Gazprom Neft says its subsidiary has performed multiple hydraulic fracturing operations for the first time in horizontal wells drilled into carbonate reservoirs in the eastern area of Orenburg oil and gas-condensate field.
Gazprom Neft Orenburg’s efforts in the field are part of the company’s tight reserves program. The drilling of horizontal wells using multiple fracing “is the key technology for development of tight reserves,” the company said, adding that the multistage borehole operations increase oil recovery by impacting individual strata one at a time.
The company conducted five-stage fracing operations on two wells, and estimates combined average flow rate of both wells will total 80 tonnes/day via natural flow. The company said horizontal length reached 600 m.
Acid multiple fracing involves metered injection of a gelatinous compound and inhibited hydrochloric acid into the stratum.
Gazprom Neft said the east area of Orenburg field is unique and one of the largest fields in the Orenburg region. Development of the field is complicated primarily by its geological characteristics, since fractured carbonate reservoirs with a high gas-oil ratio and hydrogen sulfide content predominate at the field.