Multistage process allows pinpoint treatment of hard-to-reach pay

A new multistage treatment process optimizes perforation and treatment design. This technique, known as external casing perforating (ECP), allows the operator to perforate and isolate individual zones in as little as 30 minutes between treatment stages. As many as 17 discrete intervals have been treated within a 24-hour period. This approach minimizes total treatment volume by using the flush from the previous stage as the pad on the next stage, thus placing less fluid on the formation. Production from multiple horizons can be brought on line quickly in one rigless operation without damaging and time-consuming shut-ins.