Accepted Manuscript

Optimization of acid fracturing for a tight carbonate reservoir

Aymen Al-Ameri, Talal Gamadi

PII: S2405-6561(18)30200-1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petlm.2019.01.003
Reference: PETLM 252

To appear in: Petroleum

Received Date: 15 November 2018

Revised Date: 21 January 2019
Accepted Date: 22 January 2019

Please cite this article as: A. Al-Ameri, T. Gamadi, Optimization of acid fracturing for a tight carbonate
reservoir, Petroleum (2019), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petlm.2019.01.003.

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 ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

Optimization of Acid Fracturing for a Tight Carbonate Reservoir

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Aymen Al-Ameri
Talal Gamadi
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Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering
Texas Tech University
2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX, 79409
Tel: +1(832)908-2828
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Email: aymen.al-ameri@ttu.edu
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 ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

Optimization of Acid Fracturing for a Tight Carbonate Reservoir

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U SC
Aymen Al-Ameri
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Talal Gamadi
Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering
Texas Tech University
2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX, 79409
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Tel: +1(832)908-2828
Email: aymen.al-ameri@ttu.edu
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Abstract
In this study, acid fracturing treatments were simulated for a tight limestone reservoir
within a shale formation using FRACPRO software. The purpose was to investigate the optimum
acid fracturing design that leads to a higher fracture etched length and width, and higher fracture
conductivity. Moreover, the impact of the rock- acid contact time and whether to consider a post-
flush or fluids flowback, on the acid fracturing outcomes were also investigated. A simple

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geological model was constructed which consists of different lithological layers.
Different acid fracturing design scenarios were considered starting from a single stage of
acid injection to multi-stage treatment. In multi-stage acid treatment, alternate acid- slickwater
injection was considered. Plain HCl acids with different concentrations and other acids that are

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already included in FRACPRO database were used.
The results showed that the acid loss during post-flush is among the main problems of the
acid fracturing in tight carbonate shale reservoir. For the single stage of acid injection, it is

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recommended to flow back the acid after well shut-in instead of considering a post-flush stage.
The multi-stage alternate acid slickwater injection reduces or even eliminated the acid loss.
However, it is recommended to inject a slickwater before well shut-in to reduce the rock-acid

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contact time, thus reducing the formation damage. The results also showed that the created
fracture etched width decreases and the fracture etched length increases as the fracturing stages
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increase.
In this study, because of the low carbonate layer permeability and compressive strength, a
two-stage alternate 28% HCl and slickwater injection with a post-flush stage is recommended.
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1. Introduction
Acid fracturing is among the stimulation techniques that have been widely used by the oil
industry. The process relies on the acid etching of the fracture face, rather than the placing of
proppant to produce conductivity. Acid fracturing consists primarily of four stages: pre-flush,
pad and acid injection, and post-flush. In the pre-flush stage, slickwater, is injected at pressures

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sufficient to fracture the formation. The pre-flushed stage is followed by acid pumping generally
as stages. After injection, the well is shut-in to give time for the fracture to close by the effect of
formation stresses. Post-flush is used to move the acid deeper into the fracture to improve the

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acid penetration distance. However, the fracturing job success depends on the amount of
conductivity created after fracture closure and the length of the etched fracture.
As the acid flows through the fracture, it dissolves portions of the fracture face. Since the

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acid erodes the fracture faces non-uniformly, a conductive fracture would result after fracture
closure. The effective fracture length and width depends on the volume of acid used, its reaction
rate, and the acid fluid loss rate. Moreover, the etching of the fracture determines whether the
fracture will have a high or low conductivity after closure. If the wall of the fracture is etched

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homogenously, then the fracture will close, and the conductivity will be very low. On the other
hand, if the walls of the fractures are etched heterogeneously, then the fracture conductivity after
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closure will be high. However, achieving effective fracture length is usually much more difficult
than the fracture effective conductivity (White et al. 1992).
Generally, acid fracturing is limited to harder rock formations. The soft formations will
deform into the etched width created by the acid, thus reducing and sometimes eliminating the
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effects of the treatment. In addition, acid fracture conductivity tends to be significantly less than
that which can be generated by proppant fracturing. These two facts mean that fracture acidizing
is generally performed on lower- permeability, tight carbonate formations, rather than soft and
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more permeable rocks (Economides 2007). Guo et al. (2017) tested the permeability of acid-
etched fracture in shale to explore the influence of carbonate mineral content, acid fluid types
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and concentration, fracture plane roughness, proppant, and confining pressure on the acid-etched
effects in shale. The test showed that the roughness of the fracture increases as the carbonate
minerals content increases. Moreover, if the shale has a high carbonate mineral content (>30%),
the effect of acid-etching is not easily controlled, so the technique of acid fracturing should be
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carried out cautiously. The application of the acid fracturing is more efficient in low-temperature
carbonate reservoirs (Ben-Naceur and Economidies, 1988) to reduce the acid-rock reaction rate
which allows the acid to penetrate deeper into the formation. Moreover, the acid fracturing was
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suggested for reservoirs with a minimum horizontal stress (fracture closure stress) less than 5000
psi because the fracture face etching caused by the acid cannot support such high pressure
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(Valko et al. 1998). However, the abundance of natural fractures makes acid fracturing a better
candidate because no single fracture can gain enough width to accept a large concentration of
proppants.
The design of an acid fracturing treatment is accomplished by estimating the optimum
conductivity and acid penetration distance that results in maximum benefit of the treatment. The
design parameters include selecting the fluid types, number of stages, pumping rate, and
injection time. Changing these parameters results in different fracture geometry, etching patterns,
and acid-penetration distance. Simulators are usually used to estimate how these design
parameters affect the stimulation job. However, several analytical solutions were also used and
implemented for designing of an acid fracturing job. Williams and Nierode (1972) developed a

