Application of Damage Removal Treatment Results in Multi-Fold Well Productivity Improvement: A Case Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Damage to proppant pack and formation permeability can drastically decrease well production. In many cases the damage is due to inconsistent degradation of gelled stimulation fluids and residual filter cake on the formation face. Several methods have been employed with limited success to remove polymeric damage in an effort to increase well productivity. A new technique utilizing polymer specific enzymes has been developed to facilitate removal of polymeric damage. The new, environmentally safe, remedial treatment can be applied over a wide pH range and at temperatures as high as 300°F. Laboratory analysis has shown that multi-fold permeability improvements can be achieved through polymeric damage removal with the new system. A case study of several low productivity wells suffering from polymeric damage was conducted. Production histories and return flow analysis were evaluated to characterize the damage and guide the remedial treatment design. The case histories of several wells treated with the remedial polymeric damage removal treatment demonstrate multi-fold improvements in well productivity.