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Acid fracturing is a key stimulation technique for carbonate reservoirs, where acid is injected to dissolve rock and create conductive channels. Unlike proppant-based fracturing, acid fracturing relies on uneven etching to maintain long-term conductivity. However, predicting post-stimulation conductivity remains a challenge. This blog examines how modern acidizing simulators model fracture conductivity and improve treatment designs.
In acid fracturing, conductivity depends on:
Acid-rock reaction kinetics – Faster reactions may limit acid penetration, reducing etched fracture length.
Heterogeneous mineral distribution – Carbonates with varying solubility lead to uneven etching.
Closure stress – As the fracture closes, weaker etched surfaces may collapse, reducing conductivity.
Traditional models often overestimate conductivity by assuming uniform etching, leading to disappointing well performance.
Next-generation acidizing simulators address these challenges through:
Reactive Transport Modeling – Simulates acid diffusion, reaction rates, and wormhole formation in real-time.
3D Etching Profiles – Uses geochemical data to predict non-uniform etching patterns along the fracture face.
Coupled Geomechanics and Flowback Analysis – Evaluates how closure stress affects conductivity over time.
An operator in the Middle East used an advanced acid fracturing simulator to determine the optimal acid volume and injection rate. By modeling acid reactivity with mineralogy, they achieved deeper fractures with sustained conductivity, increasing production by 20% compared to conventional designs.
Accurate acid fracturing simulations are critical for maintaining long-term conductivity in carbonate reservoirs. Modern simulators that integrate reaction kinetics, geomechanics, and heterogeneous rock properties enable better treatment designs, maximizing well productivity and economic returns.