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model that accurately predicts acid penetration distance; it allows the effects of fracture
geometry, acid injection rate, formation temperature, acid concentration, and rock type to be
included in the treatment design. Ben-Naceur and Economides (1989) presented a design model
that allows the simulation of both multi-stage alternating stages of pad and acid, and gelled acid
treatments. Schechter (1992) provided a theoretical approach to design an acid-fracturing
job. Nowadays, the designing an acid-fracturing job is performed by using simulators. Al Jawad
(2014) used a simulator to model the acid fracturing to determine the optimum condition that

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results in a petroleum production rate increase. He concluded that the reservoir permeability is
the determining factor when choosing between a high- conductivity value and a long penetration
distance. Using a numerical simulation for optimizing the parameters of the acid fracturing, Song

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et al. (2014) recommended acid fracturing for the horizontal wells in Yubei region that has
fractured reservoir’s characteristics. Their results recommended an alternative injection of
crosslinked acid and ordinary gelled acid.

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The acid-rock contact time could be an important aspect in optimization of fracturing
acid especially for high carbonate content shale formations. However, the well shut-in during
acid fracturing increases the rock-acid reaction time. During well shut-in stage, the fluid (acid) is
imbibed from the fracture into the tight sand or shale matrix (Al-Ameri et al. 2018a, Al-Ameri et

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al. 2018b, Al-Ameri et al. 2018c). Moreover, Al-Ameri et al. (2018d) showed that dilute HCl
acid enhance the permeability of the near fracture face matrix. However, the HCl acid treatment
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is affected by the iron precipitates produced from shale- HCl acid reaction. The near fracture face
damage caused by the iron precipitates should be considered when using HCl acid in the
fracturing treatment of shale formations. The pyrite contains the iron in a ferrous state (Fe2+). As
the acid spends specifically during shut-in stage of the acid fracturing, the pH increases causing
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the ferrous irons to oxidize and precipitate as ferric irons (Fe3+). The ferrous irons remain in
solution at pH levels below 7.5 while the ferric iron (Fe3+) precipitates when the pH level
exceeds 2. The pH of spent acid usually ranges from about 4 to 5.4, thus only ferric iron is likely
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to precipitate in the formation (Kalfayan 2008). The carbonate content is the primary controlling
factor on the pH of the shale-acid system over time. The more Carbonate content in the shales,
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the higher pH buffering capacity (Adam et a. 2017). In shales with abundant of carbonates, the
released Fe2+ is quickly oxidized to Fe3+ and remains in proximity to the point source which is
mainly pyrite. The sizeable Fe3+ precipitates could readily occlude Nano and micropores, thus
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affecting the permeability and inhibiting the hydrocarbon flow from the rock to the fracture.
Al-Ameri et al. (2018d) showed also that when a slickwater is used in the pad stage, the
efficiency of stimulating near fracture face matrix with dilute HCl acid would be affected by the
both of the polymer and iron precipitates. The effect of the HCl acid on the shale mechanical
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properties has to be also considered for the acid treatment. The mechanical properties of shale
formations vary as a function of mineralogy, with shales rich in brittle minerals such as quartz
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and carbonates having higher Young’s modulus numbers (Kumar et al., 2012). However, the
more clay and organic Carbone contents, the less Young’s modulus numbers. However, the
dissolution of brittle minerals reduces a formation’s Young’s modulus and may affect shale rock
stability.
This study anticipated FRACPRO software for optimizing acid fracturing design for a
tight carbonate reservoir to investigate the impact of acid injection stages and acid fluids types
on the fracture etched length, etched width, and also on the fracture conductivity. To reduce the
near fracture face matrix damage caused by the rock- acid reaction precipitates, the study
investigated the fracturing acid outcomes for the case of less rock-acid contact time by injecting

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slickwater before well shut-in. Moreover, the study examined the results of the acid fracturing if
the spent acid is flowed back to the surface after well shut-in rather than injecting it through the
etched fracture and then deeper into the formation during the post-flush stage.
2. Effective Acid Etched Fracture Length
The effective length of the acid-etched fracture depends on the distance the acid can
move along the fracture and adequately etch the fracture faces before becoming spent. In acid

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fracturing, the etched length is considered the effective fracture length. The success of the acid
fracturing is controlled by the effective length of the fracture and not by the induced fracture
length (Nierode and Kruk 1973). However, there are two main problems associated with

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obtaining effective etched fracture length are (White et al. 1992).
• In low-to-moderate temperatures, fluid loss during acid fracturing is the cause of poor
stimulation. Acid fluid loss produces short, etched-fracture length.

