OTC-25824-MS

Exploration of HPHT Tight Gas Formation: First Application of Propped

Fracturing in the Offshore Gulf
Al Ameri F. and Al Awadhi F., ADNOC E&P; Abbott J., Akbari A., and Daniels J.L., Schlumberger

Copyright 2015, Offshore Technology Conference

This paper was prepared for presentation at the Offshore Technology Conference held in Houston, Texas, USA, 4 –7 May 2015.

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Abstract
Exploration of the Palaezoic tight gas sands has been ongoing in Abu Dhabi since the early 1980s. The
first discovery of gas in this formation dates back to this period; however commercial rates were not
proven due to mechanical issues and the overall tight nature of the Pre-Khuff clastics. This formation is
not only of interest as a source of gas, but also because gas shows and production from this formation have
shown to be free of hydrogen sulphide.
Many wells in the Abu Dhabi Pre-Khuff have resulted in good gas shows while drilling, but did not
produce. The poor production test results are not surprising if we consider formation damage the low
permeability of the reservoir as regional experience has shown that commercial production rates are only
achievable through the application of hydraulic fracturing.
Hydraulic fracturing in the Abu Dhabi Pre-Khuff formation is not without its challenges. The depth of
this target creates a high pressure and high temperature environment which requires special equipment and
technologies. The geomechanical properties and behavior of this formation are largely unknown in the
Abu Dhabi region. In other parts of the Arabian Plate, this formation is known to be a complex geological
environment with high fracture gradients, the poor consolidation and a high risk of poroelasticity. The
aforementioned attributes make the Pre-Khuff formation a challenge to successfully fracture stimulate.
In a recent Pre-Khuff exploration well, hydraulic fracture stimulation was successfully implemented as
part of the completion strategy. This new technique resulted in the successful production test of a
Pre-Khuff target at commercial gas rates. In this paper we will show how the integration of petrophysical
data, core data, geomechanical interpretations, lab/fluid testing and fracture diagnostics were used to
design and optimize the hydraulic fracturing treatment. We highlight key technical risks and challenges
encountered during the preparation, design, execution and evaluation phases of this operation and
demonstrate how these risks were mitigated and the challenges overcome.. Finally, we will discuss how
these methods and workflows can be applied for the improvement and optimization of future Pre-Khuff
wells.
2 OTC-25824-MS

Introduction
Setting the scene
The tight, clastic, gas reservoirs of Middle East are typically characterized as challenging formations.
They are commonly found in deep, complex geological environments which are tectonically stressed with
high reservoir pressures, high fracture gradients and elevated temperatures. To compound these general
challenges it is typical to find intervals in these formations with a high Young’s Modulus, natural
fractures, poor consolidation, and poroelasticity. These reservoirs present many challenges for drilling,
completing, hydraulic fracturing and production. The key to overcoming these challenges is to have a
fundamental understanding of the formation and apply the appropriate techniques and technologies
required for successful hydrocarbon recovery.
Understanding the reservoir – Data Inputs
The first and most important step in this project was to understand the reservoir. It was therefore critical
to collect and interpret information used to determine the reservoir quality (hydrocarbon potential) and
completion quality (geomechanics) as both are important for stimulation and completion design. Selecting
the key measurements at all scales (e.g. drilling events, mud logging, open/cased hole logging, core
testing, formation testing) was integral in building this understanding while ensuring that the various
measurement complimented and/or validated one another. The following section provides more detail on
the measurements and testing that were performed to better understand reservoir and unique challenges
presented by Well A.
Data Integration
The benefit of measurements and data cannot be fully realized unless they are properly integrated. For this
purpose a project workflow was developed to map how key inputs would be integrated into the completion
and fracture design process. This was most accurately and effectively achieved by using a single reservoir
centric software platform. Using this single platform the inputs and models could be updated and
enhanced as more accurate and/or new data became available. In this case the petrophysical interpreta-
tions, core data, geomechanical models, fracture designs and fracture diagnostic results were integrated
under a single reservoir centric platform with integrated fracture design simulator.
Key Techniques and new technologies
This well presented a number of unique challenges related to the high pressure, high temperature and
complex geology. Key techniques and new technologies were applied to overcome these challenges. Due
to the challenging rock properties encountered in the Pre-Khuff formations a new perforating technique
was applied to maximize shot penetration into the formation. For a successful fracturing treatment in
HPHT conditions, fracturing fluid stability is mandatory to create the required fracture geometry and
ensure proppant placement. The well depth and high bottomhole temperatures of the Pre-Khuff, required
a fit-for-purpose frac fluid to be developed capable of withstanding high shear for extended time while
remaining stable at high bottomhole temperatures. The offshore location of the well required a fit-for-
purpose propped frac stimulation vessel to accommodate frac equipment and materials while operating
safely in an environmentally sensitive area. The techniques and technologies required to execute this
project will be reviewed in more detail in the subsequent sections
Results and Evaluation
The project objective for Well A was to apply hydraulic fracturing to achieve commercial production
testing rates. This objective was achieved, however along the way to achieving this objective many
lessons were learned that can benefit future Pre-Khuff wells. To close the loop we have performed a
detailed evaluation of fracture performance based on available data and compared the results to offset well
information. Significant time and effort were devoted to properly identify and evaluate all workflow
OTC-25824-MS 3

