and gas satellite plafforms HI 385-D

    and HI 379-E will be installed in late 1996.

    Oil and condensate production from the HI 384 Field

    peaked in May, 1995 at 12,500 BOPD. Current

    production (June, 1996) is 8,500 BOPD, 42 MMPD,

    and 8,000 BWPD. The two new platforms (HI 379-B

    and HI 385-C) have produced more than 5 MMBO

    and 17 BCF in the first 1-1/2 years.

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    This paper concentrates on the gravel pack

    treatments on the HI 379-B platform wells,

    consisting of 15 completed wells and 32 gravel pack

    jobs to date. Peak oil rates from individual

    completions on HI 379-B platform have ranged from

    400 to 2,800 BOPD.

    GEOLOGY AND RESERVOIR REVIEW OF HI

    384 FIELD

    The High Island 384 Field lies on the northern flank

    of the salt dome underlying the West Flower

    Gardens Bank. Drilling and production performance

    have indicated the presence of complex faulting and

    stratigraphy.

    The field is trapped on a mid-

    Trimosina A paleo structure,

    which was

    subsequently rotated and collapsed by salt

    withdrawal and dome growth to the south of the

    frcld. The primary trapping feature are a series of

    old east west trending faults, which are antithetic

    and parallel to the current salt dome. A series of

    radial faults, related to Iatc salt movement, further

    compartmentalizes the ticld.

    Multiple stages of

    movement

    arc

    evidenced by varing fluid

    characteristics in adjacent fault blocks and the

    presence of breached hydrocarbon contacts in some

    Wells.

    Development drilling continues to find

    hydrocarbon traps further off structure to the north of

    the salt dome.

    The reservoir sands are upper Trimosina A to mid

    Trimosina A in age. A majority of the reserves arc

    associated with the oil prone mid Trim sands. These

    sands were deposited as a series of offset stacked

    slope channels and associated fan facies, which were

    sourced from the north. The channel character of

    the sands adds a stratigraphic component to the

    trapping of the field, and to the complexity of both

    interpretation and development. The upper Trim A

    sands arc distal deltaic and tend to have more lateral

    continuity, but are gas prone and comprise a small

    portion of the field rescmcs

    Most of the development wells have encountered

    stacked multiple pay zones, but with considerable

    variation in sand quality. Pcrmcabilitics range from

    3 millidarcies (fans) to 3 Darcies (channels). Oil

    gravities associated with the mid Trim sands (PL 1-4

    thru PL I-7) are generally in the range of 33-40

    degrees API. Initial resewoir pressures are slightly

    ovcrprcssurcd (0,55 to 0.70 psi/ft).

    Drive

    mechanisms range from strong water drives to

    pressure depiction.

    Primary development drilling is limited to one to two

    WCIISper fault bbck, Large casing programs were

    included to facilitate future re-development through

    sidetracking.

    INITIAL GRAVEL PACK DEVELOPMENTS

    ON HI 379-B PLATFORM

    In reviewing the issues on whether to initiate a frac-

    pack program versus a water frac program, the

    following were reviewed:

    What system would provide the highest PI

    gravel pack and insure sand free production at

    the most optimum cost?

    With this 20-22 WCII development program

    consisting of many single selective and dual

    selective completions, the logistics of having

    stimulation VCSSCIS accessible over a ve~

    uncertain time window between packs, as well

    as the weather unpredictability in the interim

    could add costs and time to the program.

    What was an acceptable skin/ drawdown

    for

    this area in view of the platforms ability to

    process/compress/gas lift combined with the

    drive mechanisms of the reservoir,etc

    Past work with gravel pack completions using 60

    pounds per thousand gallons (pptg) HEC w/ 40-60

    proppant in

    diverter stage(s), in several

    developments including Oryxs deep water Miss

    Canyon area,

    indicated our ability to achieve

    rclati~wly low skins ( +/-10 ) & drawdowns ( 30-70

    psi ), on high rate producers. On HI 379-B it was

    felt the use of stimulation vessels necessary to pump

    the large sand volumes and gel prevalent for frac

    packs would be significantly more expensive

    compared to using more compact platform based

    equipment with Icss horscpower,proppant, and fluid.

