Important Considerations in Matrix Stimulation Candidate Selection in Niger Delta

Abstract

Matrix stimulation improves well productivity through the removal of formation damage in the near-wellbore region of the reservoir. Success and failure of stimulation treatments are often attributable to candidate selection. Lack of a structured approach to candidate selection has had an adverse effect on the outcome of stimulation treatments industry-wide. Where good candidates have been identified, the absence of robust techniques for the determination of damage radius introduces uncertainty on the accurate volume of treatment fluid to deploy. This paper presents a robust approach to candidate selection based on analysis of the relative impact of various skin effects in the well. Simple mathematical expressions that describe the relative impact of formation damage and partial penetration were also derived. A novel approach for the determination of damage radius is also introduced. The damage radius so determined is considered useful for accurate calculation of matrix treatments volumes.