processes during planning, execution and evaluation phases for future optimization of the Pre-Khuff
reservoir.

Understanding the Reservoir

The Palaezoic Pre-Khuff is mainly composed of continental-fluvial/deltaic sandstones, siltstones, shales
and subordinate claystone and dolomite of the Permo-Carboniferous and Devonian age. Production from
the Pre-Khuff is characteristically free of hydrogen sulphide gas. The main gas component is Methane
which forms about 69% of the total Pre-Khuff gas composition. Reservoir temperature at these depths is
estimated to be350degF.
The total clay volume is estimated to range from 10-40% with porosity of the most porous zone
estimated to be15%. The intrinsic permeability of this interval is estimated to range from0.1-1 mD, which
also is in agreement with XPT mobility points. The new generation fluid mobility tools used in this well
was designed to provide improvement in the pressure testing of tight formations. In very low mobility
formations such as Pre-Khuff, excessive flowline-pressure drawdowns result in unnecessary long buildup
times. The dynamically controlled pressure-pretest system integrated in this tool has reduced the buildup
time necessary to get a suitable reading while ensuring accuracy of acquired pressure measurement
(Schrooten et al.2007). The results of intrinsic permeability are also confirmed to be in the range of core
permeability result. In this zone, up to 50-80% hydrocarbon saturation is estimated which is in reconcil-
iation with strong dry gas shows (C1) on the logs.

Figure 1—Petrophysical Analysis of Pre-Khuff

4 OTC-25824-MS

As seen in below figure, an adapted Mcguire-Sikora plot, as reservoir porosity and permeability
decrease the more difficult it is to recover hydrocarbon from the reservoir in an economic manner. To
combat this deterioration in Reservoir Quality, we see that the stimulation strategy must evolve to increase
the reservoir contact in these lower quality intervals. For example applying a Matrix Acidizing stimulation
treatment in a reservoir that has microdarcy permeability would result in a substandard treatment, which
would not contact and expose enough of the formation to the wellbore drawdown. Alternatively, If one
were to apply Hydraulic fracturing to a Darcy permeability formation, the stimulation technique would be
more than the reservoir required and likely an unnecessary utilization and consumption of resources. For
Pre-Khuff reservoir, the low porosity and permeability indicates the needs of long fracture treatment to
increase the reservoir contact and improve productivity..

Figure 2—Stimulation Methodology for Pre-Khuff against reservoir characteristics

Geomechanics Review
An advanced dipole sonic log with axial, azimuthal and radial measurements was run in this Pre-Khuff
well for the purpose of calibration and validation of 1-Dimensional Mechanical Earth Model. The past
generation of cross dipole tools was able to detect and quantify the amount of anisotropy with the method
described by Emersoy et.al 1995, but is not capable to identify the driving mechanism (anisotrophy type).
With the use of advanced dipole sonic log, the tool acoustic behavior inside the well can be modeled (not
possible with previous generation) to identify the dominant mechanism causing anisotrophy, purely from
the sonic measurement (Plona et al., 2000), hence it is possible to determine with good confidence the
presence or absence of fractures, their azimuth and the stress anisotropy over the logging interval
Using the acquired data, Elastic modulus and rock strength properties were generated from advanced
sonic logs. The elastic properties were also calibrated against laboratory results from core tests. As can
be seen from the 1-Dimensional Mechanical Earth Model (1-D MEM) that was built, a good match was
obtained with core tests results. A fracture gradient of around 0.8 – 0.9 psi/ft is estimated. This insitu stress
gradient value is in agreement with regional experience in Saudi Arabia targeting similar formation. Based
OTC-25824-MS 5

