Method to improve well performance in gravel packed wells

摘要

A method to improve well performance in gravel packed wells. In this method a wellbore is perforated with four to twelve shots per foot. Thereafter, hydraulic fracturing is conducted in the formation via a viscous fracturing fluid, having a 20/40 mesh proppant therein, which creates and props a fracture. Hydraulic fracturing is ceased and a gravel pack is placed in the wellbore. The gravel pack contains gravel of a mesh smaller than the fracturing fluid proppant, e.g. 40/60 mesh. The larger mesh proppant in the fracture forms a screen which prevents entry of most fines or sand into the fracture while the smaller mesh proppant removes fines or sand escaping the fracture screen. Therefore, this combination removes substantially all fines or sand from hydrocarbonaceous fluids produced to the surface.