Addressing Hydraulic Fracturing Performance Challenges in HPHT Well with New Fluid System and Comprehensive Fracturing Study Utilizing Full 3D Simulator

AbstractFor achieving successful stimulation treatment in HPHT environment, a robust and state-of-the-art fluid technology together with the use of a versatile simulation design tool is crucial. The scope of this paper is to present case histories on the fracturing design, application and evaluation and its results in HTPT wells in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, a comparative analysis and recommendations will be presented to identify the optimum hydraulic fracturing treatment design for HPHT applications.Extensive laboratory research was performed to develop and optimize a robust fracturing fluid that can be used for HT application in low permeability wells in Saudi Arabia, in the design phase of the program. Several chemically modified polymer fluid systems were developed, and their stability at high temperature, proppant suspension, and regained permeability were determined. Test phase was considered as a very critical stage to meet the project targets, as in either case indigent fluid rheology leads to ineffective stimulation treatments, especially in applications above 300 deg F. Upon completing the laboratory tests, the fracturing design was considered to apply full 3D software for achieving a comprehensive simulation of fracture model.The laboratory research and development allowed the development of a new high temperature fracturing fluid that met the requirements, and provided stability for the required pumping time, to deliver low formation damage, manageable gel breaking time, excellent fracturing fluid leak-off control and sufficient proppant transport capabilities. Validation of fracturing fluid for field implementation was not enough, as sufficient fracturing design had to be in place, thus full 3D modelling software was used, utilizing essential well and formation information and detailed parameters of the new fluid system. A comprehensive study has been done during new fracturing fluid development phase, and additionally a comparison of pseudo 3D and full 3D software models for different scenarios were performed to optimize the fracture treatment design.The paper will present precise solutions to perform fracturing treatment in HPHT formations and will be a guide for designing the treatment fluid system, fracture modelling and well treatment execution. Additionally, the advantages of using full 3D software for fracturing simulations and its correlation with field production results will be highlighted.