--> Abstract: Perforating for Stimulation ... an Engineered Solution, by Robert S. Lestz; #90914(2000)

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

Robert S. Lestz1
(1) Chevron, Houston, TX

Abstract: Perforating for stimulation ... an engineered solution

On an eight-well program in the Lobo trend of the lower Wilcox group, Chevron has saved more than $1 million on fracture-stimulation expense by perforating a 5-ft interval (procedure referred to as "point source perforating") at the lower edge of the pay zone. Although the producing intervals in Chevron's operating area of the Lobo trend range up to 110 feet long, Chevron perforated only the bottom 5 feet of the interval of the eight wells and fracture-stimulated these perforations with about 45% the amount of proppant usually pumped when Chevron followed conventional practices and perforated along the entire interval. Production from the eight wells was initially higher and sustained production has been greater than from conventionally stimulated wells of similar potential. There was less proppant flow-back observed on the eight wells than in wells conventionally perforated. This case-history paper presents: · a historical account of previous practices followed (limited entry, multiple-stage fracturing, full-zone perforating) · illustration and discussion of the "point source" fracturing technique now used · head-to-head comparative production results · formation evaluation (logs, bottom-hole gauges) methods used · perforating methods (phasing, charges)

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90914©2000 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana