Conventional methods for boosting the flow of hydrocarbons in carbonate formations can have challenges when it comes to diverting fluid into target zones. In wells with multiple clusters or perforation intervals, for example, it often is challenging to divert the stimulation fluid from one zone to another because the fluid naturally enters zones with the lowest rock stress or highest permeability.

Isolation techniques that use diversion material to block perforation entrance holes often do not align perfectly with the perforation and therefore do not provide reliable diversion. In a move that represents the industry’s most significant step change in diversion technology in several years, Schlumberger engineers have developed a technique that more reliably diverts stimulation fluids into target zones, improving both reservoir contact and well productivity. The OpenPath Sequence diversion stimulation service built on the success of previous fluid diversion systems, has been effectively implemented in carbonate fields in the Middle East and the Permian Basin. The service has significantly improved stimulation results and increased productivity.

An industry article in Hart Energy's E&P, "Sequenced Stimulation Diversion Service Boosts Well Productivity," highlights the OpenPath Sequence diversion stimulation service which is the first in the industry to use degradable fibers to suspend multimodal particles, a combination that enables the sequential stimulation of zones and intervals to maximize near-wellbore coverage. The article includes case studies from the Middle East and North America. Read the full article here. Learn more about other innovative technologies in the Schlumberger library of industry articles.