Integration of field, laboratory, and modeling aspects of acid fracturing: A comprehensive review

Acid fracture is a widely applied stimulation technique in carbonate formations; however, it has yet to be fully engineered. A holistic approach was taken in this study to improve the general understating of acid fracture from the field, laboratory, and modeling perspectives. Fully integrating these three elements is imperative to enhancing the performance of acid-fractured wells. The comprehensive review provided in this study will reduce the gap between job execution outcomes and acid fracture model predictions, a goal that is unattainable without knowledge of acid fracture fluid properties, potentials, and limitations. Such an understanding can be obtained from laboratory studies, as well as from job execution results. Obtaining accurate descriptions of the fluid and rock properties encountered during operation is essential. For instance, an experimental approach is applied to obtain the reaction kinetics, diffusion coefficients, and acid fracture conductivity. These, along with the fluid loss coefficient and pressure data obtained from field operations, are valuable modeling inputs. This study sheds light on improvements in acid fracture modeling capabilities made during the past several decades, as well as limitations in terms of capturing some of the fundamental physical phenomena occurring during the process of acid fracture. Essentially, a model that can predict stimulation outcomes can be used to improve the design.