Far-Field Diversion in Hydraulic Fracturing and Acid Fracturing: Using Solid Particulates to Improve Stimulation Efficiency

Abstract The industry has long recognized the need to divert stimulation fluids away from a path of least resistance into one that stimulates new/more reservoir volume. However, relatively little research has been published specifically on the application of solid particulate diverters to increase fracture complexity in the far-field and to control fluid loss in acid fracturing. As the industry focuses more on well economics and increasing stage efficiency, proper engineering and application of far-field dissolvable solid particulate diversion technologies can increase overall well productivity in propped hydraulic fracturing and acid fracturing applications. To support the concept of far-field diversion in propped hydraulic fracturing and acid fracturing, laboratory studies including bridging tests, diversion efficiency through permeability reduction, and dissolution rates have been performed. To enhance these studies, operational guidelines and engineering the field application will help determine when different types of diversion can improve efficiency. Combining the information learned from laboratory testing and the new operational efficiency guidelines, a recommendation will be presented on the optimal way to run dissolvable solid particulate diverters in order to increase reservoir contact in the far-field. Multiple techniques exist to increase fracture complexity in the industry today. However, chemical diversion using solid particulates with an optimized particle size distribution enables the ability to reach more hydrocarbons in the reservoir. In addition, an advanced solid particulate diverter will be discussed for propped fracturing which includes the combination of particulate diverter material and a specially designed proppant to keep the fracture network open in the far-field.