Well-stimulation is one of the major parts of petroleum and gas extraction. It’s meant to improve and increase the production of oil and gas wells. When a well reduces its production, well stimulation is practiced by petroleum engineers. There are three major methods of well-stimulation. In this blog, we cover each method so keep on reading for more information!
Dissolving through Acid Injection
Acid gas injection is all about pumping CO2 and H2 into the well to dissolve composites and minerals. This well-stimulation method is practiced in an extremely controlled environment to avoid leakage and other issues. The only major risk associated with this method is that acid may infiltrate the surrounding area – causing harm to the ecosystem.
Explosive Stimulation
Another well-stimulation tactic is the use of explosives. In this method, petroleum engineers use controlled explosions to spread chemicals throughout a well. Though explosive techniques are one of the oldest methods, it is now the least popular method due to the many risks and lack of precision.
Hydraulic Fracturing
This has been the most successful and efficient well-stimulation tactic since 1940. During this method, a mix of 90% water, 5% chemicals, and sand is used to fracture or break rocks. When this mixture is injected into the well, it breaks rocks and the sand becomes trapped in the cracks to help maintain flow over a longer period of time. Fracking is not as risky as the previous two methods we discussed and is more widely used than its counterparts.
Wrapping it Up
All methods of well-injection techniques have been highly regulated by the government and are relatively free of substantial risk. However, hydraulic fracturing has become more popular because of its effectiveness and ease of use. Any of these methods of well-injection can be used, though explosive stimulation techniques are generally the least precise and the least efficient of the three options.
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