Viscoelastic Surfactant Based Systems in the Niagaran Formation

Kristopher A. Kreh
BJ Services Co., Gaylord, MI 49735, [email protected]

The Niagaran formation in the Michigan basin is comprised of Silurian age Pinnacle reefs. It is a heterogeneous carbonate formation with the majority being Dolomite. There are two Niagaran plays in Michigan, the Northern Play and the Southern Play. Past stimulation treatments on the Niagaran have consisted of mainly Hydrochloric Acid at concentrations of 15-28%. Most treatments were kept to matrix conditions due to water zones in close proximity. These treatments usually yield marginal results due to the acid being spent mostly near well bore. Gelled, crosslinked or emulsified acid are good solutions for this problem but can also leave some damage behind. Acid gelled with surfactants can yield similar results and be easier to clean up. This paper will provide some background on the Niagaran formation and historical treatments. The paper will explain the chemistry behind viscoelastic surfactant based systems and will provide detailed descriptions of the benefits of these types of system. Production data from a well treated with both a conventional acid job and a Viscoelastic surfactant acid job will be discussed. The paper will then conclude with a few words on the economics behind Viscoelastic systems.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90095©2009 AAPG Eastern Section Meeting, Evansville, Indiana, September 20-22, 2009