Considered approach improves hydraulic fracturing in horizontal open holes

One of the key elements of successful exploitation of tight gas reservoirs is the ability to fracture wells according to plan and production requirements. Most plans call for placement of multiple transverse fractures at specific locations within the horizontal well. Given the low productivity of these wells, the ability to successfully create multiple fractures is of paramount importance.A popular method of creating multiple fractures is to use frac ports and sliding sleeves. Open hole packers isolate different segments of the horizontal well. A sliding sleeve is placed between each packer pair and is opened by injecting a ball inside the borehole. Seating of the ball exerts pressure at the end of the sliding sleeve assembly, causing it to slide and open the frac ports.Once the port is opened, fluid is diverted into the open hole space outside the completion assembly, causing the formation to fracture. Proper operation of open hole fracturing systems requires attention to several wellbore environmental considerations.