on elaborated calibration known as Warpinski tectonic stress ratio and strain constants in the minimum
horizontal stress directions, (Mohammed Y. Al-Qahtani, Zillur Rahim et al., 2001), from Figure 3, the
regional experience in the interest rock type has developed useful correlation tool between Static Young’s
Modulus and in-situ stress gradient in the range between 0.75 psi/ft and 1 psi/ft. The stress was also
calibrated by performing Mini Fall-off injection in Pre-Khuff formation. A good match was observed
between the calibrated 1D-MEM and result from MNFO injection.

Figure 3—1D Mechanical Earth Model of Pre-Khuff calibrated with core test results and MNFO injection

Figure 4 —Empirical regional Young’s Modulus data correlated with Insitu Stress

An electrical borehole imager is acquired to evaluate geomechanical reservoir analysis to identify

drilling induced fractures such as breakouts and provide critical information of stress field analysis. The
maximum insitu stress orientation is predicted to be NW-SE. The stress regime in the formation is
assumed to be strike-slip (Sh⬍Sv⬍SH). Using this regime in the model, it was possible to recreate the
6 OTC-25824-MS

borehole shape and conditions observed in image log. This trend is different than the regional trend of the
maximum horizontal stress direction in NE – SW direction.

Figure 5—Stress orientation from borehole imager

Figure 6 —World stress map showing stress direction

Advanced Fracturing Design Workflow

The workflow in Figure 7 was applied for the fracturing design on all intervals of Well A. The inputs from
petrophysical log interpretation (incl. mud log data), 1-D MEM, and laboratory testing (rock and fluid
testing) were used to properly select the best zones for frac. Perforation selection was also selected based
on the results of Cement Bond log to ensure good cement coverage required to isolate the frac and provide
long-term integrity after the frac. The cement in the zones of interest was specially designed to resist
OTC-25824-MS 7

fracturing pressures expected during the treatment. The flexible and expandable cement slurry formulation
was designed. This sealant system has mechanical properties that can match the downhole stress
environment and enable set cement to conform to the changes that occur during fracturing (IThuwaini,
Taotaou et al. 2010). The sealant system also combined with novel self-healing cement system. This novel
sealant was used to improve long term zonal isolation and reliable cement sheath repair to preserve well
integrity. This cement based material has intrinsic self-healing material and is a responsive material
activated by contact with hydrocarbons whenever the integrity of the cement sheath is compromised such
as cracks and micro annulus during production and after abandonment (Roy-Delage et al.2010).

Figure 7—Applied Design workflow of Pre-Khuff Proppant Fracturing in UAE

Impact of Key Inputs on Fracture Design

Based on Geomechanical and petrophysical analysis, the formation is expected to be challenging. The
formation is expected to have high stress in pay zone. In this case, high breakdown pressures will be
required to initiate a fracture in the formation which will impact the resulting surface treating pressure to
be high and close to equipment and completion limitations. Besides the stress, the formation is expected
to have high Young’s Modulus, which will result in smaller fracture widths, increasing the risk of a
screen-out. Due to its high stress and high Young’s Modulus, small proppant size of 20/40 and 30/50 High
Strength proppant (HSP) is selected to be able to withstand mentioned fracture conditions.
Reservoir temperature of this well is expected to be above 350 degF. In order to have high chance of
success on fracture placement, new shear-tolerant, high temperature fluid was selected as the primary
fracturing fluid. This fluid is shear-tolerant and suitable for high temperature high pressure fracturing fluid
application. The dual crosslink carboxy-methyl-hydroxypropyl guar (CMHPG) fluid, unlike the existing
delayed organometallic crosslinked fluids, the fluid formulation is more tolerant to impurities, variations
in the mix-water temperature and chemical composition.
8 OTC-25824-MS

The fluid was pumped with a polymer, a clay stabilizer, the crosslinker and crosslinker activator, a high
temperature stabilizer and appropriate breaker package. During the execution, the fluid has shown to
prevent significant polymer degradation when exposed to high shear regimes, which translates into
maximized high temperature viscosity. Additionally, the fluid has proven to be robust and effective.
An Advanced Fracturing simulator was used to design three stages of fracturing for each zone of
interests. 100,000 lbs -200,000 lbs of proppant was planned to be used for each stage of the treatment.
Three separate fracs were planned to stimulate each zone of interest of Pre-Khuff. Based on initial
simulation, three separate fracs can be achieved to achieve maximum coverage on the entire reservoir
interval.

