Adnan Al-Kanaan

Success Criteria for Multistage Fracturing of Tight Gas in Saudi Arabia

The purpose of open hole multistage fracturing (MSF) is to improve hydrocarbon production and recovery in moderate to tight reservoirs. To date, 17 open hole MSF systems have been installed in deep gas carbonate and sandstone wells in Saudi Arabia. Of these, 16 installations have been stimulated (acid or proppant fractured) and flowed back 1 . Overall, the production results from the use of open hole multistage systems deployed in the Southern Area gas fields have been very positive with some variation – most of the wells responded positively and are excellent producers (>20 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd)); some showed average results of 8-12 MMscfd; and a few, completed in a tight reservoir, produced at relatively low rates, <3 MMscfd, and did not carry enough wellhead pressure to be connected to the production grid. This article explores the factors that impact the success of open hole multistage completion systems. Some important factors include the type of open hole multistage system used, formation properties, completion liner size, packer type, number and size of stimulation stages, treatment type, well azimuth and fluids pumped. Conclusions are drawn based on careful data analysis to confirm the best practice for successful open hole multistage deployment and conducting effective fracture treatment. This article uses extensive field data and correlates factors to show the applicability of open hole MSF technology. Analysis will cover pre- and post-stimulation data showing the results from the treatments. This analysis will show the factors that contribute to the successful deployment of the completion system, the achievement of higher production rates, and the choice of the right candidates to obtain positive results from the treatment. This article will also show that while the various well and reservoir characteristics have a significant influence on overall well productivity, the completion type is critical and plays a central role in the success of the stimulation treatment and final production levels. Open hole multistage systems have been deployed