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Abstract
This paper presents the findings of an investigation to
determine whether or not a near-wellbore halo is generated
during the process of fracture stimulating a well in a soft,
unconsolidated formation. The investigation delves into
whether net-pressure generation has any effect on the halos
formation and, finally, whether the halo could be utilized by
petroleum operators as an inexpensive way to control
formation sand production.
The results from 4 fracture stimulations in perfectly
vertical wells are the primary data used in this investigation.
In each case, all necessary steps were taken to ensure that the
collected data would show conclusively whether or not the
halo occurred and, more qualitatively, to what extent a
significant net-pressure increase (resulting from a tip
screenout) affected the halos formation. All data presented
here resulted from direct downhole measurements, either by
bottom-hole pressure gauges or by specialized azimuthal GR
logging tools that can directionally measure gamma ray
intensity.
To date, the possible existence and benefit of the halo has
been a topic of conjecture. This study represents the first
attempt at directly confirming the existence and extent of the
halo under actual downhole conditions.
Introduction
Tip screenout (TSO) fracturing is commonly used in the
petroleum industry to maximize fracture widths and
conductivities. It is hypothesized that a natural consequence
of generating fracture width is the simultaneous separation of
the borehole from the casing thus creating a concentric space
or halo around the casing. Given a wide enough fracture
Fracture
Resin Coated
Proppant
Casing &
Cement Sheath
E. R. UPCHURCH
SPE 56589
SPE 56589
E. R. UPCHURCH
5000
30 bpm throughout
2000
1000
500
TSO
200
0.20
0.50 1.0
2.0
5.0
10
20
50
5000
SPE 56589
2000
1000
500
200
10
20
50
100
TSO
200
500
5000
2000
1000
500
200
10
20
50
100
TSO
200
500
SPE 56589
Conclusions
1. Formation of a halo does occur when fracturing soft
formations (even at low net-pressures).
2. Formation of a halo, for the tests presented here, is not
consistent. Furthermore, the magnitude of net-pressure does
not seem to have an effect on the halos consistency.
3. Vertical coverage of the perforated intervals by a halo
does not appear to be sensitive to the magnitude of netpressure.
4. In Fracture Stimulation #4, perforations that were
definitely unplugged (broken down before the frac using brine,
as described in Well Design and Data Collection Process)
and shot across clean sands did not accept any RCP. Filling
the perforations with RCP is a bare minimum for providing
sand control in the absence of a halo formation.
5. Halo formation should not be relied upon as a method
of sand control in soft formations with perforation intervals of
similar length (~60) to those presented here.
Summary Comments
It should be noted that all the wells presented in this paper
were subsequently gravel packed before being put on
production. The data presented here clearly supports the
conclusion that TSO fracturing with RCP is not an adequate
method for controlling sand production for the perforation
lengths used in this study. However, this does not mean that
the technique would be unsuccessful if applied to shorter
perforation intervals. Fracturing through a shorter interval
might enhance formation of the halo and would certainly
increase the chance of all perforations being filled with RCP.
Acknowledgments
The author thanks Thums Long Beach Company for their
support of this work. Thanks are also due David Sharbak and
Carlos Silva of Halliburton for all their assistance in obtaining
and processing the azimuthal gamma ray measurements
presented here.
Nomenclature
E =
ppa =
Pc
Pnet
=
=
References
1. Fletcher, P.A., Montgomery, C.T., Ramos, G.G., Miller, M.E.,
Rich, D.A., Guillory, R.J., and Francis, M.J.: Using Fracturing
as a Technique for Controlling Formation Failure, SPE
Production and Facilities, May 1996, pp. 117-121.
2. Bale, A., Owren, K. and Smith, M.B.: Propped Fracturing as a
Tool for Sand Control and Reservoir Management, paper SPE
24992 presented at the 1992 SPE European Petroleum
Conference, Cannes, Nov. 16-18.
3. Wedman, M.L., Lynch, K.W., Spearman, J.W.: Hydraulic
Fracturing for Sand Control in Unconsolidated Heavy-Oil
4.
5.
6.
7.
Conversion Factors
acre x 4.046 856
bbl x 1.589 991
o
F
(oF-32)/1.8
ft x 3.048*
gal x 3.785 412
lbm x 4.535 924
md x 9.869 233
psi x 6.894 757
E-01
E-01
E-01
E-03
E-01
E-04
E+00
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
ha
m3
o
C
m
m3
kg
m2
kPa
E. R. UPCHURCH
2950
2960
2970
2980
2990
3000
Pre-Frac GR
2940
Post-Frac Azimuthal GR
Measured Depth
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3010
North East South West
Fig. 2-Fracture Stimulation #1 proppant placement results.
3120
3130
3140
3150
3160
Pre-Frac GR
3110
Post-Frac Azimuthal GR
3170
North East South West
Fig. 4-Fracture Stimulation #2 proppant placement results.
Measured Depth
SPE 56589
E. R. UPCHURCH
2740
2750
2760
North East South West
Fig. 6-Fracture Stimulation #3 proppant placement results.
2730
2720
Pre-Frac GR
2710
2700
Post-Frac Azimuthal GR
Measured Depth
SPE 56589
Measured Depth
Post-Frac Azimuthal GR
Pre-Frac GR
2940
2950
2960
2970
2980
2990
2930
2920
SPE 56589