Alexey Yudin
Manager
TAQA
Alexey has graduated from NSU with masters degree in hydrodynamics. He has 24 years of extensive fracturing and stimulation exposure around the Globe including working on hi-tier projects in the Middle East. Currently with TAQA in charge of engineering team responsible for new technologies implementation, production optimization and knowledge sharing with young local talents.
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Primary Energy Supply
Opportunities for Oil & Gas Supply Growth - Shales, Oil Sands, New Basins Other Unconventionals
Forum 02 | Digital Poster Plaza 1
28
April
12:30
14:30
UTC+3
Objectives:
Conventional approaches to bottom hole pressure (BHP) calculations often suffer from inaccuracy due to a significant number of uncertainties of the fluid and tubular properties in real field operations, leading to a non-optimized decision-making process during critical operations. This paper introduces a novel methodology for calibrating friction data to enhance the precision of BHP calculations specifically tailored for hydraulic fracturing applications.
Method/Procedures:
The proposed approach integrates real-time friction data acquisition with advanced computational techniques to calibrate friction coefficients and accurately model the frictional losses incurred during fluid injection into the reservoir. By incorporating comprehensive consideration of wellbore geometry, fluid rheology, proppant characteristics, and operational parameters, the calibrated friction data significantly improves the fidelity of BHP predictions. Although the workflow was calibrated with bottom hole gauges data, most statistical data come from standard completions without extra cost. A significant difference in the approach was made after selecting a representative group based on pressure behavior at shut-in events.
Results/Observations/Conclusions:
Case studies illustrate the efficacy of the methodology in various hydraulic fracturing scenarios, showcasing its ability to optimize fracture designs, mitigate the risk of fracturing fluid diversion, and improve reservoir contact. Furthermore, the calibrated friction data facilitates the identification of potential wellbore integrity issues and enables proactive measures to enhance well performance and longevity. Considering the criticality of live decision-making for the expensive high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) operations in the environment with operations being held within a narrow pressure window, the approach represents significant importance to fracture placement success and overall field development. The method allowed to reduce uncertainty in decision-making by more than 60%. Implemented in over 100 hydraulic fracturing treatments across various geological formations and operational conditions; it allowed placing flawlessly to completion up to 5% additional fracturing stages by avoiding early flushing due to pressure uncertainties. Statistical analysis of the case studies from a diverse set of hydraulic fracturing scenarios, covering different reservoir types, depths, and fluid compositions revealed a mean absolute error reduction of 20% and a correlation coefficient improvement of 0.15 compared to conventional methods. Showcased up to 25% decrease in the risk of inefficient reservoir stimulation, contributing to safer and more effective hydraulic fracturing operations.
Novelty:
The integration of friction data calibration into BHP calculations during hydraulic fracturing operations represents a significant advancement in reservoir engineering practices, enabling operators to make informed decisions, maximize production efficiency, and optimize asset performance. This paper contributes to the ongoing efforts to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing operations in unlocking tight hydrocarbon resources in high-stress geological environments. An innovative approach based on water-hummer criteria was shown vital and reliable to optimize decision-making.
Conventional approaches to bottom hole pressure (BHP) calculations often suffer from inaccuracy due to a significant number of uncertainties of the fluid and tubular properties in real field operations, leading to a non-optimized decision-making process during critical operations. This paper introduces a novel methodology for calibrating friction data to enhance the precision of BHP calculations specifically tailored for hydraulic fracturing applications.
Method/Procedures:
The proposed approach integrates real-time friction data acquisition with advanced computational techniques to calibrate friction coefficients and accurately model the frictional losses incurred during fluid injection into the reservoir. By incorporating comprehensive consideration of wellbore geometry, fluid rheology, proppant characteristics, and operational parameters, the calibrated friction data significantly improves the fidelity of BHP predictions. Although the workflow was calibrated with bottom hole gauges data, most statistical data come from standard completions without extra cost. A significant difference in the approach was made after selecting a representative group based on pressure behavior at shut-in events.
