First Application of Residue-Free Fluid System for High Temperature Fracturing Treatment in Saudi Arabian Carbonate Formations

Abstract

Acid Fracturing technique is an alternative to propped fracturing in acid soluble formations. Factors controlling the effectiveness of acid fracturing are the etched fracture penetration and conductivity. Large volumes of acid and the dissolution of large volumes from thefracture faces with excessive acid leak off result in negative net fracturing pressures and less optimized etched fracture length. This paper describes the first application in Middle East area of a nitrogen assisted residue-free fracturing fluid system to successfully stimulate a carbonate formation.