Hydraulic Fracturing Process for Deviated Wellbores

Abstract

A method of stimulating an interval in a hydrocarbon reservoir equipped with a deviated wellbore having a casing, wherein said interval comprises at least two sequential stages in said wellbore without isolation means, said method comprising:i) introducing a first stageii) introducing a second stage in the same wellborewherein said first stage, and second stage are not separated by any isolation means; and optionallyiii) recovering hydrocarbon from said hydrocarbon reservoir to a surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention is directed to a method of fracturing a plurality of stages, without the need of any isolation or diversion means, in a subterranean formation from a deviated wellbore penetrating a hydrocarbon containing formation.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In the production of hydrocarbons from subterranean rock formations penetrated by wellbores, a commonly used technique for stimulating such production is to create and extend fractures in the formations. Most often, the fractures are created by applying hydraulic pressure to the subterranean formations from the wellbores penetrating them. That is, a fracturing fluid or a combination of fluids are pumped through the wellbore and into a formation to be fractured at a rate and pressure such that the resultant hydraulic pressure exerted on the formation causes one or more fractures to be created therein and / or extends any existing fractures (natural or otherwise) in the formation. The fractures are ex...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a method for preparing a hydrocarbon reservoir for production without using mechanical devices such as plugs or diverters to isolate previous frac intervals from current frac intervals. Instead, the method reduces the frequency of using these tools and eliminates the need for these tools in practical application. By using a continuous process with select fire type perforating devices and pressure differences / rock stress changes, the method allows for effective preparation of the hydrocarbon reservoir for hydrocarbon production while reducing the time-consuming process of fracturing operations.

Problems solved by technology

The cost of stimulating production from horizontal wellbores often requires hydraulic fracture stimulation for the well to be commercial.

The cost of hydraulic fracture equipment and wellbore intervention equipment required for these operations are often based on the amount of time the equipment is on location regardless of whether the equipment is in use.

The operations performed during this time are often wellbore preparation such as setting plugs and perforating the pipe while the fracturing equipment is shut down and nonproductive.

The use of isolation or diversion means at each stage is costly, both financially and temporally.

It is known that the removal of a plug is more expensive than the setting of the plug.

The time involved in drilling out the plugs is also costly.

Furthermore, the use of diesel fuel or other hydrocarbon energy sources used to drive pumps and machinery during drilling operations to remove the plugs and the associated waste may have a negative impact on the environment.

Some of the costs associated with the prior art processes include (but are not limited to): cost of setting a bridge plug; cost of the bridge plug; cost of drilling out bridge plugs; cost of surface equipment; cost of fluids pumped plus expendables such as bits motors etc.

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