Hydraulic Fracturing a Reservoir in Proximity to a Water Zone – Oman Case History

Hydraulic fracturing is a challenge when the reservoir is adjacent to a water zone as it will extremely limit hydrocarbon production. The challenge becomes tougher when there is no stress barrier below the reservoir to contain the fracture. Several technologies have been applied by the oil and gas industry such as reducing injecting rate, using low viscosity, employing dual viscosity/density fracturing fluids, perforation location, and using proppant settling with dual fracturing treatment. The focus of this paper is to achieve two objectives; 1) place a long hydraulic fracture in the pay zone, and 2) avoid penetrating nearby water zone. This paper presents the proppant settling concept with essential augmentation that makes it a novel technology. The paper provides the oil and gas industry with a successful case history on fracturing low permeability reservoirs situated close to a water zone.