    In the literature ,this added cost is estimated at +/-

    $50,000. Completion plans revolved around drilling

    3 WCIIS sequentially then changing over to the

    completion phase for the 3 well package, before

    continuing with additional drilling, This operational

    plan allowed us to initiate a cash flow early in the

    program, thus allowing the project to become self-

    funding very soon after the initial 3 wells were

    complctcd.

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    With this scenario, the pumping equipment, once set

    on the deck for completion operations, was not

    removed till drilling operations were re-initiated,

    thus minimizing the logistical concerns greatly. All

    fluids were premixed into mixing tanks and

    proppant loaded for each job concurrent with other

    ongoing operations (ie: POOH w/ TCP guns,RIH w/

    gp assembly, etc.). This setup minimized any

    potential waiting on weather (WOW) delays from

    high seas etc., as all pertinent materials could be on

    board and the job pumped regardless of the seas. Use

    of stimulation vessels which are very dependent on

    the seas,wind direction, etc. along with the

    completion program complexities between packs,

    would have made pumping work from these vessels

    logistically difficult at best. Now, with several

    dynamically positionable vessels in the GOM, the

    weather limitations may be somewhat less, but at an

    added cost for the user.

    Maximum withdrawal rates of 1500-2000 BFPD

    were planned based on reservoir size, expected

    perms/porosities, etc.

    Well tubulars flowlines,

    manifolds, productionhest vessels, dehys, etc. were

    then designed accordingly, Nodal analysis indicated

    only minimal drawdowns were necessary to produce

    at the required rates. The goal was to have

    completions with skins below 10. Permanent

    downhole gauges were also installed in (2) wells in

    order to optimize these wells deliverabilities, allow

    evaluation of skinQPIs over time, as well as

    ascertaining whether further enhancements could be

    made to the MS-WF process.

    CHANGE TO MS-WF PROCESS

    The initial gravel packing designs in the field used

    an acid-gel diversion process to pack perforations in

    the multiple sub-zones prior to gravel packing the

    annulus with brine. Downhole pressure gauge

    interpretation revealed that fracturing during the

    process was occurring. Further evaluation

    demonstrated that formation fracturing could be

    initiated with brine only, indicating that the MS-WF

    process could provide a self diverting frac packing

    mechanism for packing behind pipe as well as

    providing the gravel pack. Thus, field trials of the

    MS-WF process were undertaken. Initial evaluations

    indicated that skins for the first three MS-WF

    operations averaged S=3 in contrast with the first

    four acid-gel prepack operations showing an average

    skin of S=15.7. Thus, operations were changed to

    the MS-WF for the rest of the field development.

    TYPICAL PROCESS/DESIGN

    Typical MS-WF treatments consisted of a pad

    followed by a slurry for each sub-zone, designed

    using the pseudo 3-D fracture simulator. Each pad

    fluid consisted of a low weight brine (ie: 3 7.

    NH4CL), followed by a moderate volume of 100/.

    HCL & 13 1/2 - 1 1/2?4. mud acid followed by a

    diverter stage containing 1.5-2 ppg proppant in 3V0

    NH4CL. Following the last stage of the MS-WF,

    the gravel pack would continue using completion

    fluid in a proper gravel pack design. All fluids used

    minimum

    amounts of

    mutual

    solvents,iron

    sequestering agents,

    and corrosion inhibitors.

    Friction

    reducers were

    added whenfwhere

    appropriate.

    In the design process, determination of the

    mechanical characteristics of the interval, including

    the estimated stress profile over the interval, were

    guided largely by Iithological indications of the

    gamma log and

    experience from previous

    measurements and applications. In situ stresses for

    the pay sections were estimated by the well known

    Eatons Equation relating stress to Poissons Ratio,

    overburden pressure, reservoir pressure, and tme

    vertical depth. Based on typical core and log data,

    Poissons Ratio of 0.25 was used for sandstone.

