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Australian Energy Producers Journal Australian Energy Producers Journal Society
Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Innovative borehole treatment utilising inflatable packer straddle system technology

Arthur Loginov A and Morteza Aminkhaki A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

TAM International Australia

The APPEA Journal 56(1) 219-224 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ15016
Published: 2016

Abstract

Open hole fracturing and acid stimulation utilising the traditional cemented liner and hydro jet perforations or mechanical packers with ball-activated frac sleeves have been deployed successfully in the US and Canada for years. One of the primary concerns about the conventional liner methods is assurance of knowing where the fracture or acid is placed. There is no way to determine if there is adequate annular isolation to ensure the planned treatments are placed in the zone of interest.

In cased holes, conventional methods to stimulate perforated zones through matrix and fracture acidising would require isolating and stimulating each zone separately in multiple trips. Otherwise, bull-heading treatments with large volumes of fluid would make it difficult to control the penetration rate into the fractures, and zones could not be selectively acidised. To eliminate these issues, an inflatable packer straddle system was run in eight tight CSG reservoirs in the Bowen Basin (Queensland). The system was run to stimulate these reservoirs in two vertical wells with cased hole perforations.

It is understood that this was the first use of this process in Australian CSG wells.

This paper addresses the main considerations of tool operation, case histories highlighting job procedures, and lessons learned from previous operations. It also addresses the use of other tools with the straddle system and possible modifications to the system to make it suitable for operational conditions where higher rates and abrasive sand-laden fluids are required.

Arthur Loginov is a Technical Manager for TAM International, and is based in Houston, Texas. He started with TAM in 2011 after 12 years with Weatherford and 19 years with Baker in the completions area. Arthur specialises in topics including sand control, fishing, intelligent completions, HP/HT, inflatables, and cementing.

art.loginov@tamintl.com

Morteza Aminkhaki is a Senior Technical Advisor for TAM International in the Asia Pacific region, and is based in Perth. He joined TAM in 2014, with an overall 10 years of experience in oilfield services, including five years with Weatherford. Morteza specialises as an engineer and lecturer in downhole hydraulics calculations for oil tool design and drilling solutions including packers and anchors, mills, whipstocks, downhole rentals, fishing tools, liner hangers, and cementing equipment.

Morteza.Aminkhaki@tamintl.com