Successful Implementation of Horizontal Multistage Fracturing to Enhance Gas Production in Heterogeneous and Tight Gas Condensate Reservoirs: Case Studies

摘要

The heterogeneity and tightness of retrograde carbonate reservoirs are the main challenges to maintaining gas well productivities. The degree of heterogeneity changes over the field and within well drainage areas, where permeability can decrease from a few millidarcies (md) to less than 0.2 md. Thorough studies conducted to exploit these tight reservoirs not only have focused on well performance, but also have been extended to assure enhancing and sustaining gas productivity through practical applications of new technologies. The main objective of this article is to assess the performance of multistage fracturing (MSF) in horizontal wells that were drilled conventionally and did not meet gas deliverability expectations. This article provides a detailed analysis of well performances, exploitation approaches and successful implementation of new completion technologies, such as horizontal MSF, to revive low producing gas wells due to reservoir tightness. Placing the horizontal wellbore in reference to the stress directions plays a major role in the success and effectiveness of fracturing in enhancing and sustaining productivity.