TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435.
AbstractNuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) permeability combined with newly developed petrophysical analysis improves the candidate selection process for production-enhancement treatments such as matrix acidizing, acid fracturing, and traditional hydraulic proppant fracturing. The new petrophysical model allows automatic zoning based on log data such as permeability, stress contrasts, or lithology. The automatic zoning provides information for stimulation design, reservoir simulations, and economic forecasting.Traditional stress zoning, which has enabled widespread usage of 3D modeling for the design of stimulation treatments, is now enhanced by an accurate permeability profile and automatic zoning. NMR logging provides a continuous, highquality permeability that falls within the accuracy range required for 3D hydraulic-fracture design programs and reservoir simulators to predict production.Combining the stimulation design and productivity calculations allows the operator to select the ideal stimulation treatment for the highest return on investment. The automatic zoning enhances both the stimulation design and reservoir simulations with minimal time and effort, allowing the operator to determine the most economical production enhancement scenarios, such as treatment type and job size.Once the stimulation is performed, operators monitor the production rates and declines to enhance the process. Production data can lead to an improved NMR permeability by optimizing the permeability coefficients for area-specific permeability equations. The process is repeated for additional wells in the reservoir with the ultimate goal of optimizing the reservoir development.