First Multistage Hydraulic Fracturing in Russian Offshore: Integrated Approach to Completion and Stimulation of Apt Deposits of V.Filanovsky Field

Abstract The paper describes the results of the first multistage hydraulic fracturing operations in Russia on the Caspian Sea shelf in the gas condensate and oil deposits of the Aptian formation of V. Filanovsky field. In addition to the small productive formation depth, long horizontal sections with a complex trajectory and high collapse gradients due to large zenith angles when passing the Albian and Aptian deposits of poorly consolidated sandstones are an additional challenge for choosing a multistage hydraulic fracturing assembly. The above features require the use of modern sand control screens with enhanced frac sleeves. A design was developed which includes frac sleeves and sand control screens that can withstand multiple cycles of hydraulic impact during hydraulic fracturing, as well as many opening/closing cycles. A seawater-based frac fluid system was applied. The frac fleet was located on a pontoon, the coiled tubing – on a platform. For the first time in Russia, a 2-5/8 inch coiled tubing with a complex-type friction reducing system was used to switch coupling/sleeves in conditions of very long horizontal sections, complex trajectories, and high friction coefficients. The minimum distances between the screen's sliding sleeves and frac sleeves did not prevent from performing manipulations in complex environment. For well cleaning, the frac assemblies of reverse rotary-pulse and rotary-directional types were used. At the first stage of the project, the development of an optimal method of well completion was successfully implemented. Due to the close interaction of the operating company, service company, and science & engineering team of the operator, for the first time in Russia the design of downhole equipment with the use of advanced technologies of sand control screens, frac sleeves was presented. This solution has proved its effectiveness – the downhole equipment has retained its operational properties after a long period of well operation and further in the process of hydraulic fracturing. At the second stage of the project, 32 MSHF operations were performed at four wells. To reduce nonproductive time and operational risks, a satellite communication complex was additionally deployed on the pontoon to join the engineering centers of Astrakhan, Moscow, and Houston. After finishing the well development, the design indicators for formation fluid rates were achieved, which proved the effectiveness of the stimulation of the field's target objects – this opens great prospects for further development of low-permeability reservoirs at offshore sites in the Caspian Sea. The successful project implementation and the achievement of the design values of oil flow rates has expanded the possibilities of commercial operation of the low-permeable Aptian formation, complicated by the presence of a gas cap and underlying water. A solution was presented for working in extended horizontal well sections with 2-5/8 inch coiled tubing together with a complex-type mechanical friction reducing system. The economic effect was achieved when solving tasks of manipulating mechanical screen couplings and frac port sleeves without the involvement of downhole tractors. The use of new solutions in the completion assembly made it possible to eliminate additional sand ingress problems.