How To Avoid Expensive Damage Caused By Frac Hits
When engaged in oil drilling, one problem you will need to overcome is the frac hit. This problem is a concern because wells that experienced a frac hit might take on water and sand as a result. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate frac hits.
The Effects of a Frac Hit
The act of pumping thousands of gallons of fluid can lead to a frac hit. A frac hit can lead to expensive damage. The frac hit can also have some advantages because operators often find that the wells are more productive after a hit. However, it is still something you may struggle with and may find difficult to control without mitigation strategies.
Frac hit mitigation strategies are important because oil industries have an obligation to protect the environment and will also be able to keep costs lower to protect investor profits. The act of fracking often introduces unpredictability into nearby oil wells.
How to Reduce the Likelihood of a Frac Hit
The first step when reducing frac hits is to find the right location. Areas in which fracking is effective and where fracking often occurs are the most likely to experience frac hits. You will also need to consider the moments when frac hits are the most likely to occur. These include moments during the flowback, drilling, completion, and drill-out.
There are several ways to reduce the damage caused by the fracture resulting from the frac hit. One is to increase the complexity of the fracture, which makes the fracture shorter. This requires an engineered fracture design. After doing this, the reservoir will have better drainage and the reservoir contact is maximized.
Another way to try to mitigate frac hits is by retaining fracture conductivity. Engineering the particle sizes can help plug the space between larger particles and the smaller particles will be much easier to transport. This makes it possible to create smaller fractures.
After a Frac Hit
If a well experiences a frac hit, it will need to be swabbed and cleaned. It might need to have an artificial lift installed. You will need to repair the wellbore, wellhead, and pay zones. However, you may be able to save a substantial amount of money if you know when to shut in. You must reach out to others in your industry to coordinate when you should coordinate a shut-in. Each of these mitigation strategies can help reduce the headaches you experience.
For more information, reach out to a company like Dynamic Green Solutions LLC.