Richard L. Royal, Dow Chemical Company
Knowledge of rock properties can be valuable tool in designing treatments for problem formations. All formations in the Permian Basin could be considered problem formations, but only the Delaware, San Andres, and Wolfcamp are discussed here. These rocks are of particular interest because of recent findings in core analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) studies. The characteristics of these formations revealed by these studies have provided clues for improving treatment techniques. The new techniques are providing productivity increase many times greater than conventional treatment techniques. This paper describes the studies of the three formations, the results of the studies, and the use of these results in the design of improved treatment techniques. Field results are used to support the success of improved treatment design in providing greater production increases.