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• At high bottomhole temperatures, the etched fracture length is limited because of the high
reaction rate. However, there are several additives and acid systems available in the
industry to obtain retardation of the reaction rate of the acid, such as surfactant retarders
and emulsified acids.

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3. Acid Fracture Conductivity
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The acid fracture conductivity can be determined using empirical correlations even these
correlations are not accurate but measuring the effective conductivity in the fields will help in
calibrating these correlations (Nierode and Kruk 1973). After extensive laboratory measurements
of acid fracture conductivity, Nierode and Kruk correlated conductivity with the ideal width,
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closure stress, and rock embedment strength.

= (1)
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.
= 1.47 ∗ 10 (2)
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%
= 13.9 − 1.3 ln !" # × 10 For !" < 20,000 )* (3)
%
= 3.8 − 0.28 ln !" # × 10 For !" > 20,000 )*
(4)
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where w and kf are the fracture width and permeability respectively, w.kf is the fracture
conductivity, wi is the dissolved rock equivalent width, Pc is the fracture closure pressure, and
Srock rock embedment strength.
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The amount of rock dissolved in an acid fracture (wi) is defined as the fracture width created by
acid dissolution before fracture closure. If all the acid injected into a fracture dissolves rock on
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the fracture face (i.e., no live acid penetrates into the matrix or forms wormholes in the fracture
walls), the average ideal width is simply the total volume of rock dissolved divided by the
fracture area:
- .
= ∅#01 21
(5)

Where X is the volumetric dissolving power of the acid, V is the total volume of the injected acid,
φ is the formation porosity, hf and xf are the fracture height and half-length respectively.
The rock embedment strength is the force requires to push a metal sphere a certain distance into
the surface of a rock sample.

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Since 1973, several correlations were developed based on theoretical or empirical

background (Gangi, 1978; Walsh, 1981; Gong et al., 1999; Pounik, 2008).
Even though the Nierode and Kruk correlation is the standard in the oil industry (Al
Jawad 2014), it fails to capture the significant impact of formation heterogeneity on fracture
conductivity. Deng et al. (2012) attempted to include the effect of formation heterogeneity in
their theoretical correlation. They stated that permeability and mineralogy distribution are the
reasons for differential etching in carbonate rocks. Akbari et al. (2017) developed a robust

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intelligent model based on genetic algorithm to precisely predict the fracture conductivity by
incorporating experimental data from various formations, whereby resulted in a good match
between the model predictions and the experimental data. The results showed that the rock

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strength plays a significant role when anticipating fracture conductivity, as various formations
have behaved differently under different closure stresses. Motamedi et al. (2018) used Genetic
Algorithm to develop a robust intelligent model to estimate the fracture conductivity by

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considering experimental data of different formations. They concluded that the formation
lithology plays a considerable role in fracture conductivity prediction.
In this study, Nierode and Kruk (1973) correlation to calculate the fracture conductivity
was considered for the following reasons.

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• It is the standard correlation in the oil industry (Al Jawad 2014).
• The impact of the permeability and mineralogy distribution was not considered.
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• It is included in PRACPRO software.
4. Acid Loss
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The acid loss has been a known problem in acid fracturing for many years. The acid fluid
loss is a result of several issues inherent to hydraulic fracturing with reactive fluids. Carbonates
are usually more naturally fissured than sandstones, and the presence of these fissures commonly
cause fluid loss problems during fracturing, with or without a reactive fluid. Loss of reactive
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fluid causes natural fractures to enlarge. Mou et al. (2012) developed a new model to simulate
acid leakoff into a naturally fractured carbonate oil reservoir during acid fracturing. Their model
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incorporates the acid-rock reaction, fracture width variation due to rock dissolution on the
fractured surfaces, and fluid flow in naturally fractured carbonate oil reservoirs. They showed
that widened natural fractures by acid-rock reaction act as high-conductivity conduits allowing
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leakoff acid to penetrate deeper into the formation, resulting in serious leakoff. Moreover, the
wide natural fractures have a dominant effect on acid leakoff compared to micro-fractures and
matrix.
Another reason for the acid fluid loss is the creation of wormholes. Wormholes
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significantly reduce the efficiency of the acid fracturing. The creation of wormholes increases the
area from which leakoff occurs (Crowe et al., 1989). As wormholing and excessive leakoff take
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place, the leakoff rate will exceed the pump rate, and the net fracturing pressure cannot be
maintained. At this point in treatment, the fracture extension slows or stops; and any additional
acid pumped is relatively ineffective in providing reservoir.
Controlling acid fluid loss is extremely difficult and is considered to be the major factor
limiting the effectiveness of acid fracturing treatments. However, there are some conventional
methods have been used to control acid fluid loss.
4.1 Acid Loss Additives
One of the earliest acid fluid loss additives was karaya gum (Crowe et al., 1989).
However, the effectiveness of karaya gum is limited at temperatures above 125°F.

