Prediction of Multistage Fracturing Performance in Horizontal Heavy Oil Carbonate Reservoir

Abstract

Abstract Horizontal oil and gas wells with low permeability might not be economic without multistage fracturing. Nevertheless, heavy oil horizontal wells instigate the additional problems of low mobility and low oil gravity. In these heavy oil prospects, multistage fracturing can increase the reservoir contact tremendously but the viscous nature of oil flowing within the matrix and through fractures may pose a challenge to the economical success of the fracturing treatments. The objective of this paper is to study multistage fracturing performance in heavy oil horizontal wells across carbonate reservoirs. A sector model was extracted from a full field reservoir model and was then equipped with Local Grid Refinement (LGR) mesh to accurately predict the performance of multiple transverse fractures. The model was used to study the effect of several design parameters on the performance of the horizontal well. Special consideration was given to PVT data. The output of the refined simulation sector LGR model was compared with available analytical and numerical models for multistage fracturing performance predication. Finally, the resulting optimal fracturing strategy was evaluated using the full field simulation model. This work presents an analysis and history match of actual multistage acid fracturing treatment in heavy oil field. Results of the model were important for the heavy oil field development and well placement and completion strategies.