    Stresss for dirty sands to shales were stepped up

    from the sandstone stress in 30-50 psi increments to

    provide consemative fracture growth behavior

    indications. Estimates of adjacent stresses with water

    present were often less. Youngs Modulus was based

    on other typical core data and usually taken as

    150,000 psi for sandstone increasing to 200,000-

    300,000 psi for shales, These parameters were

    increased somewhat for increasing depth and are

    largely estimates, but they have proven to be

    adequate for this type of job design.

    RESULTS:

    EVALUATION OF FIELD DATA

    Table 1 is a compilation of the data showing job

    volumes and well performances. These data will be

    referenced in subsequent analysis.

    Data from a reasonably typical well is evaluated here

    to illustrate stage definition and the MS-WF prcxess

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    of field data analysis and results Figure 5 illustrates

    the log section of well 4-D. In the upper sand, two

    possible sub-zones are indicated and thus two stages

    would typically be defined. In this case, a third pad

    was specifkd and prop ramping using completion

    fluid was used to end the job.

    Figure 6 shows fracture creation and propagation via

    the step rate test (SRT) using a 3 % NH4CL brine.

    Pre frac well data was used to estimate in-situ stress

    and fluid leakoff. The Pseudo 3-D model was used to

    attempt to history match the observed job net

    pressure assuming, firm a single fracture. The

    results indicated by Figure 7 show a pr match. The

    model for a single frac would have net pressure

    continuing to rise with time after a TSO. The field

    data obviously does not agree with this hypothesis of

    a single fracture (Fig 7), thus a single fracture does

    not seem likely.

    Examination of the data shown as Figure 8 indicates

    evidence of multi-stage behavior as postulated for

    the MS-WF fracture. Figure 9 supports this by

    evaluating the slopes in the net pressure. Pre frac

    data was thus re-evaluated to obtain a new fluid

    loss coefllcient using the premise that a multi-stage

    fracture process was likely. The new fluid loss

    coefllcient was then used to history match the first

    stage into sub-zone one with the results shown as

    figure 10, This is considered a good match, and

    hence supports the hypothesis of multi-stage

    behavior. The resultant fracture cross section is as

    illustrated by Figure 11. In a similar way, stage 2

    into sub-zone 2 results in the history match of Figure

    12.

    The preceding type of result from multiple job

    analysis indicate that single fracture formation is not

    likely in these well intervals,

    The multi-stage

    behavior that seems a more reasonable expectation

    appears to be supported by the field data evaluations.

    OBSERVATIONS / ADDED DEVELOPMENTS

    Several observations and ensuing changes in our

    treatment program have occurred as we moved

    forward with this field development, The majority of

    all the treaments cleaned up quickly with most wells

    flowing to sales within 6-8 hrs tier initiating

    flowback. Of the (32) WFs on line, no failure has

    occurred to date. The use of acids, both HCL and HF

    have been dramatically reduced over time.

    Treatments are now pumped with pad stages

    containing 20-25 gallons.hl (gpf) acid versus past

    jobs containing 75-100 gpf with no adverse effects

    on the resultant completions. Initially all treatments

    were designed with 40-60 us mesh proppant. A

    review of the recent literature in this area along with

    evaluations of sidewall cores indicated that a 30-40

    mesh would likely be Satisfactorys. Besides the

    certain ability to provide competent sand control, the

    three- fold gain in proppant permeability by using

    the 30-40 vs the 40-60 presumably has enhanced the

    gravel packed completion as well. This enhancement

    is discussed by other authors work in the literature

    as well. glo. This change was made early in the

    program as mentioned previously, and all wells have

    produced sand free with no evidence of productivity

    impairment to date. Several of these wells are

    currently flowing with water cuts above 60% at rates

    in excess of 500-800 BWPD ( for over 12 months ),

    and 2000 BTFPD without any sand problems. As

    many factors were changing simultaneously, the

    effkct of this change was impossible to quantifi, but

    the well performance seemed satisfactory and the

    change is

    in the direction of improved well

    productivity.

