Abstract Traditionally, formations with permeabilities greater than 100 md are not considered as candidates for hydraulic fracturing stimulation. This perception is based on the idea that the increased effective wellbore radius is not needed in high permeability formations.
This paper proposes that, if properly designed and performed, hydraulic fracturing benefits extend beyond the increased effective wellbore radius. These benefits include; extending the wellbore beyond the drilling damaged zone eliminating the need for further stimulation, increased productivity in wells limited by drawdown, and increased productivity with a higher flowing bottom-hole pressure which hinders water encroachment in edge water drive systems.
This work is based on field data and computer simulations from the Gulf of Mexico area. These high permeability wells were hydraulically fractured and gravel packed using the FracPac system. Fracture design and operational implementation strategy, including post completion flow rate and period, will be presented in this paper. Moreover, NODALTM analysis, well test, and production data will be presented. Well test and production data have shown that hydraulic fractures associated with the sand control system, have significantly impacted wells' performance and achieved the desired objectives.
P. 321