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The channel fracturing technique combines fit-for-purpose fracture modeling, materials and pumping methods to generate a network of highly conductive channels within the proppant pack. These channels expedite the delivery of hydrocarbons from the reservoir to the wellbore and allow for improved effective stimulated reservoir volumes. Observed benefits from more than 800 treatments performed to date in four different countries (USA - Eagle Ford, Lance and Clear Fork formations, Argentina - Sierras Blancas formation, Mexico - Burgos Basin, and Russia - Western Siberia) include sustained increases in production (typically 10-50%) and estimated recovery (typically in excess of 13%) relative to wells fractured with conventional methods. It has also been observed that the technique allows for more reliable job execution: Incidence of near-wellbore screen-outs with the channel fracturing technique is below 0.3%, in contrast with the average rate for conventional methods in the areas in which it has been implemented (5%).

 

This presentation will review basic aspects of this breakthrough technology and summarize relevant case histories in unconventional (tight and shale plays) and conventional reservoirs, both in vertical and horizontal completions.