    A rather simplistic association between log quality

    and leakoff coeftlcient was obtained from the data

    and is detailed in Table 2. The program values

    listed on the table were those generated by the

    pseudo 3-D model and seemed to under-estimate the

    fluid loss values, The values listed under design

    heading were based on experience and used for

    actual modelling in order to attempt to be more

    realist ic, The post job evaluation values were then

    inferred by the history matching process described

    above. These post job figures were then analysed in

    an effort to arrive at some values that could be used

    as a general field guideline for future job designs (ie:

    Figure 13), This would then allow us to minimize

    our time spent pumping minifracs,etc. This

    technique may be applicable in other fields in

    helping with initial fluid loss designs before arrival

    on-site and can be of assistance in further analysis

    for fluid leakoff during field development.

    Some evidence of a lack of sub-zone containment

    was obsetved by the relative behavior of adjacent

    sub-zones in several wells. If a first, usually lower

    interval took much larger volumes of proppant than

    expected and a subsequent adjacent upper sub-zone

    or zone took less proppant than expected, this was

    considered possible evidence that the first frac had

    communicated with the second sub-zone or zone.

    Such data is summarized in Table 3. From Table 3,

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    it is indicated that pay separation in excess of 10-15

    feet is required for frac containment in some of these

    wells, Not all of these wells show evidence of

    fracture communication behavior hence this

    phenomenon could be in part due to fracturing

    through non-pay, poor cement bond, andJor other

    factors, Additional analysis/study in this area is

    needed to help quantifi frac containment behavior.

    Packing efficiency is also indicated by the amount of

    proppant behind pipe. Data from Table 1 through

    Well B-15 Sel, indicate that the first four jobs placed

    (using 65 pptg HEC gel and the acid prepack

    process) 136 lb/ft proppant average. The 23 jobs

    using brine therafter , placed an average of 180 lb/ft

    of proppant.

    This indicated the water to be as

    effective a earner as the gel under the specifically

    designed conditions in which it was used. If the

    wells discussed above that may have communicated

    (resulting in lower than expected volumes behind

    pipe ) are removed, then the average for the brine

    prcpack operations is over 200 lb/ft.

    The data

    indicate that the gel was possibly worse than the

    brine in prepack operations using similar rates and

    volumes.

    WELL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

    Two oil wells ( B-2 and B-8) have permanent

    bottom hole pressure gauges installed that

    continuously read and record downhole pressure and

    temperature. Pressure transient data was collected in

    six additional oil wells ( B-1, B-lD, B-4, B-4D,

    B-5 and B-5D) with wireline bottomhole pressure

    gauges. Buildups were run during the first month of

    production to determine initial permeability and skin

    for these eight completions. Four of these were gel

    packs and four were MS-WF packs. Results from

    the buildups are included in Table 1.

    The average calculated initial skin factor for these

    eight completions was 9.9. The oil productivity

    index (J) averaged 9.8 BOPD/PSI. In fields with

    varying perm and net pay interspersed through-out

    the interval, the use of a normalized J, as discussed

    in SPE 27361, is an acceptable practice to fairly

    compare completion efficiencies 2, Multiplying by

    10,000/(lc*h), the normalized J for all (8) Oryx

    completions averaged

    8.8. Given similar oil

    properties and initial reservoir conditions, it is

    considered acceptable to compare the completions

    using the normalized J as descibed above. Based on

    these average results, the completion etliciencies we

    designed for have been achieved.

    Going from the gelled fluids to water in the gravel

    pack jobs has resulted in significantly improved

    completion efficiencies. The average skin dropped

    from 15.7 to 4.0 and the normalized J increased from

    2,9 to 16,2 (see Table 1).

    Subsequent buildups in the two wells with

    permanent gauges indicate that skins have not

    changed. Performance of well B-2 indicates a

    moderate-to-strong water drive mechanism. The

    producing GOR has remained flat at 500-600

    SCF/STB, although there has been a moderate

    decrease in average reservoir pressure. This well

    produced 600 MBO prior to water breakthrough,

    Subsequent buildups indicate the skin remained

    constant at 15 to 16 for this gelled water frac

    completion, To date, well B-2 has produced 940

    MBO, 440 MMCF and 270 MBW.

    Performance of well B-8 indicates a depletion drive

    mechanism and a much smaller reservoir than well

    B-2. The producing GOR began increasing very

    early, as the average reservoir pressure dropped

    rapidly. Results from several early buildups indicate

    the skin factor constant at 7 to 8,. To date, this

    completion has produced 200 MBO, 390 MMCF and

    no water.

