WellWatcher Stim
Stimulation monitoring service
Enhance stimulation performance and well protection through real-time downhole visibility and multiwell monitoring
BroadBand Shield fracture-geometry control service
Constrains fracture growth with far-field diversion for optimized reservoir contact
Overview
BroadBand Shield™ fracture-geometry control service is designed to minimize the risk of fracture-driven communication with neighboring wells and the unintended fracture growth into undesirable zones. The service delivers engineered stimulation treatments that constrain fracture height and length through far-field diversion.
By using a composite fluid system with a proprietary engineered far-field diversion pill, BroadBand Shield service helps operators maintain fracture growth within the designed reservoir area while reducing the risk of fracture hits.
Applications
Fracture-geometry control in complex and tightly spaced developments
BroadBand Shield service is applied during hydraulic fracturing treatments in closely spaced wells and in reservoirs that are predisposed to unrestricted fracture growth. It is suitable for both initial completions and refracturing operations, where fracture geometry control is critical to protect offset wells and optimize reservoir development.
Benefits
Improved stimulation control and reservoir performance
The BroadBand Shield service reduces the risk of undesirable direct communication with nearby wells and helps limit fractures to the designed reservoir area. By optimizing fracture geometry, the service helps improve reservoir drainage in pad drilling developments and increase reservoir contact within targeted zones.
These effects help ensure stimulation energy is focused within the intended drainage area, without extending fractures beyond design limits.
- Reduces the risk of undesirable direct communication with nearby wells
- Optimizes reservoir drainage for pad drilling developments
- Limits fractures to the designed reservoir area
- Helps increase reservoir contact within targeted zones
- Supports production and recovery by optimizing fracture geometry
Features
Reliable production performance
BroadBand Shield service combines engineered diversion materials with flexible deployment options to help operators control fracture growth during stimulation. The service is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing fracturing designs, support safe and efficient execution on location, and perform reliably across a wide range of reservoir conditions.
- Engineered far-field diversion pills designed to suit well requirements
- Improved environmental profile with new formulation for diversion pill
- Preslurried and dry particles to optimize blending and minimize HSE risks
- Compatibility with slickwater, viscoelastic surfactant (VES), linear gel, and crosslinked gel polymer systems
- Applicability at bottomhole temperatures from 40 to 450 degF [4 to 232 degC]
Control of fracture height and length growth
Reduced risk of frac hits and well-to-well communication
Compatibility across stimulation fluid systems
How it works
Far-field diversion to control fracture geometry
BroadBand Shield service uses a composite fluid system that includes an engineered far-field diversion pill pumped ahead of conventional proppant stages. The diversion particles are designed to pass through perforations and propagate into the created fractures, rather than acting only near the wellbore.
Once the particles reach the fracture tip, they bridge and restrict further fracture height and length growth. This approach keeps fractures within the designed reservoir area, reduces the risk of well-to-well communication, and maintains fracture conductivity because the diversion material is placed only before proppant stages.
FAQs
How does BroadBand Shield service differ from conventional diversion techniques?
Conventional diversion typically acts near the wellbore using larger particles that bridge perforations. BroadBand Shield service uses smaller, engineered particles that travel to the fracture tip, where they directly control fracture height and length growth.
Can BroadBand Shield service help reduce frac hits in tightly spaced developments?
Yes. By limiting uncontrolled fracture growth and keeping fractures within the designed reservoir area, the service reduces the risk of well-to-well communication and frac hits.
Does the diversion material affect fracture conductivity?
No. The diversion material is pumped ahead of conventional proppant stages, ensuring that it does not compromise conductivity in the propped fracture.
