Fracturing Fluid Rationalization: First Dual-Viscosity Fracturing Fluid Application in the Middle East

Abstract

Dual-viscosity fluid is a fracturing fluid that has been recently introduced to cover a wide range of fracturing applications varying, from a non-delayed to delayed fluid system for treatments in low to moderate to high temperatures, respectively. Reducing the impact of the pressure effect of traditional borate cross-linked systems, the system crosslinker is compact and delivers a relatively high concentration of crosslinker per unit volume; it is also compatible with current metering pumps, covering a range of treatment rates compared to the current fluid system, and this can simplify logistics on location. The North Bahariya oil fields are onshore fields located in the Western Desert of Egypt and operated by Sahara Oil and Gas Company (SOG). The fields contain proven oil reserves in two sandstone packages at relatively shallow drilling depths (6,500 ft. subsea) in the Abu Roash "G" member (A/R G) of Cenomanian (Cretaceous) age. These sandstones comprise the main reservoirs in the field. During the last 4 years, the introduction of various techniques has led to a fourfold increase in the production from these fields. This success story is mainly the result of using the new hydraulic fracturing methods such as channel fracturing technique and continuous improvement of the fracturing treatments. SOG has been at the forefront in applying novel technologies to optimize the fracturing fluid treatment by using the dual-viscosity fracturing fluid to improve the wells potential. This technology has been implemented in Abrar field. As seen in case studies, very positive results have been seen in both zones of the A/R G formation in terms of improvement in the well performance. Experiences in Abrar field illustrate how to optimize the production rate in a marginal field by optimizing the hydraulic fracturing treatment fluid and how to build on this success for subsequent fields while pushing the innovation envelope further.