    OTHER WELL COMPARISONS IN NEARBY

    FIELDS: FRAC PACKS VS HI 379-B WATER

    PACKS

    Using the data contained in SPE 27361, detailing the

    normalized J obtained for frac packing in Vermilion

    331, a comparison to Oryxs HI 384 field was made.

    Figure 14 shows the HI 379-B MS-WFS ( with &

    without gel) vs the frac packs at Vermilion 3312. The

    figure shows the normalized Js for the HI 379-B

    treatments to be better than those of the frac packed

    wells, Both the gelled WFs and the non-gelled WFs

    showed improved performance over the frac packs.

    As the fluid properties, reservoir pressures,etc. are

    somewhat comparable to Vermilion 331, yet not

    identical , some caution in this comparison should be

    used.

    More analysis fstudy of MS-WPS and frac packs in

    similar areas is recommended to help quantifi the

    most optimum treatment for a given area/ ield.

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    CONCLUSIONS

    1, Hydraulic fractures can be created and propagated

    in high permeability formations using brine.

    2, The Multi-S(aged Water Fracs (MS-WF) pumped

    at HI 379-B provided evidence of self diverting

    fracture behavior on wells with intervals comprised

    of multiple sub-zones or pay sections.

    3. These Muhi-Stage Water Fracs showed lower

    average skins (S=4.0) than the MS-WFS pumped

    with 65 pptg HEC gels (S=15.7 ),

    4, Fracture containment for some wells in this field

    appears to be in excess of 10-15 of the non-pay

    interval.

    5, Using the MS-WF technique, the efficiency of

    prop placcmcnt behind pipe with brine is greater

    than or equal to that of gels with similar rates and

    volumes.

    6, Skins on the two wells with permanent downhole

    gauges have not appreciably changed with time.

    7, A PI comparison with Frac Packs in a nearby area,

    indicate the Multi-Stage Water Fracs at HI 379-B

    have better performance based on a normalized J

    comparison.

    8. Lhili=tion of the MS-W techniques using

    platform-based equipment has resulted in significant

    reductions in cost and delay time from those

    expcctcd

    with frac pack treatments where

    stimulation boats are typically employed for the

    larger volume, higher rate jobs.

    9, The volume of sand placed behind pipe does not

    appear to be directly correlated to completion

    eftlcicncy.

    10. More work on long term comparisons between

    MS-WFS and Frac Packs in reference to

    skin, PIs,etc would greatly benefit the industry.

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

    The authors wish to thank the management of Oryx

    Energy Company and Baker Hughes Intcq for their

    support and permission to publish this paper. Also

    special thanks to Glen Fritchie & Frank Patterson,

    who as past members of Oryxs HI team, have also

    contributed greatly to the projects overall success.

    REFERENCES

    1. Ayoub, J. et al. : Hydraulic Fracturing of Soft

    Formations in the Gulf Coast, SPE 23805 presented

    at the 1992 Formation Damage Control Symposium,

    Lafayette, LA, Fcb, 26-27

    2. Mullen, M, et, al. : Productivity Comparison of

    Sand Control Techniques Used for Completions in

    Vermilion 331 Field, SPE 27361 presented at the

    1994 SPE Formation Damage Control Symposium,

    Lafayette, La., Feb, 9-10

    3, Patel, Y. et. al. : High-rate Pre-Packing Using

    Non-Viscous Carner Fluid Results in Higher

    Production Rates in South Pass Block61 Field, SPE

    28531, presented at the 1994 SPE Annual Technical

    Conference and Exibition, New Orleans, La., Sept.

