Integrated Workflow with Experimentation, Modeling, and Field Studies Enhances Fracture Diversion Design in Carbonate Reservoirs

Multiple near-wellbore diverters and their applications exist in the industry. However, understanding of their effectiveness in carbonate acid fracturing applications still has unanswered questions, mainly due to the lack of knowledge on how the fracture width develops at entry points with continuous acid dissolution. This continuum needs to be understood through integrated modeling and experimentation at the yard-scale, and field-scale perspectives. An advanced numerical model was used to analyze the width development in varying calcite/dolomite fractions and acid concentrations. A robust diversion pill was developed during extensive testing, and its performance was validated in the laboratory using a slot test. The goal was to create a system with reliable bridging ability and low permeability to ensure isolation. Multimodal particles help to ensure effective bridging and plug stability. A similar bridging test was conducted at the yard scale with a small pump and low-pressure line setup leading to an 8-mm inside diameter pipe. Results from the laboratory were validated in the yard test to see parameters affecting the bridging. Finally, a well-specific robust workflow was constructed for diversion pill design. Modeling done on a high-resolution fracture hydrodynamics and in-situ kinetics model showed that width development in different scenarios varied from 1.5 to 3.0 mm. Laboratory testing was performed in 0.31- to 063-inch width rectangular slots to normalize the flow rate/area of the cross section, and the plug experienced pressure up to 1,200 psi for several hours at temperatures from 115 to 205°F. No extrusion was observed during the test, which is a valid indicator of plug stability. Sensitivity to flow conditions and carrier fluid properties were estimated. The diversion slurry was mixed in a 0.5 wt% solution of guar gum and displaced at pump rates 100 to 999 ml/min. A yard test was designed to see the bridging of the pill at various concentrations of 75 to 300 lbm/1,000 gal and rates of 0.5 to 3 gal/min. All the laboratory- and yard-scale experimental findings were combined with field case studies to understand fracture bridging for dynamic diversion applications. A workflow using modeling and advanced volumetrics design was devised to enhance the diversion success in field applications. This led to formulating a parametric design measure β, which showed direct correlation and effectiveness on the diversion process. This study gives a 360° solution-based understanding of diversion physics. The proposed combination of mechanical and chemical diversion is a cost-effective method for multistage fracturing. Current comprehensive research involving digitized cores and advanced modeling has significant potential to make this a reliable method to develop tight carbonate formations around the globe.