Fracture Treatment Costs and Polymer Damage Reduced in a Novel Multi-Stage Treatment Approach

Multi-stage proppant fracture treatments are routinely applied to stimulate discrete formations and, more recently, distinct sections (stringers) within a formation to maximize the production of these finite zones. One method consists of perforating a zone, pumping a crosslinked pad, proppant-laden fluid; and acid followed by a gelled flush. A subsequent stage is then perforated, isolated and the process repeated. Multi-stage fracture treatments have been optimized by the use of highly efficient perforating techniques that perforate and isolate zones in less than 30 minutes. Further, a novel approach has been developed that minimizes the total treatment volume by approximately 200 bbls per stage where six to eight stages are common. This paper will describe the perforating technique, the approach that reduces the treatment volume and will quantify the cost savings associated with the reduced volumes. Minimal friction pressures encountered in resuming pumping will also be quantified from actual job reports. Benefits such as the reduction of polymer damage will also discussed.