Rosneft has Developed a New Hydraulic Fracturing Technology
Specialists from the Rosneft Scientific Institute in Ufa have developed an innovative technology for multi-stage hydraulic fracturing (MSHF) for ultra-low-permeability rocks. This will increase the productivity of wells in fields with a complex geological structure by 2-3 times.
The essence of the technology consists in alternate injection of proppant with high and low viscosity gel into the fracture to increase its length.
The development of technological potential is one of the key elements of the Rosneft-2030 strategy. The company prioritizes innovation, identifying technological leadership as a key competitive factor in the oil market.
Thanks to the application of the technology, two wells of the Bazhenov Formation* received free flowing oil flows with high flow rates of 80 and 200 tons per day, respectively, which is twice as high as previously obtained at similar facilities.
The results obtained showed the promise of multistage hydraulic fracturing technology for ultra-low permeability rocks and the potential for its further development. Pilot activities are planned to be continued at another 16 horizontal wells at the Rosneft fields. The technology application potential is more than a thousand wells. The development of innovation will increase the production of Bazhenov oil through the involvement in the development of new areas throughout Western Siberia.
* The Bazhenov Formation is the world’s largest geological formation in Western Siberia with an area of about 1 million m2 with significant oil reserves.
