Field/Laboratory/Field Cycle Optimizes Fracture Placement, Well Performance

Abstract

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 204189, “8,070 Miles From the Field to the Laboratory and Back: A Pragmatic Sequencing of Laboratory- and Field-Based Fluid Testing and Quality Assurance/Quality Control—A Case History From Sichuan Region, China,” by A. Casero, SPE, A. Gomaa, and J. Ronderos, SPE, Titan Global Oil Services, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. This paper illustrates comprehensive laboratory efforts undertaken to evaluate different high-viscosity friction reducers (HVFRs) and crosslinked gel products, their successful field application supported by a robust and effective field quality-assurance/quality-control (QA/QC) process, and the critical importance of maintaining an effective field/laboratory/field cycle to optimize fluid design and maximize results. A successful execution of several treatments in a challenging shale play in the Sichuan region of China achieved record proppant placements and, just as importantly, demonstrated repeatability and consistency over time, which had not previously been attained. Geological Setting The Sichuan Basin in southern China is a very active unconventional play targeting the Longmaxi Shale, a high-pressure/high-temperature shallow-to-deep marine shale deposited on top of the Baota limestone during the Late Ordovician and Early Silurian ages. The highly complex subsurface geomechanical environment is considered the main root cause of widespread casing deformation and associated challenges facing hydraulic fracturing.