“Pool” for Hydraulic Fracturing. An Unusual Reservoir Appeared at the Disposal of Belorusneft’s Tamping Specialists
The innovation – an open mobile tank EMO-3000 – is used by specialists of the tamping department when performing the HT operation – multi-stage hydraulic fracturing using Plug&Perf technology.
Such an open mobile tank EMO-3000, of impressive dimensions, is located at the Rechitskaya well No. 489. Due to the similarity of its design, it is professionally called a pool. Thus, the internal diameter is 40 m, the height is 2.5 m, the volume is 3 thousand cubic meters. The weight of the structure is 27 tons.
According to the deputy head of the HT and SKR service of the Tamping Department, Yuri Zhukov, the number of multi-stage hydraulic fracturing operations performed using Plug&Perf technology is constantly increasing. If previously it was possible to perform 1-3 stages per day, now it is 2-6. “A lot of water is needed to prepare the fracturing fluid,” he explained. Water consumption per stage is 900 cubic meters.
The grouting workers worked out various alternatives for replenishing this resource: they delivered it by tanker trucks, built water pipelines, etc. However, the increasing volumes of work required a certain decision. “In order to provide the facilities with the necessary volume, which eliminates possible downtime of the fracturing fleet due to a shortage of water, a vertical tank farm with a capacity of 3 thousand cubic meters is used. In addition, horizontal tanks are also used, the total volume of which varies depending on the technology used. A lot of materials (flexible hoses, tees, etc.) are used to tie the shut-off valves of such a number of tanks, and a lot of time is spent on their maintenance,” the grouting department explained the specifics.
Thus, a new tank can replace a vertical tank farm of 54 units. “Its use will significantly reduce the costs of the Cementing Department for installation/assembly/dismantling of tanks, and enhance the safety of the work. In addition, the introduction of the innovation will rationally optimize the work of the personnel involved in the operations: there is no need to constantly monitor the opening/closing of shut-off valves on numerous tanks,” the company cited the advantages.
The so-called pool is a Belarusian development. For ease of movement to different locations, a prefabricated structure is provided. Its frame consists of 20 metal vertical sections-shields, which form the walls of the tank when assembled. “Waterproofing is provided by a flexible polymer liner placed inside. EMO-3000 is equipped with filling and dispensing lines for the working fluid. There is an observation platform for sampling,” the company explained. There are no analogues to the tank.
The Belorusneft Production Association was established in 1966. The company conducts exploration, prospecting and development of oil fields, well drilling, oil and associated petroleum gas production in Belarus, and operates in the oil sector of other countries.
