Unlocking Hidden Oil: How Hydraulic Fracturing Is Changing the Game
"Discover how innovative hydraulic fracturing techniques are breathing new life into old oil fields, boosting reserves and challenging conventional wisdom."
In the world of oil and gas, low prices often mean budget cuts for exploration and development. This can lead to a decline in reserve balances, pushing companies to find creative ways to boost their resources. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has emerged as a powerful tool to unlock previously uneconomical reservoirs. It's a method that allows companies to revisit existing wells and tap into reserves that were once considered out of reach.
One such project is taking place in the Karim Small Fields (KSF) in Oman, where the Karim formation is being re-evaluated using advanced fracturing techniques. This formation, particularly the Lower Khaleel segment, was initially deemed too challenging to develop economically. However, innovative approaches are now turning this perception on its head.
The Khaleel formation, a sandstone layer about 2000 meters deep, has fair porosity and permeability but a low recovery factor of less than 5%. Traditional development plans have largely ignored it due to disappointing production results. But with the advent of modern hydraulic fracturing, this is changing.
Overcoming Challenges in the Karim Formation
Developing the Khaleel formation isn't without its hurdles. The wells weren't initially designed for fracturing operations, leading to challenges related to well trajectory, completion condition, and data availability. Understanding the formation's water source and its connection to the Khaleel adds another layer of complexity. To address these issues, the project was divided into three phases: feasibility and technical study, fracturing trials and evaluation, and fracturing understanding and optimization.
- Assessing fracturing feasibility and effectiveness at the targeted zones.
- Understanding the correlation between fracturing and water production.
- Exploring refracturing possibilities using conventional and new fracturing technologies.
The Future of Fracturing in the Karim Formation
The success of these initial hydraulic fracturing treatments has sparked a shift in perception, proving that even challenging formations like the Karim can be economically viable. The initial estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) for the Karim formation is now being revised upwards, reflecting the potential for significant reserve additions. Moving forward, the project will continue to use the same rigorous candidate selection workflow to minimize errors and maximize success. The focus will also expand to exploring hydraulic fracturing treatments in other fields within KSF, potentially unlocking even more of Oman's oil reserves.