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The fluid-loss additives that are stable in hot acid are generally very difficult to dissolve or
to degrade after the treatment. One solution to this problem is the use of an oil-soluble acid fluid-
loss additive. Nierode and Kruk (1973) evaluated the performance of various acid fluid-loss
additives against long limestone cores and found an oil-soluble resin mixture is the only product
capable of controlling acid fluid loss at differential pressures. However, the high additive costs
have limited the commercial application of this product.
Acid fluid-loss additives generally are not often used because of performance and cost

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limitations (Crowe et al., 1989). Moreover, the fluid loss solids reduce the fracture conductivity
(Yoshimura et al. 2014) and also cause an inevitable formation damage (Li et al. 2015).
4.2 Injection of Pad Fluid Preceding Acid

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Alternative methods include injection of a viscous, nonreactive pad preceding the acid
(Davis 1965). In this technique, a water-based fracturing fluid is used to cool the fracture and to

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form an impermeable filter cake on the fracture face. The pad fluid could also reduce the acid
reaction rate and increases the live-acid penetration.
However, laboratory tests have shown that the filter cake is quickly penetrated by
wormholes resulting from even small amounts of acid leakoff. Once this occurs, the acid fluid

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loss is identical to that observed if no pad were used (Davis 1965). Yoshimura et al. (2014)
found that powder, granular, and fibrous materials made of polyglycolic acid (PGA) or polyactic
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acid (PLA) are very suitable for fluid loss agents and they dissolve as liquid acids after
application.
4.3 Multiple Stages Acid Fracturing
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In this technique, a nonreactive pad fluid is used for fracture initiation and then
alternating injection of acid and additional pad (Coulter et al. 1976). These additional pad stages
were designed to enter and seal wormholes created by the preceding acid. Using this method, the
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treatment efficiency was improved, and effective fracture lengths were obtained, but large
volumes of fluids are required.
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Moreover, the viscosity differences between the injected fluids causes viscous fingering
that forms heterogeneous acid-etched patterns in cracks surface, which increases the fracture
conductivity (Li et al. 2015). However, Injecting acid system with different viscosity can also
achieve better non-uniform etching.
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Fine particulate material is often added to the pad stages to aid in fluid-loss control
(Coulter et al. 1976). Various particulate materials are used for this purpose, the most common of
which is l00-mesh sand. Oil soluble resins and salt of similar particle size are also sometimes
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used (Schriefer and Shaw 1978).

4.4 Gelled and Foamed Acids
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Acid fluid loss can also be reduced by gelling the acid. This method of fluid-loss-control
has become widely used since the development of more acid-stable thickening agents (Crowe et
al. 1981). Thickeners most commonly used include xanthan biopolymers, various acrylamide
copolymers, and certain surfactants that thicken acid by micellar association. The effectiveness
of gelling agents for controlling acid fluid loss varies greatly, depending on the gelling agent
used and well conditions encountered.
Li et al. (2015) showed that the acid loss control by thickened liquid and solid particles
causes an inevitable formation damage. However, they recommended a foamed acid with
specific properties of high viscosity, low fluid loss, small friction resistance, good retarding

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property, strong fracture making ability, easy flowback and low damage, which is an ideal acid
system for low pressure and low permeability carbonate reservoirs
5. Fluid Systems in FRACPRO
For the purpose of acid fracturing design, fluid systems embedded in FRACPRO
database were used in this study.
•

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SPEC_HT_4000_7
A fluid system made up of 40#/1000 W/7.5 GPT BF-7L and 4.5 GPT XLW-56. The BF-7L
is a buffer made up of Potassium Carbonate, Potassium Hydroxide and water and XLW-56

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is a crosslinker made up of D-Gluticol, Glyoxal and Sodium Hydroxide.
• Slickwater

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20#/1000 gallons of gel in water
• EAS
An acid system made up of 15% HCl. It is slightly retarded and becomes viscosified on

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spending. It has an apparent viscosity of 12.8 cp.
• XLA III
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An acid system made up of 15% HCl, 15 GPT AG-57L and friction based. The AG-57L is
an acrylamidomethylpropane sulfonic and acrylamide copolymer. This acts as a gelling
agent. The apparent viscosity of XLA III is 210.3 cp.
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• Formic Acid
An organic acid, with an apparent viscosity of 0.3 cp.
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• Pad Acid
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An acid system made up of 15% HCl and xylene, which has an apparent viscosity of 0.5
cp.
• Plain HCl Acid
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Pure HCl in various concentrations (10%, 15%, 20%, 28%) and viscosities.

It is worth noting that FRACPRO can handle the effect of the type, concentration, and viscosity
of the acids on rocks with different lithological and mechanical properties.
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6. Reservoir Model Description

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A reservoir model was constructed using FRACPRO. The model consisted of different
lithological layers (shale, upper and lower limestone, tight zone, limestone, and shale). The
perforation is in the limestone interval and the main hydrocarbon for the limestone intervals is
oil. Some of the lithological and mechanical properties parameters for the reservoir layers are
shown in the Tables 1 through 3.