    25-28

    4. Morales, R.H. et al,:

  • 7/25/2019 Water Frac Application

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    European Formation Damage Conference, The

    Hague, The Netherlands,May 15-16

    9. Hannah, R.R et al,: A Field Study of a

    Fracturing/Gravel Packing Completion Technique

    on the Amberjack, Mississippi Canyon 109 Field,

    SPE 26562 presentd at the 1993 SPE Annual

    Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston,Tx.,

    October 3-6

    10. Leone, J.A. et al,: Gravel Sizing Criteria for

    Sand control and Productivity (lptimizatio~ SPE

    20029 presented at the 60th California Regional

    Meeting, Ventur&Ca., April 4-6

    426

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    TABLE

    1: Field Well Treatment and Data

    Review

    Chart

    Well

    Hp Hole

    Frac Pmp

    Diverter type

    10/. hcl MA Sand

    Main Pack

    Sand S PI k kh

    Nrmld J

    Angle Grad Rate

    & Cone

    (mf) (I@)

    Size

    Cone

    ( /ft )

    (red) (md-ft)

    @jkh)*lOM

    B-1

    B-lD

    B-2

    B-3

    B-3 Sel

    B-4

    B-4 Sel

    B-4D

    B-5

    B-SD

    B-6

    B4 Sel

    B-7

    B-7 Sel

    &

    w

    B-8

    B-8 Sel

    B-9

    B-9 Sel

    B-n

    B-llD

    B-5Z

    B-13

    B-13 SEL

    B-13D

    B-12

    B-12S

    B-14

    B- 14Se1

    B-10

    B-1OD

    B-15

    B-15Se1

    22

    40

    76

    40

    55

    20

    60

    32

    28

    40

    130

    84

    56

    28

    88

    98

    30

    115

    34

    46

    50

    26

    39

    32

    43

    84

    76

    93

    43

    50

    46

    39

    0

    0

    29

    68

    68

    8

    8

    8

    48

    48

    57

    57

    46

    46

    46

    46

    64

    66

    40

    40

    48.8

    36

    34

    27.5

    43.6

    44.4

    43.5

    44

    38.7

    39

    42.1

    42.8

    0.72

    0.72

    0.60

    0.65

    0.65

    0.74

    0.77

    0.77

    0.75

    0.86

    0.85

    0.85

    0.63

    0.75

    0.68

    0.61

    0.64

    0.64

    0.75

    0.72

    0.75

    0.69

    0.82

    0.59

    0.72

    0.66

    8

    8

    12

    9

    8

    8

    10

    9

    9

    9

    10

    9

    10

    8

    11

    10

    9

    7.5

    10

    10

    11

    9

    9

    9

    9

    9

    9

    9

    8

    4.5

    9

    9

    65 pptg gelf2 ppa

    65 pptg gel12 ppa

    65 pptg gel /2 ppa

    65 pptg gel /2 ppa

    65 pptg gelJ2 ppa

    65 pptg gel/2 ppa

    65 pptg gel12 ppa

    Wtrl 2ppa

    wtr/1.5 ppa

    wtr/1.5 ppa

    65 pptg gel /2 ppa

    Wtrl 2 ppa

    wtr/1.5 ppa

    wtr/1.5 ppa

    wtr/1.5 ppa

    wtr/1.5 ppa

    wtr/1.5 ppa

    wtr/1.5 ppa

    wtr/1.5 ppg

    wtr/1.5 ppg

    wtr/1.5 ppg

    wtr/1.5 ppg

    wtr/1.5 ppg

    wtr/1.5 ppg

    wtr/1.5 ppg

    wtr/1.5 ppg

    wtr/1.5 ppg

    wtr/1.5 ppg

    wtr/1.5 ppg

    wtr/1.5 ppg

    wtr/1.5 ppg

    wtr/1.5 ppg

    45

    50

    53

    75

    73

    100

    50

    100

    71

    75

    30

    48

    36

    68

    45

    31

    50

    26

    66

    54

    36

    32

    29

    26

    52

    27

    26

    43

    19

    24

    27

    38