Figure 8 —Pre-Khuff Fracturing Initial Design

Fracturing Fluid and Proppant Selection

Extensive lab testing of fracturing fluids rheology and proppant testing have been done for this well.
Besides fluid rheology, the frac fluid was also tested against the core to obtain Capillary suction time
measurement. The following are some of the tests and the results:

Fluid Rheology Test

Achieving the design fluid viscosity at in-situ condition is critical because fracture initiation, propagation
and resulting dimensions are strongly influenced by the viscosity. Fluid rheology tests were done for new
shear-tolerant, high temperature frac fluid. The design viscosity requirement for this well was stable
viscosity of 100 cp at 100-s for duration of pumping time that was designed (40 mins). The other
requirement is that the fluid has to be able to break within few hours after fracturing treatment in order
to improve cleanup. Based on rheology tests, this new shear-tolerant, high temperature fluid system met
the viscosity requirement and breaking time.
OTC-25824-MS 9

Figure 9 —New shear-tolerant, high temperature fluid rheology test results

Retained Permeability and Capillary Suction Time

The core retained permeability against the new shear-tolerant high temperature fluid was also run. Based
on the test, the final permeability of 0.12 mD was measured against initial permeability of 0.21 md which
reflects 57% retained permeability.
10 OTC-25824-MS

Clay sensitivity test are performed using a specialized instrument known as Capillary Suction Timer
(CST). CST measures the retention of a known fluid by slurry of ground formation rock. High CST ratios
are indicative of strong imbibement of the fluid in the formation by either a) clay swelling or b) a strong
water-wetting character, either of which strongly imbibe aqueous fluids; fluids with insufficient clay
stabilization lead to clay swelling and clay dispersion in the formation slurry, which resists extraction of
fluid. Generally, high CST ratios may indicate more formation damage from the injected/leakoff fluid.
Fluids with sufficient clay stabilization, proper wetting, or that do not form colloids are easily extracted
and give short CST times. Short CST times may be indicative of efficient unloading of a fluid that has
leaked off into the formation matrix during treatment. The result of CST measurement shows that the fluid
is less damaging.

Table 1—Summary of CST Results

Sample Description CST Ratio

Core#1 0.39 0.57 0.59

Core#2 0.41 0.51 0.52
Core#3 0.84 0.58 0.48

Figure 10 —Retained Permeability Results

Proppant Testing
QAQC was also carried out on 20/40 HSP and 30/50 HSP proppant. The testing was performed in
accordance to ISO 13503-2 and API RP 19c. Based on the testing, both proppant samples have met the
minimum requirement
OTC-25824-MS 11

Figure 11—30/50 HSP after crush at 12,500 psi (left) and 15,000 psi (right)

Table 2—QAQC Proppant Test results for 20/40 HSP and 30/50 HSP

Well and Completion Operation

In this Pre-Khuff exploration well, hydraulic fracturing was successfully implemented as part of the
completion strategy to effectively evaluate the commercial potential. Integration, innovation and technical
know-how were critical to achieving this success in a safe and timely manner. The planning, preparation,
design, execution and evaluation of this operation involved Fracturing Stimulation services, Coiled
Tubing, Well Testing, Cementing, Wireline and Completion. The Integration of all services was secured
with strong project management and integration between all services throughout all phases of the project.
The following diagram shows the operation workflow.
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Figure 12—Operation workflow of Pre-Khuff Abu Dhabi well

Fracturing Equipment Setup

Well A was located offshore thereby adding an additional element of complexity to an already challenging
job. Moreover, the nature of the HPHT reservoir has added more operational complexity to be able to
execute the job efficiently and safely manner. A fit-for-purpose equipment package was mounted on the
largest supply vessel ever to enter Dubai’s port. This vessel provided the required offshore positioning and
deck space. High pressure and low pressure equipment were assembled to allow pumping rates up to 35
BPM at maximum surface pressure of 13,500 psi. The required silos and tankage were installed to address
the required stimulation volumes per stage.
OTC-25824-MS 13

Perforation Technique
Unconfined Compressive strength (UCS) and stress of the reservoir significantly influence the success of
perforation. It is challenging to improve perforating design to penetrate beyond near-wellbore formation
alteration and reduce skin effect. Focus was placed on enhancing penetration as well as optimizing
wellbore dynamics by using underbalance to ensure clean perforations. Perforating analysis software was
used to calculate perforation penetration based on input from 1D Mechanical Earth model. Evaluating the
analysis results determined that the new extra deep-penetrating charges (perf#1) would create longer
penetration compared to previous generation charge. These high-temperature-rated charges improve
penetration in stressed rock by 24% compared with previous-generation charges.

