Paper: Fracture Stimulation Quality Control Program

Approximately 20% of all fracture stimulation treatments in Conoco Inc.'s Odessa, Texas production area experienced problems which resulted in less than optimum frac jobs. Close examination of these treatments indicated that poor quality control was the primary reason for the problems experienced. To improve the quality control, guidelines were generated by engineering, field and service company personnel that 1) evaluates the service and safety performance of the treating company, 2) evaluates the design itself, and 3) discusses areas for improvement in subsequent jobs. Since inception in June, 1984, use of the program has spread from one production area to five areas and 48 jobs have been monitored. Misinterpretation of the job procedure has decreased since engineers are submitting more specific and workable procedures. Also, the service has significantly improved since the project quality control program was implemented. Overall, monitoring all phases of the project in an organized manner has resulted in higher quality performance.