Fines Migration in the Hollín Sandstone: Diagnosis, Evaluation and Stimulation Practices from the Laboratory to Field Implementation

Abstract

This study shows laboratory tests used to recognize formation damage mechanisms and corresponding production behavior for the Hollin sandstone located in the Oriente Basin. Different stimulation treatments are suggested to improve productivity and expand the productive life of the well. The analysis begins with diagnosis based on historical production data where fines migration is hypnotized as a main formation damage mechanism, which is verified by the presence of kaolinite and illite in core data obtained from X-ray Diffraction tests. Once the main damage mechanism is identified, different treatments are recommended on regained permeability tests for completion brines, acid blends, fines stabilization, and relative permeability modifiers. Furthermore, hydraulic fracturing in combination with treatments described previously is proposed as an alternative to improve and extend the productive life of the well.