Upgrading Multistage Fracturing Strategies Drives Double Success after Success in the Unusual Saudi Gas Reserves

摘要

Open hole multistage fracturing (MSF) technologies have been deployed in Saudi Arabia's tight gas fields in both carbonate and sandstone formations with the objective of maximizing reservoir contact by inducing independent multiple fractures and increasing matrix contribution. Full achievement of this objective has not been straightforward or quick. While good well productivity was seen from the early wells completed with MSF technologies, several technical issues had to be investigated and resolved when the technology was initially introduced. These issues included mechanical and differential sticking during the deployment phase as well as failure to attain a clear fracture signature for the subsequent stages after fracturing the first stage in carbonate formations due to potential hydraulic communication between the fracture stages.