Publications

A novel, patented technology has been implemented in Sumatra, Indonesia, with outstanding well performance results. The technology involves the use of specialized jetting equipment on the end of coiled tubing, combined to literally dissolve new multilateral boreholes in carbonate rock, pumping hydrochloric acid. This paper describes the first two field campaigns, listing the method employed, the field execution and the production gains seen. The work dates from October 2007 onwards. This technology was developed in Indonesia. The initial prototype testing was conducted in Jakarta, dating back to late 2001. The very first field applications took place in Venezuela, but now the technology is firmly based back in Indonesia, providing for a low-cost method of constructing multiple, short-radius laterals in carbonate rocks, using simple surface equipment spreads, producing laterals with negative skin factors by default. The projects in Sumatra were especially challenging as the vertical intervals available were extremely limited (6m), meaning that tight builds were required, along with closely spaced exits from the original open hole section. Some evolution of the tool setup and job design took place during the course of these campaigns, further optimizing the process. The changes made are described in the paper, as is a summary of the technology's current capabilities and applications. The production gains seen using this new technique are compared to acid wash and fracture treatments conducted on offset wells.