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 Operators are fracking tight oil reservoirs and getting great results. What happens when the flush production dies off? What enhanced recovery options can be used after fracking? Fracking one horizontal well can use a million gallons of water for frack fluid and can cost $3 million. But such an operation can bring over 100 bopd from rock that has permeability of less than 1 mD. Some operators even opine that fracking is a type enhanced recovery. But after the pressure in the fractured, stimulated rock volume is depleted, it recovery finished? Some operators are flooding these ultra-tight reservoirs. Some inject gas – some inject air – some inject water. Whatever the injection fluid, the placement of pattern relative to the directional permeability of the formation is very important. The fracturing process will open up natural joints and fractures in the matrix creating a short cut path for gas. In such circumstances, a poorly placed horizontal producer can gas or water out very quickly after the start of injection. There is a key to getting a great “after-life” for formations exploited with multi-fractured horizontal wells. That key is understanding the rock’s preferential fracture direction. What can be done to enhance recovery from pools exploited with multi-fractured horizontal wells? Toe-to-heel injection schemes are showing some promise. Fracturing parallel to the horizontal well is also proven technology. One big mistake operators may regret for a long time: Assume that every formation is homogeneous and fracture direction doesn’t matter. Call Proven’s enhanced recovery experts for examples of horizontal multi-fratured successes and failures. We can help you improve your chances for a great “after-life” for your pool. ~Granger J. Low |
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