SIBBURMASH Group of Companies

Secondary Completion with Multistage Fracturing (MSF)

A technology for repeated multistage stimulation of an existing well: targeted treatment of new or under-treated reservoir intervals without drilling a new borehole.

Advantages

  • Bringing additional reserves into production. The technology makes it possible to target new, previously untapped reservoir zones (between already stimulated intervals or in less permeable interlayers), which yields a production increase.
  • Extending the well life cycle. Instead of drilling a new well, the technology is used to give a “second life” to an existing one when its productivity declines over time (due to proppant plugging, fines migration, ARPD or salt deposits).
  • Control flexibility. Modern solutions (reopenable full-bore sleeves, selective packers, chemical or dynamic diverters) make it possible to precisely choose which interval to stimulate next and, if necessary, isolate an already watered or gassy section.
  • Optimizing development of heterogeneous reservoirs. In reservoirs with high geological heterogeneity the technology helps selectively drain different interlayers, increasing the overall oil recovery factor.
  • Economic efficiency. Additional production without large-scale drilling reduces capital costs and improves the profitability of developing mature fields.

Specifications

  • filtration fineness: 1 to 0.4 mm
  • number of AICDs per filter: 1 to 4
  • filter element length: 3000 to 6000 mm
  • filter element type: mesh or wire-wrapped
  • size range (liner): 102 to 146 mm

Application area and experience

  • Mature fields. The main area — sustaining and increasing production where the well stock is already built but productivity is declining.
  • Low- and medium-permeability reservoirs. Where primary stimulation failed to fully unlock the reservoir potential, repeated MSF helps engage additional zones.
  • Anisotropic and heterogeneous reservoirs. When rock properties change along the borehole or across the pay thickness, the technology allows targeted work with different sections.
  • Wells with a horizontal section. Repeated MSF is especially relevant for horizontal boreholes: it is physically difficult to reach all zones, and special isolation and selective-stimulation methods are required.
  • Development adjustment. For example, if after primary MSF a fracture turned out to have entered a water- or gas-bearing horizon, the technology helps adjust the trajectory of further stimulation.