New techniques improve deep-well stimulation

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1971 · World Oil; (United States)

OSTI ID:5865535

Ernst, E A

Use of special high temperature acid inhibitors to protect downhole equipment and new spearhead formation cooling techniques to improve acid penetration are increasing success of acid and frac jobs in deep wells. Temperatures to 360/sup 0/F have made use of strong hydrochloric acid (HDl) prohibitive, due to corrosion effects and premature spending in the formation. High overburden pressure in deep wells and fracturing fluid breakdown also have prevented effective use of conventional propping agents. Research and field experience in 20,000-ft Hunton and Morrow formation wells of Oklahoma and Texas, led to these conclusions: (1) Stimulation zones can be cooled with spearheads of 20,000 to 40,000 gal of water, to lower formation temperatures (BHT) from 360/sup 0/ to 225/sup 0/F. (2) With proper cool-down, 28% HCl acid can be used, without severe corrosion, for greatest economy in terms of cost per volume of rock removed. (3) Modern additives and cool-down methods can extend capability of conventional gelled fluids for fracturing, although higher viscosity fluids may sometimes be required. (4) High overburden pressure can be overcome with mixture of sand and glass bead proppants to increase life of frac jobs.

• Research Organization: Dowell Div Dow Chemical Co
• OSTI ID: 5865535
• Journal Information: World Oil; (United States), Journal Name: World Oil; (United States) Vol. 172:2; ISSN WOOIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ACIDIZATION
ADDITIVES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CLEANING
CORROSION
ECONOMICS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HIGH TEMPERATURE
HYDROCHLORIC ACID
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INORGANIC ACIDS
NORTH AMERICA
OIL WELLS
OKLAHOMA
OVERBURDEN
PENETRATION DEPTH
PETROLEUM
PROPPING AGENTS
SAND
SOUTHWEST REGION
STIMULATION
TEXAS
USA
WELL COMPLETION
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS