First Implementation of High-Rate Pinpoint Technology in an Extremely Challenging Multilateral Well: Successful Lessons Learned From Tight Carbonate - Minagish Field, West Kuwait

Abstract

A significant challenge in the tight Mishrif oil reservoir of the Minagish field is ensuring hydrocarbon flow through the complex and highly damage-susceptible carbonate intervals. In recent years, field development strategies have begun to prioritize multilateral well technology over vertical and deviated wells because of the advantages of maximized reservoir contact, higher production rates, and improved access to reserves (hydrocarbon in place). The downside of most unconventional multilateral wells is that laterals are open hole, completed with much complexity, and pose challenges for effective acid stimulation because of poor acid distribution over the long interval. The Mishrif formation in the Minagish field in west Kuwait is a challenging tight carbonate with poor reservoir quality, relatively low pressure, and no external pressure support. The stimulation methodology was highly modified as fit-for-purpose to address the unique challenges of multilateral well operations, formation technical difficulties, high-stakes economics, and untapped potential from these formations. Furthermore, to enhance production, the lateral lengths of the well were designed as an optimum solution. To maximize and sustain hydrocarbon flow and production, a multiple stage acid pinpoint treatment was performed by dividing the wellbore into small intervals, based on petrophysical and reservoir properties evaluations; a high-rate pinpoint technique was used for both laterals individually. The selected sections were individually acid stimulated, and the inflow contribution from the entire productive sections of both laterals was maximized with a highly reliable and effective multistage continuous operation. The post-operation well test and production data show a significant production increase; long-term production data show a sustained production increase, stable pump intake pressure, and low water cut, demonstrating the success of the pinpoint technique as an optimized solution for the first multilateral well. The success of this well stimulation method has enabled the use of this pinpoint-squeeze as the best technique for all horizontal wells in this field. This paper summarizes the design processes, challenges encountered, production response, and lessons learned from applying this pinpoint acidizing technique. It can be considered as a potential approach for addressing stimulation challenges in similar tight carbonate reservoir conditions in other fields.