Table 3—Perforating analysis results comparing new deep-penetrating charge (#1) versus previous generation charge (#2)
Shot Density Total Pen Form Pen Form Dia EH Dia Average
Perf # Phasing (deg) (spf) Average (in) Average (in) Average (in) (in)

1 60 6 11.64 10.56 0.7 0.35

2 60 6 9.59 8.5 0.72 0.36

Figure 13—Fracturing equipment setup into supply vessel deck space

Zonal Isolation Method

The ability to efficiently fracture a multiple number of zones under such extreme HPHT reservoir
conditions has created a unique downhole tool challenge. In many applications, the operator requires a
drillable cased-hole bridge plug to effectively isolate multiple zones for stimulation in a single zone. Most
recently, the service industry has produced a variety of composite bridge plugs that has better performance
compared to cast iron versions. The composite plug solved the problem of time consuming plug removal
as the plug can begin to delaminate and break-up over period of few days. However, the limited lifespan
is an issue as longer desired pressure containment is required.
A new advanced plug is designed from precision aluminum alloy. This aluminium plug technology has
significantly increased plug life-span having successfully addressed degradation issues in the application
under high pressure high temperature formation such as Pre-Khuff reservoir. The advanced plug is rated
up to differential pressure of 15,000 psi and up to 400degF of formation temperature rating. In addition,
14 OTC-25824-MS

the entire plug can be milled up into small pieces resulting in consistent reliable performance without the
risk of leaving large pieces of debris in the wellbore.

Figure 14 —Advanced Aluminium Plug Technology

Fracture Diagnostics
A MNFO treatment was first conducted and the subsequent pressure decline was analyzed to estimate
fracture closure pressure (Pc) and fluid efficiency (Eff). A MiniFall-off test consists of creating a pressure
disturbance in the reservoir by injecting a small volume of fluid into formation and then monitoring the
pressure decline. The after-closure pressure behavior is independent of physical properties governing
fracture propagation and depends only on the previous spatial and temporal history of the fluid loss, the
fracture length and the reservoir parameters. The “late-time” behavior becomes pseudo-radial flow and
provides reservoir transmissibility (kh/m) and initial reservoir pressure (Pr) in a manner similar to more
traditional methods for a well test such as Horner analysis. These two-reservoir parameters play a crucial
role in the optimization of fracture design and post stimulation production analysis.
Analysis of the calibration treatment yielded a Closure Pressure (Pc) of about 12,829 psi and an Eff of
4%. Figure 15 shows a type curve match to compute kh/␮ needed for the reservoir quality matching.
Based on MNFO decline analysis, the formation is estimated to be tight with kh/mu of around 22.5
md.ft/cp.

Figure 15—MNFO Analysis on Pre-Khuff

21,000 gals of new shear-tolerant, high temperature fluid was pumped during calibration injection
treatment at maximum rate of 30 bpm and maximum surface pressure of 9,300 psi. The calibration decline
was then analyzed to estimate Pc, fluid efficiency and leak-off. Based on calibration decline analysis, Pc
of 14,171 psi and fluid efficiency of 13% were estimated. Based on decline analysis, indication of pressure
OTC-25824-MS 15

dependent leak-off due to fissures was observed. Instantaneous Shut-in Pressure (ISIP) and Pc increase
after each injection test was also observed which indicates poroelasticity.

Figure 16 —G-Function Plot analysis and comparative injection plot

A Temperature log was also run after the DataFRAC to confirm and calibrate the fracture height. Based
on temperature log analysis, there is indication of fracture growth up to the zone above.

Figure 17—Post DataFRAC temperature log showing possible indication of breaking through zone above

Main Frac Treatment

Based on DataFRAC injection and Temperature log, the analysis shows that the formation is a challenging
one due to poroelasticity and pressure dependent leak-off signatures which indicates the presence of
fissures. The fluid efficiency as a result was observed to be low. Moreover, there is indication that the
fracture may tend to grow upward which imposed risk of screen-out due significant fracture height
growth. A redesign of the fracturing treatment was then optimized to ensure placement by adding fluid
loss additive to the Pad stage and increase the pad fluid to manage fluid efficiency.
16 OTC-25824-MS

The following pumping schedule was applied during the treatment. 200,000 lbs of proppant was
designed to be placed.

