Packers Plus openhole stimulation system cuts completion time/costs in Argentina

CALGARY -- Packers Plus Energy Services helped an operator stimulate a formation with an openhole multi-stage ball-drop system in Argentina's Loma La Lata field 30 times faster compared to a traditional plug-and-perf method. The cost-effective completion technology effectively stimulates multiple stages thereby increasing access to the reservoir, while reducing overall stimulation time. Additionally, openhole completions have been proven to increase induced fracture complexity and provide superior connection to the reservoir.

Packers Plus President, Ian Bryant said "The operator wanted a completion system that was more time efficient, as well as a system that would avoid proppant over-displacement and its negative effect on production, whilst lowering operational risk." "We are pleased to have delivered on both counts and look forward to continuing to optimize completions for operators in the region."

The completion, which would have taken an estimated 220 hr using a coiled tubing plug-and-perf technique, was successfully completed in just seven hr with the StackFRAC HD system, averaging one stage/hr. This saved the operator approximately $280,000USD. The frac spread utilization rate was 85% of total completion time. Because the system uses a continuous pumping operation and does not require trips between stages, the operator was able to control fluid placement, avoiding proppant over-displacement, and the potential risk associated with multiple coiled tubing runs. Additional time and cost savings were achieved with the use of degradable balls, which mitigated the need for post-stimulation intervention.