SLB enhances offshore production by 20% with advanced carbonate stimulation solutions

A customer’s western offshore field faced challenges in sustaining production gains due to limited radial penetration and wellbore coverage from restimulations using in-house carbonate acid systems. SLB deployed advanced carbonate stimulation fluid systems that increased production by 20%, revived a nonproducing well, and achieved zero HSE incidents.

A customer aimed to increase production in its western offshore field, composed of approximately 90% carbonates with heterogeneous permeability and pressure distribution. Previous attempts using in-house carbonate acid systems failed to sustain long-term productivity due to limited radial penetration and wellbore coverage. Seeking improved results, the customer sought SLB expertise to achieve a tangible production uplift and sustainability over a one-year period.

SLB recommended advanced carbonate stimulation fluid systems, including high-temperature OpenPath Reach™ extended-contact stimulation service, OpenPath Sequence™ diversion stimulation service, and MaxCO₃ Acid™ degradable diversion acid system, supported by intensive lab tests and Kinetix Matrix™ stimulation design software.

Through a production enhancement initiative, SLB launched a collaborative effort to address the customer’s challenges. A rigorous candidate screening process selected five wells for a pilot deployment of advanced carbonate stimulation fluid systems. The initiative optimized stimulation designs supported by intensive laboratory tests and advanced simulation software, mitigating surveillance gaps through performance mapping from nearby wells.

In December 2024, SLB successfully executed the stimulation campaign from the customer’s vessel, customizing standard operative procedures (SOPs) with zero HSE and service quality (SQ) events. Clear diversion signatures confirmed effective treatment despite depletion and high leakoff.

Ten weeks poststimulation, three of the five pilot wells continued to produce sustained gains, collectively achieving a 20% higher oil rate compared to prestimulation levels. Remarkably, one well began producing after the stimulation despite previous unsuccessful attempts with other treatments.

The deployment of OpenPath services and MaxCO₃ Acid system marked a first in India, underscoring the efficacy of SLB advanced stimulation technologies to transform carbonate field performance and strengthen long-term collaboration.