    91 40-60 12.0 ppg CaBr/2 ppa

    100 40-60 12.0 ppg CaBr/2 ppa

    53 40-60 12.6 ppg CaBr/2 ppa

    75 4040 12.6 ppg CaBr/2 ppa

    73 4040

    12.6 ppg CaBr/2 ppa

    100 40-60

    12.3 ppg CaBr/2 ppa

    50 40-60 12.3 ppg CaBr/2 ppa

    100 40+0 12.3 ppg CaBr/ 2,4,6 ppa

    71 40-60

    3% NH4CL/2 ppa

    75 20-40 3% NH4CL/2 p~

    30 40-60

    13.9 ppg CaBr/2 ppa

    48 40-60 13.9 ppg CaBr/2 ppa

    36 3040 11 ppg CaBr/2 ppa

    68 30-40

    11ppg CaBr/2 ppa

    45 20-40 13.6 ppg CaBr/2 ppa

    31 20-40 13.6 ppg CaBr/2 ppa

    50 30-40 13.4 ppg CaBr/2 ppa

    26 3040

    13.5 ppg CaBr/2 ppa

    66 30-40 12.2 ppg CaBr/ 1.5 ppa

    54 30-40 11,9 ppg CaBr/ 1.5 ppa

    36 3040 11,9 ppg CaBr/ 1.5ppa

    32 30-40 10.6 ppg CaC1/ 1.5ppa

    29 30-40 10.6 ppg CaC1/ 1.5ppa

    26 30-40 11,7 ppg CaBr/ 1,5 ppa

    52 30-40 11.6 ppg CaBr/ 1,5 ppa

    27 30-40 11,6 ppg CaBr/ 1.5 ppa

    26 3040 11.9 ppg CaBr/1.5 ppa

    43 30+0 11.9 ppg CaBr/1.5 ppa

    19 30-40 12.6 ppg CaBr/1.5 ppa

    24 30-40 10.5 ppg CaC1/1.5 ppa

    27 30-40 12,2 ppg CaBr/ 1,5 ppa

    38 30-40 12.3 ppg CaBr/ 1,5 ppa

    165 16 11.1

    255 7 3.2

    39 15 28.8

    118

    96

    200 25 5.5

    130

    230 3 9.6

    250 5 2.0

    30 1 3.3

    85

    45

    240

    20

    83

    7 12.4

    101

    157

    25

    160

    46

    172

    763

    20

    430

    42

    74

    265

    57

    234

    11

    648

    33

    1312 39345

    156 7820

    1098 111996

    1206 25335

    349 17460

    18 495

    57 2459

    430 20222

    2.8

    4.1

    2.6

    2.2

    5.5

    39.6

    13.5

    6.1

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    TABLE 2: Log

    Quality vs Fluid Leak-off Coefllcient

    WELL

    BIIL

    B4D

    Bll

    B5Z

    B12L

    B8L

    15L

    15D

    14D

    10

    SAND

    Pb5B

    PL1-5A

    PLI-5A

    PL1-5A

    PL1-5A

    PL1-6

    PL15AL

    PL1-5A Upr

    PL1-4M3

    PLI-7B

    LOG

    QUALITY

    4

    8

    8

    7

    5

    6

    4

    9

    6

    1

    PROG CT DESIGN CT

    (tT/MmJ.)

    (FVMIN.n)

    .024

    .06

    .005 .035

    .026 .06

    .03 .06-.16

    .022

    ,06

    .09

    POST

    EVAL

    .035

    .100

    .1O-.I6

    .13

    .06

    .06

    .026

    .46

    .04

    .0125

    TABLE 3:

    Comparison of Upper & Lower Zone Water Packs wf Suspect Communication

    WELLS

    B-13,135

    B-ll,l ID

    B.7,7S

    B-6,6S

    B-5,5D

    B-14,14D

    LOWER INTERVAL

    L13+TTPROP:

    763

    160

    240

    85

    250

    264

    UPPER INTERVAL

    LB/IT PROP

    20

    46

    20

    45

    30

    54

    INTERVAL

    SEPARATION

    30

    10-15

    10

    10

    10-12

    25

    Eff. .tOf Pract. r. L.n Bthnn W.ll?. rl. rm . . . . lor Hlnh. P.rm. .bllbty F orm. ti. n

    190

    ma orm

    .tl. .

    3 AFIO II

    E

    C,, .4.

    HOI. Gr, v,l P,00 1000 1500 2000 2S00 1000 ISDO 4000 ,S00 $000

    Pr. d.ctl*m*t. (m O PO)

    Fig.

    1- Well production in high permeability formations does not require long fractures

    428

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    .

    um.

    i?

    aeaa.

    a6-.

    ii44a4D.

    : a.a6

    F.

