Flexible, Real-Time Tip-Screenout Fracturing Techniques as Applied in California and Alaska

摘要

This paper discusses the application of two variations on a flexible tip screenout (TSO) technique that allows for realtime changes of fracture treatments to compensate for uncertainty in fluid leakoff and fracture geometry. The basic premise for each technique is the same; that is, change frac job size as necessary during the job to attain a TSO using realtime data. The techniques differ, however, because of physical system constraints, which result in different types ofrndata being available to make real-time decisions. In the West Sak Field of Alaska, real-time bottom-hole pressure is available for decision making purposes (a best-case scenario).rnIn the East Wilmington Field of California, real-time bottomhole pressure is not available; thus, the flexible TSO technique is implemented differently to yield the best possible flexibilityrnunder these less-than-optimal data conditions.