Well with poor zonal isolation presented unique stimulation challenges

In the Anadarko basin’s Cottage Grove Formation, Apache Corporation usually completes wells with horizontal laterals and the plug-and-perf technique. However, in one well, unforeseen operational issues resulted in an uncemented 3,300-ft [1,006-m] lateral. Because BroadBand Sequence fracturing service can enhance lateral coverage in any completion type, including cemented and open hole, Schlumberger proposed using it to improve the distribution of effective fractures over the entire length of the lateral.

Sequenced fracturing maximized effective stimulated volume, minimized completion time

The well was successfully stimulated with BroadBand Sequence fracturing service using 20 fracturing stages and 12 composite pills. The service optimized the number of fractures along the wellbore by sequentially isolating and stimulating each zone. Using a temporary, dissolvable composite pill, the BroadBand Sequence service reduced the number of plug-and-perf intervals—along with the respective bridge plugs and wireline runs.

Apache enhanced production and operational efficiency

Overall, Apache reduced the number of planned perforated intervals from 20 to 10, avoided half  the wireline runs, and eliminated the need for 10 bridge plugs. Enhanced efficiency helped reduce completion time from 72 hours to just 52 hours.

Flow Scanner horizontal and deviated well production logging system confirmed that all 10 intervals were contributing to well production—despite the lack of zonal isolation. After 100 days in production, the well stimulated with BroadBand Sequence fracturing service yielded 104% and 58% higher normalized cumulative oil production than the nearby offset wells, which were completed conventionally.