Fracturing - Engineered Solutions Horizontal Fracturing The technological innovations in horizontal fracturing developed throughout the industry over the past few years have been significant, and Trican has contributed its fair share to this profusion. Because of the increased well lengths made possible when drilling horizontally, multistage and selective fracturing are essential. Trican has developed numerous technologies to improve efficiencies and reduce cost for our customers.
Continuous Multi-Zone Fracturing Horizontal wellbores with multiple intervals can be fractured in one continuous treatment, with each interval stimulated separately using an open hole external packer system. The installation of these systems requires a special liner to be placed into the wellbore with ports at each interval, separated by external packers. Starting with the toe of the wellbore, the intervals are fractured one at a time, and at the end of each frac stage, a ball is dropped that opens the next interval’s port and isolates the previous zone.
Limited Entry Fracturing In the event that there are multiple tight gas formations contained in a single wellbore, a technique termed “Limited Entry Fracturing” can be employed. Through the considerable extent of our fracturing experience, Trican has developed an application that realistically predicts the manner in which these fractures will occur in a limited entry scenario. The use of this technique and its proper application allows the distribution of sand-laden fracturing fluids to each of these formations in a single, high rate pumping operation.
Coiled Tubing Fracturing In Coiled Tubing Fracturing, multiple zones are selectively isolated and fractured. Perforating all potential intervals in one rig in, and then selectively stimulating all intervals in one day, reduces the time required to place a well on production. Rather than completing one fracture at a time, all zones are flowed back and cleaned up simultaneously. Not only does selective Coiled Tubing Fracturing significantly reduce the number of sand clean-outs required, but smaller, more frequent treatments will effectively increase gas production and reserves (over 30 fractures per well have been done successfully).
Acid Fracturing Acid fracturing involves the high rate injection of a variety of HCl-based solutions. The acidizing fluids dissolve a portion of rock relative to the volume injected, and result in large, etched channels that remain open after the fracture heals. The key to a successful acid fracture treatment is in its application and in the choice of the appropriate and compatible acid blend. Trican has developed many “fit–for–purpose” acidizing additives that have enabled the use of high strength acids in areas where it was previously thought impossible, such as in concentrations of up to 28 percent.
Foam Fracturing with Nitrogen and C02 When stimulating gas reservoirs, care must be taken to select a fracture fluid that limits damage and preserves the quality of the reservoir. Increased water saturation in the fracture leak-off area is the primary damage mechanism when fracturing gas wells, and this reduces the reservoir’s relative permeability to gas. Energized frac fluids are used to enhance cleanup and to maintain the gas saturation in the leak-off area (i.e. prevent fluid retention). Nitrified foam used as a frac fluid minimizes the amount of liquid placed in the formation and enables rapid cleanup in low pressure reservoirs. With CO2 frac fluids, Trican’s experience indicates CO2 Crosslinked Water is an effective and economical stimulation fluid for many gas reservoirs, but when fluid retention is a problem, Emulsified CO2 (foam) offers the best results.
Hydrocarbon-based (non–phosphorus) Fracturing An ongoing concern for oil refineries has been tower fouling from phosphorous associated with the use of gelled hydrocarbon frac fluid. As a result, oil containing more than the regulated amount of volatile phosphorous cannot be shipped to refineries (in Canada). The Catalyst Frac system addresses this concern by completely removing the phosphorous from its chemical structure, while still providing excellent viscosity, superior regain permeability and low friction pressure. It is also ideal for use in water-sensitive formations.
Liquid CO2 Fracturing Trican has designed and built a significantly improved blender used for 100% Liquid Carbon Dioxide fracturing. This fracturing technique is an excellent formation evaluation tool when formation damage due to fluid retention is suspected. Trican’s CO2 Blender has fewer tank bottoms than conventional CO2 blenders and can run separately for small jobs since it has the capability of hauling sand to location. Savings are realized on sand transport and CO2, which can be passed on to our customers.
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