Evaluation of Hydraulic Fracturing and Re-Entries in the Hassi-Messaoud Field, Algeria

Abstract

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractSince 1990, two emerging techniques, hydraulic fracturing and re-entry techniques, have been applied in HMD Field, Algeria, to increase oil production. This paper analizes the production data for more than 17 re-entries and 60 fractured wells. The results indicate that oil production from 13 out of 17 re-entries declined rapidly to below the original level within a year, and 31 out of 60 fractured wells are not profitable. To analyze the well performance from field data, a 3D simulator was used to evaluate both hydraulic fracturing wells and re-entries. Several scenarios were built for each technique. The effect of fracture length, fracture width, fracture height, re-entry length, pay zone, and oil price on technical and economical success was analyzed. Risk analysis was used to take into account of practical, economical, and other unexpected factors. The results show that fractured wells are profitable but not for reentry wells.