John W. Ely

Frac packs - state of the art

Over the past four years, there has been an increasing amount of success with fracture stimulation of unconsolidated Miocene formations. These {open_quotes}frac pack treatments{close_quotes} arc typically used to remove near well damage produced during drilling operations and also to allow a tremendous amount of surface area for production rather than producing through perforation tunnels. A thorough study of the technology used in frac pack stimulation as well as all types of gravel pack/frac pack treatments has been conducted to define the state-of-the-art. Major operating companies in the Gulf of Mexico were contacted and a very large data base indicating the growing success in utilization of frac pack versus conventional gravel pack or high rate water pack completions was assembled. The vast majority of the frac pack treatments are presently being conducted through gravel pack screens. These fracture treatments arc typically conducted in the circulating position allowing real time diagnostics for fracture stimulation. New rigless frac pack and screenless frac pack completions are the growing trend. This systematic study shows the trends of both the major oil companies and independent companies within the Gulf of Mexico.

Polymer Use in Blowout Control

The use of polymers to assist in the blowout control effort of a high-capacity Middle East gas well is believed to be a unique application of the material. Background information, rationale for the use of polymers, description of the particular polymers used, how they were used, quality control, results of the field application, and planned procedures are discussed.

The effect of viscous fluid properties on excess friction pressures measured during hydraulic fracture treatments

A plot of excess pressure vs. time can be used to predict fracture-growth patterns only when both the viscosity of the fluid in the fracture and the stress at the fracture tip remain constant. Laboratory data and field examples are used to explain how increased friction owing to viscous slurries affects the interpretation of fracturing pressures.

Field Unit Enhances Fracture Investigation

A mobile research system that helps scientists investigate fracture growth in the field comprises data-acquisition and main-computer trailers and a production test unit. This paper describes equipment, procedures, field results, and laboratory procedures and results, and recommends a focus for future work.