    :3766.51

    I

    m

    639

    w

    ,/,

    L.-A

    r

    C9a .

    00 -

    /

    9a

    /

    00

    /

    /-

    m

    )

    m

    Fig. 2- Field

    evidence illustrates hydraulic fracture creation using brine

    lDamaged ~.

    1

    = Gravel Pack

    Screen

    ~\

    Fracture

    Fig. 3-

    Typical geometry for a Water Frac (WF) bypassing well damage

    Gam ma Ray

    Fig. 4- Self diverting process of the Multi-Stage Water Frac (MS-WF) in the multiple sub-zones of a

    completion interval

    429

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    gamma my

    b

    .

    r

    4

    I

    I

    I

    5100

    5200

    5300

    5400

    5500

    damn induction

    Fig. 5- Measured depth log section of example Well 4 D showing two sub-zones within the interval

    24mm

    3e0c.000

    24mom

    3200000

    3amm

    2800920

    Zecmm

    -4mn

    -Z.om O.mca 2,cmo 4SC0 em mm ~oOw t2 000 14000 low

    * Rat. ( BPMI

    Fig. 6-

    Step

    Rate

    Test for interval

    in Well

    4 D indicating minimum fracture propagation pressure of

    approximately 3160 psi.

    430

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    N--h Plei - OKYX 1410H 51AMD A- f7Q WfU S 4 D AU INTD OK FRAC

    I

    I

    I

    ~

    1

    n.

    ;g

    ---_

    -

    t-

    -

    i :

    s

    z

    ii

    iii:

    W 20

    m 200

    Pump Tim* (rein)

    Dulal CawMNll?.TXr

    Fig. 7-Attempted history match of Well 4 D data assuming single frac illustrating poor results.

    locdm

    bmow

    mm

    2

    h

    aonm

    mooo

    ODOOO

    -Zoo Doo

    1

    I

    1

    1

    T

    1

    T

    ,

    .

    1

    1

    I

    1

    1 1

    1 1

    143S,COD 144DWD lU5~ 14S3000 14S5000 1~.000 1465000 4470000 147SCGtI 1460000 14.95CO0

    Ckck Tkm MhwtDs)

    Fig 8-Net pressure for Well 4-D indicating Stage ArnvaUTSO indications for three stages as 1452/14S4,

    1461/1463, and 1475/1476+ minutes.

    431

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    u

    Net Pressure (psi)

    200

    100 2 2000

    _

    -

    aad

    I

    I

    L...

    NET PRESSURE P-PC

    (PO

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    R

    [ HIGH lSL/

    ] Os+re, , psi) 3

    T

    :

    L..

    L

    L

    .

    ) A-

    TvD

    379

    WELL B 4 D 1 ST STAGE INTO ZONE

    A l S ,hut -t n

    All Froc Hdight is Fluid Loss Height Layer 1

    4870

    4880

    4890

    I

    )

    L

    I

    ,,., ,

    10

    20

    Froclure Penelral on 11

    ON

    1

    Fig.

    11- Resultant cross

    section

    of stage 1

    into sukone 1

    NcJle-Smith Plot ORYK HIGH ISLAND A-379 WELL B 4 D 2 ND STAGE INTO ZONE 2

    I

    I

    I

    I

    I i

    I

    I

    0

    a

    I

    1

    z

    10

    20

    Pump Time (rein)

    Ooto 0B4FKNT3 TxT

    Fig.

    12 History match for Well 4 D indicating stage 2 into sub-zone 2

    433

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    L*akoff Co@ fflclcnlva, Log Quality

    9.s

    0.4s

    8.4

    9,3s

    0,3

    B.ls

    a.2

    O.ts

    0.3

    8, s

    e

    Fig. 13 Plot of Log Quality vs C t hkdfCoef)

    z

    40

    35

    30

    25

    I

    0

    b=

    v

    FRAcWcxs

    I-f20

    RAas

    Xmflwww

    20000 4ooal mom smoo

    120000

    ~WATION KH

    (md-ft)

    Figure 14: Plot of Offset Data from

    Vermilion 331 Frac Pack Wells vs HI 379-B Gel

    and Water packs