Table 1: Reservoir Lithological Parameters

Top of zone Top of zone Fracture
Layer Lithology
TVD MD Toughness

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(ft) (ft) (psi·in½)

1 0.0 0.0 Shale 2000
2 9628 11267.7 Upper Limestone 500
3 9731 11468.7 Lower Limestone 500
4 9758 11521.4 Tight Zone 500
5 9774 11552.6 Limestone 500
6 9861 11840.8 Shale 2000

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Table 2: Reservoir Mechanical Parameters
Stress Stress Young's Leakoff Perm.
Poisson's
Layer Gradient modulus Coefficient

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ratio
(psi) (psi/ft) (MM psi) (ft/min½) (mD)
1 7702 0.8 6 0.25 0 0
2 6872 0.71 3.4 0.17 0.001 0.02

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3 6919 0.71 3.4 0.17 0.001 0.02
4 7813 0.8 8.1 0.16 0.00015 0.001
5 6970 0.71 1.8 0.18 0.003 0.02

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6 8020 0.8 6 0.25 0.00056 0.02
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Table 3:Additional Reservoir Parameters
Pore Avg. Frac Compres. Fluid Porosity Water
Layer Pressure Pressure Viscosity Saturation
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psi psi 10-5 psi cp % %

1 6338 7500 2.3 0.25 10 45
2 6338 7800 2.3 0.25 23 45
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3 6338 7800 2.3 0.25 23 45

4 6338 7800 2.3 0.25 10 45
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5 6338 7800 2.3 0.25 25 45

6 6338 7500 2.3 0.25 10 45

The reference temperature is 260oF and the rock embedment stress is 40000 psi. The
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compressive strengths of the layers do not exceed 3000 psi

7. Acid Fracturing Design Scenarios and Results
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In this study, different scenarios for the acid fracturing design were considered starting
from a single stage of plain acids injection to a multi-stage acid injection. The multi-stage acid
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treatment also included two stage alternate injection of acid and slickwater A non-reactive pad
fluid (SPEC_HT_4000_7) was considered to precede the main acid treatment for fracture
initiation. The multi-stage scenario serves three purposes. It helps to create longer fracture etched
length, cooling the fracture, and increasing the acid depth of penetration. Fluid loss additive (100
mesh sand) was used in the multi-stage acid treatments.
7.1 Scenario-1: Single Stage Acid Injection
In this scenario, different plain HCl acids were used including 10%, HCl, 15% HCl, 20%
HCl, and 28% HCl. The impact of considering a post-flush stage or flow back the spent acid on

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the stimulation results was also investigated. Table 4 shows the acid fracturing stages when
considering a post-flush stage.

Table 4: Acid Fracturing Treatment Design of Scenario-1

Flow Rate Volume Duration

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Stage Type Fluid Type
bpm gal min
Circulation 6.12 2312 9 SPEC_HT_4000_7
Pad 39.21 23056 14 SPEC_HT_4000_7

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Main frac. 40.95 32681 19 Acid
Shut-in 0 0 60 Shut-in
Post-Flush 1.02 2132 50 Slickwater

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Table 5 presents the results of this scenario.

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Table 5: Acid Fracturing Results of Scenario-1with Post-Flush
Frac. Etched Frac. Etched Frac. Frac. Dim. App.
Fluid
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Length Length Width Width Height Cond. Cond. Visc.
Type
ft ft inch inch ft md.ft cp
10% HCl 0 79 0 0.25 0 972 61.51 0.4
15% HCl 180.7 106 0.27 0.086 237.1 1039 49.01 1
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20% HCl 0 69 0 0.179 0 2062 149.4 0.6

28% HCl 0 69 0 0.247 0 4008 290.4 0.9
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Again, FRACPRO can handle the effect of the type, concentration, and viscosity of the acids on
rocks with different lithological and mechanical properties. Therefore, the results of the acid
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fracturing would be different when using different kinds of acids.

Figure 1 shows the etched fracture width and fracture conductivity as a function of
dimensionless fracture etched length.
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Figure 1: Acid Fracturing Results of Scenario-1 with Post-Flush

The results showed that moving the acid during the post-flush stage causes acid loss at a certain
fracture length as shown in the sudden increase of the fracture etched width and fracture

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conductivity in the figures above. The created fracture in the pad stage was closed from the point
of the acid loss to the fracture tip. However, when the etched fracture length to the created
fracture length is insignificant, the fracture length would be equal to (0) as in the case of using
10% HCl, 20% HCl, and 28% in this scenario. However, the 15% HCl did not cause an acid loss
during the treatment, but it led to a low fracture etched width. Therefore, the acid loss leads to an
entire acid treatment failure.
Table 6 presents the results of scenario-1 when the post-flush stage is not considered (acid

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flowback after well shut-in).

Table 6:Acid Fracturing Results of Scenario-1, No Post-Flush

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Frac. Etched Frac. Etched Frac. Frac. Dim. App.
Fluid
Length Length Width Width Height Cond. Cond. Visc.
Type
ft ft inch inch ft md.ft cp

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10% HCl 158.1 68 0.055 0.028 256.9 100 7.4 0.4
15% HCl 179 91 0.277 0.046 296 249.7 13.7 1
20% HCl 159 106 0.055 0.059 256.8 435 20.5 0.6
28% HCl 158.9 119 0.055 0.084 256.7 921.5 38.7 0.9

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Figure 2 shows the results when the post-flush stage was not considered in the treatment design.
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Figure 2: Acid Fracturing Results of Scenario-1, No Post-Flush

The results showed that the problem of the acid loss does not exist if no post-flush stage is
considered and the spent acid is flowed back to the surface after well shut-in. This scenario led to
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successful acid fracturing treatments with effective fracture lengths. However, the fracture
etched width and fracture conductivity were significantly lower in comparison with the case of
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post-flush consideration since the acid has flowed back to the surface. Moreover, the results
showed that the fracture etched width and conductivity increases as the plain HCl acid
concentration increases. However, the 28% HCl with no post-flush and 15% HCl with post-flush
led to the best acid fracturing outcomes regarding the fracture etched width and fracture
conductivity.
Therefore, for single stage plane HCl acid injection, the 28% HCl with no post-flush was
recommended for acid fracturing design.

