Advanced stimulation technology deployment program, Chevron USA Production Company, Wolfcamp A2 Sand, Pakenham Field, Val Verde Basin. Topical report, July 1995-March 1996

Technical Report · Mon Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996

OSTI ID:459653

Wright, C A; Weijers, L; Minner, W A

This report describes the results from Chevron`s Pakenham Field effort at fracture stimulation engineering which incorporated, to the greatest extent possible, the results of actual measured field data. Measurement of the sand-shale closure stress contrast around the Wolfcamp A2 sand and the relatively high net fracturing pressures (compared to the closure stress contrast) that were observed during real-data (net pressure) fracture treatment analysis revealed that fractures obtained in most of the treatments were much shorter and less confined than originally expected: the fracture half-length was about 200 to 300 ft (instead of about 600 ft), which is consistent with estimates from post-fracture pressure build-up tests. Based on these measurements, Chevron`s fracturing practices in the Pakenham Field could be carefully reviewed to enhance fracture economics. Supported by the real-data fracture treatment analysis, several changes in completion, fracture treatment design and data-collection procedures were made, such as: (1) using cheaper 20/40 Ottawa sand instead of pre-cured 20/40 resin coated sand; (2) reducing the pad fluid size, as fluid leakoff from the fracture into the formation was relatively low; and, (3) utilizing stepdown tests and proppant slugs to minimize near-wellbore screen-out potential (in the Wolfcamp D sand).

• Research Organization: Pinnacle Technologies, Inc., San Francisco, CA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 459653
• Report Number(s): PB--97-140438/XAB; CNN: Contract GRI-5094-210-3262
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
NATURAL GAS WELLS
PROGRESS REPORT
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
WELL STIMULATION