Abstract
In the case of many workover operations associated with fluid loss inside the well or multistage refracturing, one of the most significant uncertainties is the fluid entry point. Starting from uneven depletion of the horizontal part of the well, not knowing the fluid entry point may lead to ineffective well restimulation and absence of any positive effect. In this paper new technique will be reviewed for several locations across Russia.
Implementation of high-frequency pressure monitoring (HFPM) method and based on it, Well Watcher Stim technology, allows locating downhole events caused during well workover and refracturing without interruption of the well stimulation operations. The high frequency pressure monitoring technology is based on automatic processing of wellbore pressure oscillations recorded at the wellhead. The wellbore completion elements such as hydraulic fractures, casing diameter changes or wellbore restrictions serve as effective reflectors for the tube waves. In this paper, we will demonstrate an integrated approach to the utilization of high-frequency pressure monitoring technique, which has served as an engineering tool for fluid entry point validation in the projects all across Russia. The project validated the intrinsic benefits of the new approach in solving uncertainties about the fluid entry point.
The Well Wacther Stim technology requires minimum changes in operational procedures, is easy and safe to install and provides real-time answers that allow the frac engineer to take decisions on location and optimize the re-fracturing process
Selected stimulation approach enables the horizontal well refracturing operation to be concluded within 2-3 days, minimizing well intervention operations and reducing the overall costs and risks of the restimulation. The selected workover approach demonstrates reliable technique for fluid loss extensional control in well workover.
One of the opportunities which is became available with high-frequency monitoring is analyze of conditions of well construction and downhole equipment. That was practically confirmed at a well with completion for multi-stage fracturing. Suspicion about damage of casing or sliding sleeves and corrosion of isolation packers was verified and localized. Further application of Well Watcher Stim made possible to decrease leakages by conventional reservoir dynamic fracture diversion technology and provide multi-stage fracturing with constant control of identified zones.
This paper presents case studies of the technology that was used widely in Russia in the recent years proving reliability of high-frequency pressure monitoring technique. It will provide meaningful insight for the petroleum engineer who will look after solving uncertainties during well workover operations and refracturing.