7.2 Scenario-2: Single Stage- Alternate Acid Slickwater Injection

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This scenario comprises one stage of plain HCl acid injection followed by one stage of
slickwater injection before well shut-in. Not only the slickwater could reduce the problem of the
acid loss during post-flush but also reduces the rock-acid contact time. Thus, reducing the
wellbore and formation damages caused by the acid during well shut-in. Moreover, the impact of
the acid in reducing the compressive strength of the near fracture face matrix would be less.
In this scenario, different concentrations of the plain HCl acids were considered (10%,
15%, 20%, and 28%). Table 7 summarizes the fracturing design stages when considering a post-

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flush stage.

Table 7: Acid Fracturing Treatment Design of Scenario-2

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Flow Rate Volume Duration
Stage Type Fluid Type
bpm gal min
Circulation 6.12 2312 9 SPEC_HT_4000_7

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Pad 39.21 23056 14 SPEC_HT_4000_7
Main frac 40.95 32681 19 Acid
Main frac. 41.56 20945 12 Slickwater

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Shut-in 0 0 60 Shut-in
Post-Flush 1.49 3119 50 Slickwater
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Table 8 shows the results.

Table 8: Acid Fracturing Results of Scenario-2, with Post-Flush

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Frac. Etched Frac. Etched Frac. Frac. Dim. App.

Fluid
Length Length Width Width Height Cond. Cond. Visc.
Type
ft ft inch inch ft md.ft cp
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10% HCl 0 98 0 0.076 0 349.7 17.84 0.4

15% HCl 540.1 129 0.072 0.022 240 133.4 5.17 1
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20% HCl 0 70 0 0.161 0 1406 100.40 0.6

28% HCl 0 0 0 24.42 0 286262 0 0.9

Figure 3 show the etched fracture width and fracture conductivity as a function of dimensionless
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fracture etched length.

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Figure 3: Acid Fracturing Results of Scenario-2, with Post-Flush

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Similar to the scenario of single stage acid injection, the problem of the acid loss was still existed
(sudden increase in the fracture etched width and conductivity) except for the 15% HCl. Again,
when the etched fracture length to the created fracture length is insignificant, the fracture length
would be equal to (0) as in the case of using 10% HCl, 20% HCl, and 28% in this scenario.
However, the slickwater led to less fracture etched width and fracture conductivity. Therefore,
considering a slickwater injection after a single stage of acid injection would not enhance the

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stimulation results if a post-flush stage is considered.
The results of scenario-2 when the post-flush stage was not considered are presented in Table 9.

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Table 9: Acid Fracturing Results of Scenario-2, No Post-Flush
Frac. Etched Frac. Etched Frac. Frac. Dim. App.
Fluid
Length Length Width Width Height Cond. Cond. Visc.
Type

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ft ft inch inch ft md.ft cp
10% HCl 182 96 0.067 0.04 280.2 186 9.694 0.4
15% HCl 224.7 122 0.262 0.056 321.1 382 15.65 1
20% HCl 182.3 129 0.066 0.085 281.2 734.6 28.47 0.6

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28% HCl 183.4 142 0.064 0.121 281.9 1472 51.84 0.9
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Figure 4 shows the results of when ignoring the post-flush stage.
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Figure 4: Acid Fracturing Results of Scenario-2, No Post-Flush

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Again, if the post-flush was not considered, the problem of the acid loss vanishes, and the acid
fracturing treatment is successful. The 28% HCl had a more significant effect on increasing the
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fracture etched width and fracture conductivity. Therefore, it is recommended to flow back the
plain HCl acid after well shut-in rather than moving it along the fracture and then into the
formation. As a result of this scenario, the 28% HCl without post-flush seems to be the best
option regarding the highest fracture conductivity and fracture etched length and width.
7.3 Scenario-3: Multi-Stage Acid and Slickwater Injection
In this scenario, multi-stage acid and slickwater injection were considered (acid-
slickwater-acid). In addition to the plain HCl acids, other acid fluids were considered. 100-mesh
proppant was added to the slickwater to reduce the acid fluid loss during the following acid
injection stage. Table 10 shows the treatment design stages with a post-flush stage.

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Table 10: Acid Fracturing Treatment Design of Scenario-3

Flow Rate Volume Duration

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Stage Type Fluid Type
bpm gal min
Circulation 2.67 4012 35.7 SPEC_HT_4000_7
Pad 34.17 19661 13.7 SPEC_HT_4000_7

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Main frac 20.97 8321 9.5 Acid
Main frac 50.94 41145 19.2 Acid
Main frac 51.07 2062 1 Slickwater

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Main frac 50.98 2059 1 Acid
Shut-in 0 0 71.6 Shut-in
Post-Flush 1.7 2950 9.1 Slickwater

Table 11 shows the stimulation results.

