In this study, downhole cores from the Austin Chalk formation were used to evaluate the performance of acid fracturing under realistic reservoir conditions. The results show that acid fracturing can generate sufficient conductivity comparable to or higher than that achieved with 100-mesh proppant at 0.05 lbm/ft2. The formation’s layered geologic structure strongly influenced results, and uneven etching patterns contributed more to conductivity than total etched volume alone. Supporting tests on Austin Chalk outcrop samples confirmed similar behavior. These findings reinforce the argument that acid fracturing is a strong alternative stimulation method to improve productivity in the Austin Chalk formation.
Introduction
The Austin Chalk is a naturally fractured, low-permeability carbonate reservoir with high carbonate content and a long history of development.