Results/Observations/Conclusions:
Case studies illustrate the efficacy of the methodology in various hydraulic fracturing scenarios, showcasing its ability to optimize fracture designs, mitigate the risk of fracturing fluid diversion, and improve reservoir contact. Furthermore, the calibrated friction data facilitates the identification of potential wellbore integrity issues and enables proactive measures to enhance well performance and longevity. Considering the criticality of live decision-making for the expensive high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) operations in the environment with operations being held within a narrow pressure window, the approach represents significant importance to fracture placement success and overall field development. The method allowed to reduce uncertainty in decision-making by more than 60%. Implemented in over 100 hydraulic fracturing treatments across various geological formations and operational conditions; it allowed placing flawlessly to completion up to 5% additional fracturing stages by avoiding early flushing due to pressure uncertainties. Statistical analysis of the case studies from a diverse set of hydraulic fracturing scenarios, covering different reservoir types, depths, and fluid compositions revealed a mean absolute error reduction of 20% and a correlation coefficient improvement of 0.15 compared to conventional methods. Showcased up to 25% decrease in the risk of inefficient reservoir stimulation, contributing to safer and more effective hydraulic fracturing operations.
Novelty:
The integration of friction data calibration into BHP calculations during hydraulic fracturing operations represents a significant advancement in reservoir engineering practices, enabling operators to make informed decisions, maximize production efficiency, and optimize asset performance. This paper contributes to the ongoing efforts to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing operations in unlocking tight hydrocarbon resources in high-stress geological environments. An innovative approach based on water-hummer criteria was shown vital and reliable to optimize decision-making.
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Infrastructure
Supply Chain Management
Forum 11 | Digital Poster Plaza 2
30
April
10:00
12:00
UTC+3
Objectives 75: One of the pillars of hydraulic fracturing services is the tailored supply chain workflows. Localization strengthens supply chain elements by procuring parts and services locally which plays a massive role in terms of pricing, lead time, and storage. This study addresses a case history located in KSA for a hydraulic fracturing operations start-up and evaluates how effective supply chain management can result in a significant synergy and improved service delivery of hydraulic fracturing operations.
Methodology 100: The method starts by describing the fracturing operations start-up from zero to 200 plus employees and to building two complete heavy-weight frac packages with capabilities to deliver high-end fracturing services at extreme pressure and temperature. A robust supply-chain organization, which includes the industry standards and business processes, enabled the supply-chain workflow to be more effective both internally within the company and externally. Key metrics that were considered in this study included cost reduction, lead time requirement and materials/product quality. The study will show how the solid and well-followed procurement standards led to cost reduction and lead time optimization.
Results 200: Supply chain and logistics management for hydraulic fracturing included procurement and delivery of the required materials at minimum cost. A strategic plan was initiated to request proposals from local and international suppliers for a specific scope for the high-spend products. 24 vendors, out of 49 invited vendors, submitted their proposals including technical data, prices, and incoterms. An initial saving percentage exceeded 40% by selecting domestic chemical manufacturers and committing to a certain purchase over a planned operational period. Overall, materials cost from direct and indirect suppliers was reduced by more than 20% within 12 months period. A significant reduction of lead time was achieved through several initiatives including the reduction of in-kingdom stock. For instance, personal protective equipment supply process was reduced by more than 70%.
Novelty 75: This paper evaluates, for the first time, how effective supply chain and procurement processes can positively reflect on fracturing operations start-ups. It also spotlights the importance of localization in terms of materials supply and spare part and maintenance readiness.
Methodology 100: The method starts by describing the fracturing operations start-up from zero to 200 plus employees and to building two complete heavy-weight frac packages with capabilities to deliver high-end fracturing services at extreme pressure and temperature. A robust supply-chain organization, which includes the industry standards and business processes, enabled the supply-chain workflow to be more effective both internally within the company and externally. Key metrics that were considered in this study included cost reduction, lead time requirement and materials/product quality. The study will show how the solid and well-followed procurement standards led to cost reduction and lead time optimization.
Results 200: Supply chain and logistics management for hydraulic fracturing included procurement and delivery of the required materials at minimum cost. A strategic plan was initiated to request proposals from local and international suppliers for a specific scope for the high-spend products. 24 vendors, out of 49 invited vendors, submitted their proposals including technical data, prices, and incoterms. An initial saving percentage exceeded 40% by selecting domestic chemical manufacturers and committing to a certain purchase over a planned operational period. Overall, materials cost from direct and indirect suppliers was reduced by more than 20% within 12 months period. A significant reduction of lead time was achieved through several initiatives including the reduction of in-kingdom stock. For instance, personal protective equipment supply process was reduced by more than 70%.
Novelty 75: This paper evaluates, for the first time, how effective supply chain and procurement processes can positively reflect on fracturing operations start-ups. It also spotlights the importance of localization in terms of materials supply and spare part and maintenance readiness.
