In the western desert region of Egypt, previous propped multiple-fracture treatments were performed using conventional methods (i.e., perforate, frac, set mechanical/zone isolation, and repeat cycle). Although the resulting treatment efficiency was satisfactory, other methods were being considered to help reduce cost and improve production performance. Also, it was desired to decrease total operational time, which would further impact economics (rig time, production delay, etc).In an attempt to improve production response, fracturing designs in the El Fadl field in the western desert went from a standard three-stage design up to as much as a six-stage design to more effectively stimulate the pay zones. A careful review of the field and operations suggested possible benefits from implementing the pinpoint method for hydraulic-fracturing treatments. It was, however, not a simple case of just applying a hydraulic-fracturing treatment to every potential zone, but required proper well screening, thorough log analysis, calculating and validating mechanical rock properties, and enhanced 3D fracture modeling to achieve a successful campaign.A pinpoint method for stimulation was implemented to perform multistage jobs at reduced costs. As the stage count per well was increased, production response and economics were improved. Both treatment design and staging design with this fracturing technique continue to be further refined as performance and statistical analysis of previous design changes are completed.This paper discusses a pinpoint method for frac treatment and the methodology applied on a recent well. Differences in job execution that will be discussed include: using a hydrajet perforating mechanism instead of conventional casing-gun perforation, time-consumption reduction, analysis of vertical-fracture coverage per potential zone, and cumulative production response from the different designs tested. This could serve as guidelines for other operators who might be facing similar challenges in the North Africa region and elsewhere.

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractThe Obaiyed tight Gas-Condensate field was discovered in 1992 and following 4 appraisal wells and 3 additional exploration wells the first integrated field development plan was issued in 1996. This formed the basis for an agreement to deliver 300 MMscf/d. The field was brought on stream in 1999 reaching full capacity in 2001. However, reservoir pressures dropped much faster than expected (30% rather than expected 10% annual production decline). In addition condensate production only reached 60% of initial expectation levels.A complete subsurface review in 2000-1 showed 5 key areas of concern that requiring specific attention in the FDP update: [1] more severe reservoir compartmentalisation, [2] poorer reservoir quality in NW part of the field, [3] lower CGR's, [4] Temperature constraints on flow lines, [5] Multiple fluid contacts. Consequently expected production levels and recovery factors had to be adjusted downward. A root cause underlying most of these issues (points [1], [3], [4], and in part [5]) can be traced back to the design and duration of the early well tests.Three years after the integrated review the reservoir/well behavior is very much in line with the 2001 model, indicating the quality work done at the time.Based on the above solid models, the future development of the field has been optimized. It comprises the following key activities:• Improved field & reservoir management • Full field booster-compression • Production acceleration • Under Balanced Drilling The aim of the paper is to present the Obaiyed Field Development case, lessons learnt, remedial action taken and future plans.

Produced water is an inextricable part of the hydrocarbon recovery processes, yet it is by far the largest volume waste stream associated with hydrocarbon recovery. In a C-field in South Oman, the produced water has been disposed in the aquifer zone of the producing formation. The feasibility of alternative ways to dispose water at surface using alternative options is being evaluated with the objective of reducing (or completely stopping) this water disposal which has shown benefits in maximizing the recovery by reversing the pressure decline. A simple model has been used to quantify the benefits of produced water re-injection into the deep aquifer zone. Deep water disposal (DWD) has been on-going for over 20 years in the aquifer zone in the B-formation in this field in South Oman. All the produced water from the surrounding fields is sent for disposal near the field via the C-Field Processing Station DWD system. This DWD activity has provided important energy to the system as evident in the reversing reservoir pressure trend in field. However, due to various reasons, efforts are being put forward with the aim of replacing DWD with alternative ways of disposing produced water at surface. An integrated model has been built and calibrated to the field response and used to predict the field performance. The calibrated model recommends to continue pressure to the field through water disposal or injection system. The study predicts the complete discontinuation of DWD will put significant reserves at risk eroding the field value and has quantified the amount of water available for the alternative options for surface disposal. The study has also identified an opportunity to further optimize the solution for pressure maintenance and thereby, potentially improving the recovery from the field.

In the western desert region of Egypt, previous propped multiple-fracture treatments were performed using conventional methods (i.e., perforate, frac, set mechanical/zone isolation, and repeat cycle). Although the resulting treatment efficiency was satisfactory, other methods were being considered to help reduce cost and improve production performance. Also, it was desired to decrease total operational time, which would further impact economics (rig time, production delay, etc).In an attempt to improve production response, fracturing designs in the El Fadl field in the western desert went from a standard three-stage design up to as much as a six-stage design to more effectively stimulate the pay zones. A careful review of the field and operations suggested possible benefits from implementing the pinpoint method for hydraulic-fracturing treatments. It was, however, not a simple case of just applying a hydraulic-fracturing treatment to every potential zone, but required proper well screening, thorough log analysis, calculating and validating mechanical rock properties, and enhanced 3D fracture modeling to achieve a successful campaign.A pinpoint method for stimulation was implemented to perform multistage jobs at reduced costs. As the stage count per well was increased, production response and economics were improved. Both treatment design and staging design with this fracturing technique continue to be further refined as performance and statistical analysis of previous design changes are completed.This paper discusses a pinpoint method for frac treatment and the methodology applied on a recent well. Differences in job execution that will be discussed include: using a hydrajet perforating mechanism instead of conventional casing-gun perforation, time-consumption reduction, analysis of vertical-fracture coverage per potential zone, and cumulative production response from the different designs tested. This could serve as guidelines for other operators who might be facing similar challenges in the North Africa region and elsewhere.

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