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Frank Chang

Petroleum Engineering Consultant Saudi Aramco
  • It is pleasantly surprising to find a revival in sandstone acidizing. For many years, sandstone acidizing was becoming almost a lost art, overshadowed by carbonate acidizing and hydraulic fracturing.
  • Hydrochloric acid continues to be the most effective and low-cost material for carbonate stimulation. Though exotic chemistries such as chelating agents and organic acids have been promoted for being less corrosive at high temperatures, the cost and dissolving capacity limit their use to large-scale implementation. The ability to inhibit the corrosion tendency of hydr…
  • Several well-stimulation products and techniques have been seen to benefit well productivity from recent field trials and implementations in carbonate reservoirs, including simpler acid fluid systems, integrated work flows, and coiled-tubing bottomhole assemblies.
  • The fourth industrial revolution is taking the oil and gas business by storm. Many companies have increased resources for big-data analytics and machine learning. Though no one sees physical oilfield services as in decline, development in these areas may take a back seat to artificial intelligence.
  • The evolution of horizontal drilling and multistage completions has changed matrix stimulation from the “more acid, better result” belief to effective lateral distribution and deeper penetration with less acid.
  • Tight formations are candidates for hydraulic fracturing as the default. However, the solubility of carbonate by various chemicals provides opportunities to extend the well drainage radius effectively without the intensive equipment, material, and infrastructure demand of hydraulic fracturing.