Published: 01/01/2007
Published: 01/01/2007
Shallow gas wells in southeastern Alberta are usually completed in four zones, ranging from 820 ft to 1,480 ft in depth. The formations comprise layered, silty sands that fracture easily. Historically, operators in this area have used various fracturing techniques, including
In addition, wells are typically stimulated in groups to take advantage of volume pricing and to make the most efficient use of fracturing equipment. Stimulation has generally been done during the winter because summer access is restricted to 10- to 14-day windows of operations. Fracturing treatments during the summer must be done as quickly as possible for both environmental and economical reasons.
The operator determined that the zones in the southeastern Alberta wells should be fractured individually at reduced pump rates for adequate stimulation and optimum production from each of the reservoirs perforated. The objective was to find a more cost-effective method for shallow gas fracturing on the wells: more fracturing in less time with better economic results.
The reduced injection rates, coupled with the short time frame considerations, have facilitated the use of CT-conveyed fracturing treatments for segregated multizone stimulations. Now, the entire well is preperforated with select fire perforating guns, which results in significantly fewer runs into the well. Next, the coiled tubing and fracturing equipment is mobilized. A straddle tool is then deployed on CT to straddle each zone separately. When the zone is straddled, the fracture stimulation treatment is pumped down the CT and into the zone of interest. Once all the zones are completed, the entire well is flowed back and put on production.
No composite plugs are left in the well to mill, and no bridge plugs are left to retrieve. The operation has become so efficient that a single CT/fracturing crew often completes 2 wells in 1 day.
The same technique can be used to recomplete wells by fracture stimulating bypassed zones. The bypassed interval is perforated, straddled with the CT, and fracture stimulated down the CT. The bypassed zone is now effectively fracture stimulated without affecting the other zones of interest that were already completed.
The following operational and economical advantages were realized using CoilFRAC stimulation through CT
CoilFRAC technology is part of the intervention category of the Contact four-category portfolio of staged fracturing and completion services. These technologies maximize reservoir contact by offering the most efficient and effective services for each well. The Contact intervention category enables multiple stages to be perforated/jetted, fractured, and isolated in one intervention. Contact services can be enhanced with real-time measurement options.
CoilFRAC stimulation through CT reduced operational logistics, set-up costs, travel time, and equipment.
Challenge: Individually fracture and adequately stimulate multiple zones in shallow gas wells in southeastern Alberta.
Solution: CoilFRAC stimulation service to fracture multiple zones individually via coiled tubing (CT) in one run in hole, with isolation provided by a straddle packer.
Results: Reduced completion time from 16 to 4 days on average. Reduced setup costs, trips into the well, and equipment requirements. Cut well flowback times by half.
