Applications of Intelligent Formation Breakdown Automation Algorithms in Tight Formation for Creating Conductive Propped Fractures, Improving Pumping Efficiency and Maximizing Hydrocarbon Productivity

Abstract

Abstract Hydraulic Fracturing is one of the most widely used reservoir stimulation techniques for enhancing production of hydrocarbons from various subsurface formations. Although the nature of hydrocarbon-bearing formations can vary being conventional and unconventional formations, high perm and tight formations, hydraulic fracturing will be the primary stimulation technique to be considered with all challenges that can be faced. One of these challenges arose in this method of stimulation is the formation breakdown and fracture initiation processes that can be accompanied with high pumping pressures in the beginning of the treatment. Uncontrolled formation breakdown can affect hydraulic fracturing treatment impeding creating a dominant fracture geometry due to initiation of multiple fractures increasing leakoff during pumping accordingly increasing treatment placement risk and dampening fracture efficiency in tight formations with near-wellbore complexity. This paper discusses the applications of how smart algorithms can optimize pumping parameters using an intelligent automation to achieve maximum fracture conductivity and stimulated reservoir volume in tight formations. The proposed approach involves the use of automated engineered breakdown technique to reduce pumping pressures thus giving more room for increasing proppant concentration hence improving overall surface efficiency even in tight gas formations where formation breakdown and rate establishment become more formidable to achieve. This paper will review some treatments where the intelligent engineered breakdown automation technique was applied in formations that are tight and have near-wellbore complexities in different fields of Egypt’s western desert. This study will include reservoir quality, well geographic data, OHL interpretation, diagnostic pumping analyses, formation responses and placement challenges and productivity results. In addition, will highlight and compare the results with some case histories of offset wells where the intelligent engineered breakdown automation technique was not used. Combining digitalization, artificial intelligence and reservoir stimulation techniques will allow maximizing the value of assets and natural resources which is vital in the current marketing conditions.