Background

Packers Plus deployed the StackFRAC® Slimhole completion system to support an operator that required a high stage count ball-activated refrac system to increase production from a well targeting the Lodgepole formation in western Manitoba.

In just a few months, Packers Plus completed design, simulation, prototyping and testing for several tools in the StackFRAC Slimhole system that created a large inner diameter (ID) throughout the wellbore and enabled the successful completion of the 24-stage system in just 10 hours.

Challenge

The targeted oil well was previously completed using a different multi-stage cemented completion technique on a 4.500-in. liner. In an effort to restimulate the reservoir and increase production from the well, the operator’s refrac program required installation of a refrac system on a 2.875in. liner with the capability to stimulate all 24 stages of the original completion.

While multi-stage ball-activated completion systems have proven to be a very effective and operationally efficient completion systems, they have historically faced some limitations when it comes to stage counts, specifically in refrac systems.

Solution

The StackFRAC Slimhole system is specially designed with a smaller liner outside diameter (OD), enabling operators to re-enter vertical or horizontal wells. This system provides a cost-effective solution for restimulation and well recovery applications by enabling exact placement of stimulation treatments in one continuous pumping operation, saving operators time and money.

Further modifications and optimizations of the tools have been made to meet current stimulation challenges that operators face such as stage counts, pressure rates, and increased sand tonnages. These changes were applied to the full product line for sweet and sour applications and 3.5 or 2.785-in. liner options are available as required to meet desired stimulation rates.

Key tools that makeup the StackFRAC Slimhole system include the Hydraulic Set RockSEAL® IIS Liner Hanger Packer, Tandem Hydraulic Packer, and the FracPORT™ HD-X Sleeve. Working closely with the operator, Packers Plus made modifications and optimizations of the tools, ensuring all changes were compatible with L80 steel and completing rigorous testing.

Results

The 24-stage StackFRAC Slimhole system was run on 2.875-in. liner in the previously completed well, which had a measured depth (MD) of 2,305 m. The stage lengths of the well ranged from 40 - 68 m and the 1/32-in. ball seat increments in the FracPORT HD-X Sleeves enabled the largest ID possible while selectively targeting every stage in the well.

After successful installation of the system, the completion was pumped in one continuous operation. Every sleeve opened and full treatment was delivered for a total of 906 m3 of fluid pumped in just over 10 hours. SF901 Dissolvable Balls were used to activate the FracPORT HD-X Sleeves in each stage during the completion to eliminate drillout and bring the well on production quicker.

Packers Plus is a leading supplier of lower completion solutions, providing field-proven stimulation technology for horizontal wells with superior production results in numerous formations around the world.