Open-Channel Fracturing—A Fast Track to Production

Oilfield Review Autumn 2011: 23, no. 3. Copyright © 2011 Schlumberger. ClearFRAC and HiWAY are marks of Schlumberger. In 1947, Stanolind Oil & Gas performed the first experimental hydraulic fracturing treatment in the Hugoton field in southwestern Kansas, USA. Since then, E&P companies have employed this reservoir stimulation technique extensively to enhance or prolong well productivity. Indeed, many fields producing today would not be economically viable without the benefits provided by hydraulic fracturing. During a fracturing treatment, specialized equipment pumps fluid into a well faster than it can escape into the formation. Pressure on the formation rises until it breaks down, or fractures (below). Continued pumping causes the fracture to propagate away from the wellbore, increasing the formation surface area from which hydrocarbons can flow into the wellbore. This helps the well achieve a