Successful Deployment of Multistage Fracturing Systems in Multilayered Tight Gas Carbonate Formations in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract Horizontal wellbores have enabled significant increases in productive zone contact areas. However, even with these increased contact areas, the expected long-term production increases were not initially realized with conventional stimulation techniques. Multistage fracturing systems have resulted in impressive long-term production improvements, but the deployment of these assemblies into deep and long reach horizontal wells was initially problematic. After the original difficulties were encountered, modifications were made to the well preparation and assembly running procedures which resulted in the recent successful deployment of several multistage fracturing systems into long reach horizontal wells in the Khuff formation in Saudi Arabia. This paper will discuss several factors impacting deployment in these conditions including: Construction of the wellbore Deploying through multiple layers with varying reservoir pressures Preparation of the wellbore Running in hole techniques and procedures With the implementation of these well preparation and deployment techniques, several multistage fracturing assemblies have been successfully installed allowing proper placement of multiple fracturing jobs, which have in turn resulted in continued production improvements from tight gas formations.