James L. Rodgerson

Unique Multistage Process Allows Pinpoint Treatment of Hard-to-Reach Pay

A new multistage treatment process optimizes perforation and treatment design. This technique, known as external casing perforating (ECP), allows the operator to perforate and isolate individual zones in as little as 30 minutes between treatment stages. As many as 17 discrete intervals have been treated within a 24-hour period. This approach minimizes total treatment volume by using the flush from the previous stage as the pad on the next stage, thus placing less fluid on the formation. Production from multiple horizons can be brought on line quickly in one rigless operation without damaging and time-consuming shut-ins.

Modem Transmission of Data for 3-D Fracture Modelling

Hydraulic fracturing treatments require measurement of numerous parameters, including surface rates and pressures, to quantify fluids, proppant, and additives. Computers are used to acquire data for the purpose of calculating bottomhole pressure (BHP), compiling quality-control data, generating diagnostic plots, and, often, for modeling fracture geometry in real time. In the recent past, modems have been routinely used in conjunction with cellular phone systems to transmit field-monitored data to a remote office. More recently, these data have been used at the remote site to perform 3D fracture modeling for design verification and adjustment. This paper describes data-transmission technology and discusses the related cost and reliability.