Southeast Lost Hills Hydraulic Fracturing Stimulation of the McDonald Shale Zone: Case History

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper is a case history of the hydraulic fracturing stimulations applied to the McDonald Shale (MS) zone in the Southeast Lost Hills (SELH) Field located in Lost Hills, CA. Approximately 25 wells have been stimulated in this naturally fractured, low permeability (.07 md), thick (+ 200 feet) reservoir since 1982. Hydraulic fracture treatments have been refined to their current design. Approximately 65% of the wells fracture stimulated in this zone have screened out. Several design changes have been implemented which have proven successful in preventing screen outs and resulted in placing designed treatment volumes. These changes include ramping vs stair step proppant schedules, the use of higher viscosity gel pads, and smaller perforation density.