Rock-Mechanics Considerations in Fracturing a Carbonate Formation

Acid fracturing is used to improve well productivity in acid-soluble formations such as limestone, dolomite, and chalk. Proppant fracturing is an alternative option used in carbonate formations. There is no quantitative method to determine whether acid fracturing or proppant fracturing is an appropriate stimulation method for a given carbonate formation. Laboratory experiments were performed with full core samples to examine the effect of elastic, plastic, and viscoelastic rock behavior on fracture conductivity for acid- and proppant-fracturing treatments.

View a Synopsis of SPE 102590 as published in JPT.

This article, written by Assistant Technology Editor Karen Bybee, contains highlights of paper SPE 102590, “Acid Fracturing or Proppant Fracturing in Carbonate Formation? A Rock Mechanic’s View,” by H.H. Abass, A.A. Al-Mulhem, M.S. Alqam, SPE, and K.R. Mirajuddin, SPE, Saudi Aramco, prepared for the 2006 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, 24–27 September.

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