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Large-Scale Acid Fracturing Based on a Large-Scale Conductivity Apparatus
Zhifeng Luo1, Xiang Chen1, Liqiang Zhao1
1State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China.
Large-scale tests reveal acid-etched fracture conductivity in dolomite formations differs from small-scale tests. This novel approach provides more realistic data for effective carbonate reservoir development.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Geochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Acid fracturing is crucial for stimulating dolomite formations, but small-scale conductivity tests often yield inaccurate results compared to field production.
- Existing studies have limitations in accurately assessing acid-etched fracture conductivity due to scale effects and core heterogeneity.
- Understanding the true conductivity is vital for optimizing commercial development of carbonate reservoirs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the conductivity of acid-etched fractures using a novel large-scale apparatus.
- To compare large-scale test results with traditional small-scale methods and field observations.
- To explore the influence of various parameters on fracture morphology and conductivity.
Main Methods:
- Development and utilization of a novel large-scale apparatus (1000 mm fracture) for acid etching and conductivity testing.
- Analysis of etched core morphology, including channel diversity and groove characteristics.
- Systematic testing under varying conditions: acid type, concentration, temperature, and injection rate.
Main Results:
- Large-scale tests demonstrated conductivity values dissimilar to small-scale tests, aligning better with field production.
- Observed diverse and complex etched morphologies, including deep channels and wavy grooves, reflecting reservoir heterogeneity.
- Increasing injection rates induced unique etching patterns (scale-shaped wavy, pelviform) due to flow dynamics.
- Surface roughness significantly influenced nonuniform etching, enhancing overall fracture conductivity.
Conclusions:
- The novel large-scale apparatus provides a more realistic assessment of acid-etched fracture conductivity in carbonate reservoirs.
- Small-scale conductivity tests exhibit experimental deviations, necessitating the use of larger-scale methods for accurate stimulation design.
- Findings confirm that field treatments are limited by pressure rather than injection rate, offering critical insights for reservoir development.
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