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Table 11: Acid Fracturing Results of Scenario-3
Frac. Etched Frac. Etched Frac. Frac. Dim. App.
Fluid
Length Length Width Width Height Cond. Cond. Visc.
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Type
ft ft inch inch ft md.ft cp
10% HCl 94.58 107.0 0.087 0.187 118.0 2825 132.0 0.4
15% HCl 553.5 286 0.072 0.068 240.9 1257 21.98 1.0
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20% HCl 0.0 0.0 27.23 0.0 0.0 507352 0.0 0.6
28% HCl 0.0 0.0 36.65 0.0 0.0 806621 0.0 0.9
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Foamic acid 134.1 109.0 0.107 0.163 114.6 2537 116.4 0.3
Pad acid 145.9 155.0 0.0076 0.238 151.2 4567 147.3 0.5
EAS 344.6 166.0 0.095 0.061 241.4 647.8 19.51 12.8
XLSIII 205.6 145.0 0.344 0.105 245.4 974.9 33.62 210.3
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Figure 5 shows the fracture etched width and fracture conductivity as a function of the
dimensionless fracture etched length.
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Figure 5: Acid Fracturing Results of Scenario-3

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The effect of the acid loss existed only for the high concentration of the plain HCl acid (more
than 15%) which represented by the curves that jumped dramatically out of the scale in the above
figures. The fracture length is equal to (0) for those HCl concentrations because the etched

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fracture length to the created fracture length is insignificant. The pad acid led to the best acid
stimulation outcomes in comparison to the other considered acid fluids.
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However, when the acid is the last stage before well shut-in, it is recommended to flow back the
spent plain HCl acids instead of flushing them into the formation. However, when the injection
cycles increase, the occurrence of the acid loss during post-flush would be decreased.
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7.4 Scenario-4: Two Stage Alternate Acid- Slickwater Injection

This scenario consisted of two alternate acid- slickwater injection and a slickwater post-
flush stage. However, the well is shut-in after a slickwater injection stage. In addition to the plain
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HCl acids, other acid fluids were considered in this scenario. Moreover, 100-mesh proppant was
added to the slickwater stages to reduce the acid fluid loss in the following injection step. Table
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12 shows the treatment design steps.

Table 12: Acid Fracturing Treatment Design of Scenario-4
Flow Rate Volume Duration
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Stage Type Fluid Type

bpm gal min
Circulation 1 1502 35.8 SPEC_HT_4000_7
Pad 49 28195 13.7 SPEC_HT_4000_7
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Main frac 10 3969 9.5 Acid

Main frac 52 41811 19.2 Acid
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Main frac 52 2100 1 Slickwater

Main frac 52 2100 1 Acid
Main frac 50 10002 4.8 Slickwater
Shut-in 0 0 71.6 Shut-in
Post-Flush 5 8659 41.2 Slickwater

Table 13 show the stimulation results for the different acid fluids.

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Table 13: Acid Fracturing Results of Scenario-4

Frac. Etched Frac. Etched Frac. Frac. Dim. App.
Fluid
Length Length Width Width Height Cond. Cond. Visc.
Type
ft ft inch inch ft md.ft cp
10% HCl 314.5 122 0.018 0.078 108.5 830.6 34.04 0.4
15% HCl 593 135 0.082 0.037 240.8 489 18.10 1.0
20% HCl 283.3 149.0 0.027 0.133 160.8 2685 90.11 0.6

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28% HCl 251.5 160.0 0.026 0.180 160.8 4880 152.5 0.9
pad acid 311.0 137.0 0.024 0.113 108.4 1614 58.90 0.5
EAS 350.5 151.0 0.095 0.051 239.0 398.0 13.18 12.8

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XLSIII 217.9 153.0 0.346 0.106 247.9 845.0 27.61 210.3
15% HCl +XLS 216.0 146.0 0.347 0.108 248.7 1019 34.90
15% HCl +EAS 361.5 141.0 0.096 0.051 240.6 471.8 16.73

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Formic acid 371.0 117.0 0.026 0.073 103.2 693.6 29.64 0.3

Figure 6 shows the fracture etched width and fracture conductivity as a function of
dimensionless fracture etched length.

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Figure 6: Acid Fracturing Results of Scenario-4

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This scenario eliminated the problem of the HCl plain acid loss. Moreover, the fracture etched
width and conductivity had not reduced significantly in comparison with the case when the acid
injection is the last stage before well shut-in. Therefore, it is recommended to inject slickwater
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before well shut-in when considering a multi-stage injection of acid and water. The fracture
etched widths were higher than the created fracture widths for the plain HCl and pad acids. The
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28% HCl resulted in the longest fracture etched length and width, and the highest fracture
conductivity. The pad acid also gave good stimulation outcomes. However, the acid fracturing
performance had increased as the plain HCl acid concentration was increased from 10% to 28%.
The plain HCl acids led to wide fracture etched widths near the wellbore. However, the etched
width decreased significantly at the fracture tip. However, the other acid fluids led to less
fracture etched widths at the fracture entry and less etched width reduction along the fracture
length. Using different kinds of retarded acid fluids would keep the fracture width more
significant at the fracture tip. However, the used EAS is a slightly retarded fluid. Therefore, its
impact on enhancing the etched fracture width at the fracture tip was not significant.
Figure 7 shows the treatment results and fracture profile when using 28% HCl.

