Methods for stimulating hydrocarbon production
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsKevin W. England, Curtis L. Boney, Matthew J. Miller
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Abstract
Methods are provided for stimulation of hydrocarbon production from low permeability formations by hydraulic fracturing, acid fracturing, and hydraulic fracturing followed by gravel packing in a single operation. The methods use a first injected viscous pad made with low concentration uncrosslinked polymer to initiate and propagate the fracture and control fluid loss, followed by a second injected fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant for carrying proppant or acid into the fracture.
Claims29
A method of stimulating production of fluids from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore comprising:
- i) first injecting a first fluid comprising:
- a) an aqueous carrier fluid;
- and
- b) an uncrosslinked polymer at a concentration of less than about 15 pounds per thousand gallons fluid;
- and then
- ii) injecting a second fluid comprising a thickening amount of a viscoelastic surfactant.
A method of stimulating production of fluids from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore comprising:
- i) first injecting a first fluid comprising:
- a) an aqueous carrier fluid;
- and
- b) an uncrosslinked polymer at a concentration of less than about 15 pounds per thousand gallons fluid;
- and
- ii) injecting a second fluid comprising a thickening amount of a surfactant.
A method of stimulating production of fluids from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore comprising:
- i) injecting a first fluid comprising a hydrocarbon gelling compound and a gellable oil;
- and
- ii) injecting a second fluid comprising a thickening amount of a viscoelastic surfactant.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.