Adaptation of Successful Tight-oil Stimulation Technique in Unconventional Resource Play in Western Siberia

摘要

Application of horizontal multiple-stage fracturing is becoming the standard completion technique for oil and gas developments both in shale and tight sands.This technology has proven to be a game-changer within the US oil and gas industry to the point of creating an oversupply of gas in the US.Predictions indicate that the supply of oil related to this technology could allow the US to become self-sufficient within the decade.Globally,shale and tight-sand exploration activities are also increasing.This concept was successfully suited for and applied within a Russian tight-oil play in the Em-Egovskoe license area in western Siberia. This paper provides the case history of how a horizontal multiple-fracturing completion methodology helped unlock the potential reserves in the western Siberian Em-Egovskoe tight oil field.This very heterogeneous and lenticular sand oil play was known for years for its complexity and arduous nature.The completion technique employed a proven North America multiple-stage fracturing technique using a combination of swellable packers and sliding-sleeve frac ports.The fracturing design for the Em-Egovskoe field is discussed.This design is an adaptation of an alternating hybrid fluid system composed of proppant slugs during the pad stage and a high-concentration proppant ramp in the main frac stage. The well is currently flowing at commercial rates synonymous with early production in a typical North American oil shale well.The various monitoring techniques for measuring fracturing efficiency are also discussed.A production curve fit analysis using early production data allowed the operator to evaluate how the project was being commercially realized. Results and recommendations are presented.