Elimination of Near-Wellbore Tortuosities by Means of Hydrojetting

TLDR

Near‑wellbore tortuosity increases friction pressure loss, reduces production capacity, and impedes proppant placement, often causing premature screenouts. The study emphasizes that proper design and placement of perforations are essential for effective fracture initiation. Hydrojetting techniques, demonstrated in laboratory tests, are presented as a shaped‑charge perforating alternative to initiate fractures from deviated or horizontal wells. Employing hydrojetting in this manner leads to optimal well production.

Abstract

Abstract Near-wellbore tortuosity is one of many conditions that can cause additional friction pressure loss during the injection or production phase of a well. Production pressure loss reduces the potential production capacity of the well. In addition, difficulties with proppant placement are often attributed to the presence of tortuous fracture paths, which can lead to premature screenouts in the fracturing operation. This paper discusses the importance of proper design and placement of perforations to obtain good fracture initiation. By doing so, optimal well production can be attained. Practical implementations of hydrojetting techniques as a substitute for the shaped-charge perforating process are discussed. The formation of tortuosities and the use of hydrojetting are demonstrated through laboratory tests. Hydrojetting tools that are used to achieve a fracture initiation from deviated or horizontal wells are also discussed.