Table 4 —Revised Main Frac Pumping schedule after DataFRAC

Step Name Pump Rate (bbl/min) Step Fluid Volume (gal) Gel Conc. (lb/mgal) Prop. Conc. (PPA)

PAD with FLA 25.0 10000 50.0 0.00

PAD 25.0 20000 50.0 0.00
0.5 PPA 25.0 7000 50.0 0.50
1.0 PPA 25.0 7000 50.0 1.00
2.0 PPA 25.0 14700 50.0 2.00
3.0 PPA 25.0 14700 50.0 3.00
4.0 PPA 25.0 14700 50.0 4.00
5.0 PPA 25.0 12000 50.0 5.00
Flush 25.0 13348 20.0 0.00

The main treatment was pumped with a total of 2800 bbls of novel fluid and 155,591 lbs of 20/40 HSP
successfully placed inside formation.. The treatment screened-out after pumping 100 bbls of the Flush
stage, shortly after the 5 PPA stage reached the perfs.

Figure 18 —Post-Frac Pressure History Matching

Fracturing Treatment Evaluation

Due to screen-out conditions, a unique pressure history match cannot be performed with adequate
accuracy. Irrespective, a pressure history match was done based on matching surface pressure until the
screen-out, but without a representative ISIP, the results of this pressure match interpretation contain a
degree of uncertainty. Based on post-fracture simulations combined with temperature log data after the
OTC-25824-MS 17

DataFRAC, the final fracture geometry and indication of upward fracture grow were estimated and
provided in the below table and figure.

Figure 19 —Post-Frac Estimated Fracture Geometry showing fracture coverage

Table 5—Post-Frac Estimated Fracture Geometry

Propped fracture half-length, Xf 270 ft
Hydraulic height at well 251 ft
Propped width at the well 0.1 in
Fracture Conductivity 2,222 md.ft

Coiled tubing cleanout was performed after the frac treatment followed by post-frac production flow
test. During flow test period, severe sanding issues were observed. The resultant sanding problem was
expected due to poor formation consolidation of the perforated zone interval..

Completion Optimization
Due to the sanding issue observed, fracture and perforation placement options were being reevaluated. To
avoid the sanding issue, perforation intervals were selected at locations with more competent rock with
higher UCS values. As can be seen from UCS track below, previous perforation intervals were selected
at low UCS value (yellow track), therefore indicating soft rock. The new perforation interval was proposed
to target higher rock competency to avoid this issue. This perforation strategy is known for indirect
fracturing technique. Indirect fracturing essentially targets competent rock to be perforated to reduce
sanding tendency through the perforated interval. After fracturing stimulation, the fracture is expected to
cover the area of interest or pay zone with good permeability and porosity. In this case, the pay zone will
be covered by the fracturing and the entrance for the hydrocarbon will be through this competent rock
which will act as in situ screen to reduce the chance of formation solid and proppant to flowback.
18 OTC-25824-MS

Figure 20 —Perforation Strategy and optimization based on competent rock to avoid sanding issue

After placing the new perforation, a series of injection test was done. 40 bbls of water was pumped
during MNFO injection to obtain closure pressure and reservoir quality estimate. Based on MNFO
analysis, Pc of 10,667 psi and transmissibility of 769 md.ft/cp were estimated.
A state of art hydraulic fracturing simulator was used to confirm fracture height and to release many
assumptions behind Pseudo-3D hydraulic fracturing simulator. Unlike Pseudo 3D modelling where
propagation and fluid flow are actually in 1D and height growth is calculated by equilibrium condition,
the simulator allows propagation and fluid flow in 2D which makes this simulator more accurate in
layered reservoirs than pseudo 3D. Based on the simulation, it is confirmed that the fracture height
estimation is in agreement with Temperature log and pressure history matching
OTC-25824-MS 19

Figure 21—MNFO Analysis at new perforated interval

Figure 22—Advanced Fracture Height simulation result

Post-frac performance analysis

Post-frac performance analysis methodologies are used based on the Darcy law and the Constant Fracture
Volume (CFV) technique. Darcy law is applied to calculate post-treatment skin. The results from this
technique will then be compared with Xf, conductivity, skin and CfD values that are computed from CFV
technique. The input variables for the CFV calculation are derived from the actual production data with
the correct pressure and proppant volume and reservoir property computed from pressure decline analysis
using MNFO techniques.
20 OTC-25824-MS

Darcy Law
Production performance of the well was compared with offset well targeting the same formation without
hydraulic fracturing. Production comparison has shown that post-frac production result of this well has 4.5
times higher productivity index and better skin compared to offset well.

