Dynamic Fluid Pulsation: A Novel Approach to Reservoir Stimulation Improves Post-Stimulation Gains

Abstract

Abstract One of the major challenges to maximizing recovery of reserves is that every oil or gas reservoir rock is more or less heterogeneous at all scales (micro, mega, and pore) which leads to disproportionate production and injection outcomes. Generally, the higher the level of reservoir heterogeneity the more difficult it becomes to achieve maximum fluid distribution or conformance. Improving conformance in a non-homogenous material such as a hydrocarbon reservoir inherently means improving flow through lower permeability regions. Ideally, during a conventional well stimulation using a treatment fluid such as acid, we wish to move the fluid through the majority of the rock volume but the physical constraints of fluid flow negatively impact that ideal outcome. Dynamic fluid pulse technology provides for high inertial fluid momentum which improves the flow efficiency of fluids injected into the wellbore, the near wellbore region, and the reservoir. The nature of fluid displacement energy ensures that pulsed fluid will penetrate the matrix proximal to where the tool is placed thus achieving enhanced fluid distribution. Prior to a stimulation operation a dynamic mathematical model associated with fluid pulse technology is employed to generate a precise well program (pumping schedule) to maximize the contact volume of the treatment fluid along the completed interval. Compared with conventional stimulation dynamic fluid pulsation has been demonstrated to bring significant financial benefits to well stimulation without impacting results including: reduced chemical costs; improved post-stimulation sustainability; and, better overall post-stimulation well performance as a greater volume of the completed interval hence matrix is contacted by the treatment fluids.