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Figure 7: Fracture Profile, Scenario-4, 28% HCl

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It is worth noting that the fracture etched width decreases and the fracture etched length
increases as the fracturing stages increase. However, in tight formations, it is crucial to creating a
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long fracture into the formation. Therefore, the multi-stage alternate acid slickwater injection is
the recommended scenario for this study. Moreover, injecting of slickwater before well shut-in is
important to reduce the rock-acid contact time, thereby decreasing the wellbore damage and near
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fracture face matrix damage because of the iron and polymer precipitations.
The 28% HCl is the best acid fluid to be used
For the conventional reservoirs with high permeability, it is recommended to reduce the
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fracturing stages for a wider fracture width which is the controlling factor of the fracturing
treatment design in high permeability formation. However, the acid loss is expected to less in
conventional reservoirs because of their high compressive strength.
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8. Conclusions
A study of optimizing acid fracturing design for a carbonate shale reservoir was conducted using
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FRACPRO software. Different scenarios were considered for the treatment design starting from
a single stage of acid injection to multi-stage treatment. In multi-stage acid treatment, alternate
acid- slickwater stages were considered. The impact of considering a post-flush stage or fluids
flowback on the acid fracturing outcomes was also investigated. The results showed the
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following.
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1- Scenario-1 which represented the injection of plain HCL acid as a single stage showed that
the acid loss during post-flush stage is the main problem of the acid fracturing treatment.
Therefore, it is recommended to flow back the acid after well shut-in stage. The acid has a
significant effect in reducing the compressive strength of the rock. However, the rock-acid
contact time is long for this scenario. It is worth noting that the shale formations have much
less compressive strength in comparison to the tight sand formations. This scenario showed
also that the 28% HCl results in a highest fracture etched length, etched width, and fracture
conductivity.
2- Scenario-2 represented a single stage plain HCl acid with a slickwater injection before well
shut-in stage. Therefore, the rock- acid contact time was reduced in this scenario, thus

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reducing the near fracture face damage caused by the iron and polymer precipitates. This
scenario had not solved the problem of the acid loss. Moreover, the no post-flush option led
to the best stimulation results. The different concentrations of HCl acid resulted in different
stimulation outcomes. However, the 28% HCl with flowing back the fluids seems to be the
best option for this scenario.
3- Scenario-3 was a multi-stage acid fracturing treatment (acid, slickwater, acid) with

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considering a post flush stage. This scenario showed that the pad acid leads to the best
stimulation results. However, the 20% HCl and 28% HCl resulted in a significant fluid loss;
thus, no fracture etched length and width were obtained. Therefore, when using plain acids,
it is recommended not to inject acid before well shut-in. Moreover, it is recommended to

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flow back the fluids rather than considering a post-flush stage.
4- Scenario-4 was a two-stage alternate acid slickwater injection. However, the slickwater

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injection was the last stage before well shut-in. This scenario eliminated the problem of the
fluid loss during post-flush stage. Therefore, a post-flush is recommended when considering
this scenario. Moreover, injecting of slickwater before well shut-in is important to reduce the
rock-acid contact time, thereby decreasing the wellbore damage and near fracture face matrix

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damage because of the iron and polymer precipitations. The 28% HCl resulted in the longest
fracture etched length and width as well as the highest fracture conductivity. The pad acid
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also gave good stimulation results.
5- When the fracturing stages increase, the created fracture etched width decreases and the
fracture etched length increases.
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6- Because of the carbonate layer low permeability and low compressive strength, a multi-stage
alternate acid slickwater injection with a post-flush stage is the recommended scenario for
the acid fracturing design. Moreover, the 28% HCl is the recommended acid fluid.
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7- For conventional carbonate reservoirs with high permeability and high compressive strength,
it is recommended to reduce the fracturing stages for a wider fracture etched width.
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Moreover, a post flush stage could be considered. However, the occurrence of the acid loss is
expected to be less likely to exist during post-flush stage because of the rock high
compressive strength.
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Nomenclature

w kf fracture conductivity, inch.md

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Pc fracture closure stress, psi

wi dissolved rock equivalent width, inch
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Srock rock embedment strength, psi

X volumetric dissolving power of the acid
V total volume of the injected acid
hf fracture height
xf fracture half length.

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• Acid loss is a big issue in acid fracturing.

• Slickwater injection before well shut-in to reduce rock-acid contact time.
• Multi-stage alternate acid slickwater injection for longer etched length in tight reservoirs.
• Multi-stage acid fracturing for tight carbonate reservoirs with low compressive strength.

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• Acid flowback for single stage acid fracturing.
• Post-flush for Multi-stage alternate acid slickwater acid fracturing.

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• Pure 28% HCl acid and multi-stage acid fracturing for tight carbonate reservoirs.

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