Figure 23—Post-Frac Production comparison and skin with offset well

Constant Fracture Volume

The fundamental optimization concept of a proppant frac is based on the aspect ratio of fracture
half-length versus fracture width and was first proposed by Prats in 1961. The method calculates the
maximum rate for a fixed propped fracture volume in a circular area of radius re using an estimate for CfD.
More recent publications by Valko, Economides, Rueda, and Meyerhofer have reused the concept and
included the dimensionless productivity index term (JD) for rectangular reservoir shape. The CFV offers
a method to determine the fracture dimensions by calculating the optimum productivity index for a
specific proppant amount. To achieve the maximum productivity index, the amount of liquid and proppant
used for each stage in the pumping schedule must be determined according to the fracture dimensions
obtained from the CFV calculations. The proppant number, Nprop, is necessary for determining the fracture
geometry using the CFV. Nprop is used to find the maximum productivity index for a given proppant
amount. Subsequently, the CfD index that corresponds to the maximum productivity index can be
computed. Moreover, the penetration ratio, the fracture half-length, and the propped fracture width can
also be calculated. Table 6 shows all inputs required for the CVF method that includes actual production
rate, transmissibility calculated from MNFO analysis, the actual amount of proppant pumped, and
proppant permeability. The matching point of CfD vs JDwith corresponding Nprop is shown in Fig. 21.
OTC-25824-MS 21

Table 6 —Input parameter for CFV Analysis

Figure 24 —CFV matching JDand CFD

The CFV matches the result of skin -4.8 versus the estimated skin of -5.1 from Darcy Law and fracture
half-length of 275 ft versus post-frac geometry estimated of 270 ft. Percent gel damage is also estimated
to be low that shows significant improvement of retained permeability of novel fluid system compared to
conventional crosslinked fluid that typically has 50% damage to formation exposure.
Summary
This Paper illustrates the first successful application of Proppant Fracturing of the Pre-Khuff formations
in the Offshore Gulf region.
1. The First propped frac in UAE using Novel Fluid System HT Fluid was completed without major
operational or service quality issue.
22 OTC-25824-MS

2. The success has proven the commercial feasibility of developing the Pre-Khuff formations in the
Field and also has opened the door to further development of the Pre-Khuff in other regional fields.
3. Exclusive lesson learned from all phases of the project have been captured to allow unique value
proposition for upcoming Pre-Khuff stimulation treatments.
4. The new shear-tolerant high-temperature fracturing fluid was utilized to deliver a stable fluid
performance, flawless operation and less gel damage which lead to high proppant pack permea-
bility and high well productivity.
5. The Integrated workflows described in the paper enabled the optimization of the fracture design
and ensured maximum effective fracture length, which allowed for the commercial production
testing rates achieved.

Nomenclature
HPHT High Pressure High Temperature
1D MEM 1D Mechanical Earth Modelling
CMHPG Carboxy-methyl-hydroxy-propyl guar
HSP High Strength Proppant
Pr Reservoir Pressure [psi]
Pc Closure pressure [psi]
Rtrans Reservoir transmissibility [md.ft/cp]
Sh Minimum in-situ stress [psi]
HPHT High pressure high temperature
Pnet Net Pressure [psi]
Xf Fracture half-length [ft]
Nprop Proppant Number
KINT Intrinsic Permeability
CBL Cement bond log
MNFO Mini Fall-off
HHP Hydraulic Horse Power
Feff Fracture fluid efficiency [%]
G-function Nolte G-function analysis
Sv Overburden pressure [psi]
SH Maximum in-situ stress [psi]
PI Productivity Index [psi^2/scfd]
CfD Dimensionless Fracture conductivity
JD Dimensionless Productivity Index
CFV Constant Fracture Volume

Acknowledgments
The authors thank ADNOC for permission to publish this work and Schlumberger for support and
assistance in treatment design, evaluations, and operations.

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