Modern large-scale hydraulic fracturing treatments call for automation at several levels to assist in rapid decision-making and optimal response in real time. In paper SPE 230613, the authors present field deployment of a surface-feedback-based “closed-loop” hydraulic fracturing program that incorporates autonomous fracturing to allow dynamic adjustment of key parameters in real time while narrowing decision-making time. The program relies on sensing the key variables from subsurface data in real time, which, when relayed to the decision-logic module, generates actions for implementation by the fleet without manual intervention. The method followed and the ensuing results from the first field implementation are discussed in the paper.
Well-stimulation techniques such as hydraulic fracturing and acid fracturing are used for stimulating carbonate reservoirs. In paper SPE 226647, the authors present a case history where both these techniques were used for a geologically and geomechanically challenged carbonate play. The selection of stimulation technique was based on formation characteristics. To mitigate rapid production decline, proppant stimulations were implemented, whereas for the cases where large leakoff was suspected, acid fracturing was applied to obtained etched fractures and diversion. The paper highlights the role of data gathering and diagnostics in treatment execution and evaluation.
Paper SPE 227989 presents a case history on development of the Nanushuk reservoir in Alaska’s North Slope. In this example, the authors detail the development of the Pikka field by using hydraulic fracturing for the laminated reservoir where crosslinked borate gel and large ceramic proppant were used for the fracturing treatment. The zonal isolation on the multistage horizontal treatment was achieved with the help of external mechanical set packers, whereas a collet/ball system was used for diverting between fracturing stages. The authors share the stimulation outcomes, including key learnings and challenges during the treatment execution.
Summarized Papers in This June 2026 Issue
SPE 230613 Closed-Loop Completions Program Holds Potential to Transform Hydraulic Fracturing by Awais Navaiz, SPE, and Price F. Stark, SPE, Halliburton, and Matt Paradeis, SPE, Chevron, et al.
SPE 226647 Acid Fracturing and Hydraulic Fracturing Applied in a Single Well for a Deep Carbonate Reservoir by Mathieu M. Molenaar, Naveen K. Singhal, and Mark E. Brady, Shell, et al.
SPE 227989 Alaska North Slope Fracturing Campaign Provides Best Practices, Better Decisions by Elizabeth Spiteri Schulpen, SPE, Andy Bond, SPE, and Scott Leahy, SPE, Santos, et al.
Recommended Additional Reading
SPE 230651 Comprehensive Analysis of Proppant Logging: A Case Study From the Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site in Qingcheng Shale Oil by Xinbin Yi, CNPC, et al.
SPE 226645 Establishing a New Working Ground: Horizontal Multistage Hydraulic Fracturing in Marginal Oil Reservoirs by Faris Khamis Al Battashi, Medco, et al.
URTeC 4203238 On the Use of Spherical Microproppants in Shale Fracturing by Carl T. Montgomery, Fracdog, et al.
Vibhas J. Pandey, SPE, is a registered professional engineer in Texas and owner of WellStim Technologies, delivering technical support worldwide. He has more than 35 years of oil and gas industry experience, with expertise in well stimulation and well performance, having worked in more than 18 basins worldwide over more than 3 decades. As an SPE member for nearly 30 years, Pandey has served on various conference and workshop committees worldwide. He has authored numerous technical papers and chapters in SPE books and served as adjunct professor at the University of North Dakota and the University of Wyoming. Pandey was an SPE Distinguished Lecturer in 2022–23 and served as an Associate Editor for SPE Journal for several years. Currently, he is a member of the JPT Editorial Review Board. Pandey holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and turbomachines, respectively, from the National Institutes of Technology in India, a master’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Oklahoma, and a doctorate in petroleum engineering from the University of North Dakota.