Have We Forgotten Oil is Not Inert? Guidelines for Enhancing Stimulation Success.

摘要

Data bases, computer modeling and lower job costs have becomethe focus of stimulation treatment design. This focus hasdirected the attention away from well specific fluid testing andformulations. Fluids and additives for non proppant applicationsare often assumed to have equal performance and are comparedonly for cost. The value of fracturing fluids is often based onrheological properties and viewed only as a means to transportproppant. This line of thinking ignores potentially seriouscompatibility consequences in oil reservoirs.Oil is not inert. The compatibility of treating fluids canenhance or impede production. Cold fluids can precipitatedamaging high melting point paraffin. Acid treatments withoutadequate iron control, surfactants and/or aromatic solvents willsludge some crudes. Diesel has been shown to precipitateasphaltenes in some circumstances. This paper discusses testingand evaluation methods beyond conventional emulsion testingfor cost-effective performance enhancement. Guidelines fortesting, evaluating and enhancing stimulation treatments arepresented with case histories.