How Focused ReStim Saved a Permian Basin Operator $2.5 Million
In the Permian Basin, a vertical salt-water disposal (SWD) well, drilled in 2011, faced significant challenges. Initially completed with nine selectively perforated zones, the well injected 1,000 barrels of salt water per day (BWPD) into the San Andres formation. As new wellbores came online, the operator needed to increase the injection capacity, but the well had reached its maximum injection pressure. Previous attempts to increase capacity using "bullheading" from the surface failed due to limited wellbore coverage as most of the acid treatment went into just one or two zones.
The Challenge
The SWD well required an increased injection capacity to handle additional water disposal volumes. The existing method of injection was insufficient, reaching maximum pressure and limiting volume to 1,000 BWPD.
The Solution: EXCITE Platform
The EXCITE platform optimized the acid treatment strategy:
Acid Treatment: 4,000 gallons of 15% HCL acid in six predetermined zones.
Deployment: Use the EXCITE System to convey treatment downhole and individually re-stimulate each stage on a single trip
Configuration: Used conventional tubing with packers set 80 feet apart, treating all intervals in a single run.
Activation: Set at a 3 BPM pump rate, ensuring fluid circulation between intervals.
Results
Increased Injection Rate: Achieved 5 BPM (7,200 BWPD) at near vacuum pressure.
Pressure Reduction: Injection pressure dropped significantly, lowering operational costs.
Cost Savings: Eliminated the need for a new SWD well, saving $2.5 million.
The EXCITE platform effectively increased the injection capacity of the SWD well, reducing pressure and operational costs, and saving the operator $2.5 million. This case demonstrates the value of innovative well stimulation techniques in enhancing efficiency and reducing costs in the oil and gas industry.