Use of frac-pack pressure data to determine breakdown conditions and reservoir properties

Conference · Tue Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:457285

Barree, R D; Rogers, B A; Chu, W C

Frac-Pack completions are becoming common in high permeability, poorly consolidated formations in the U.S. Gulf Coast and other areas. In many attempted frac-pack completions fracture breakdown conditions have not been achieved, resulting in immediate screenouts at low sand concentration. Several conditions determine whether breakdown can be achieved in a particular zone including depth, rock properties, zone thickness, skin factor, permeability, maximum achievable pump rate, fluid viscosity, and fluid leakoff behavior. This paper presents methods for determining critical reservoir properties including kh and skin from short duration pressure falloff tests conducted during the frac-pack operation, and for using these properties to determine fracture breakdown conditions including initiation and extension pressures and required pump rate. This information can be used to select the fluid type required for fracturing or to decide between a frac-pack and conventional gravel pack (or water-pack) completion. The data can also be used to predict the maximum surface treating pressure which must be sustained during fracturing, and the maximum casing pressure which will be reached if the treatment is conducted with the service tool in the circulating position.

• OSTI ID: 457285
• Report Number(s): CONF-961003--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
ENHANCED RECOVERY
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
OIL FIELDS
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
RESERVOIR ROCK
STABILITY
WELL COMPLETION