Stim Gun Tec

StimGun
StimGun
Technology
A complete guide to the
StimGun assembly,
StimTube tool, and
Well Stimulation tool
Ta b l e
o f
C o n t e n t s
StimGun
Table of Contents
StimGun
Editors Notes
Janet Emr, Marathon Oil Company
Introduction
StimGun Technology is a
publication of the Propellant
Technology Development
Group:
Computalog Wireline Services,
Precision Drilling Technology
Services Group, Inc.
HTH Technical Services, Inc.
The Propellant Technology Development

Group and the licensees
Introduction to the StimGun family

of products
Tools, components and industry usage
12
Safety and regulatory compliance
Instrumentation & Engineering

Services, Inc.
Brent Kirschner, Owen Oil Tools
David Boston, Owen Compliance Services, Inc.

Joe Haney, HTH Technical Services, Inc.
Marathon Oil Company
Background
Owen Oil Tools
15
Historical and technical perspectives
20
Demonstration of pressure wave motion in the

well caused by a dynamic event

John Schatz, John F. Schatz Research & Consulting, Inc.
24
Effective penetration is enhanced by the

StimGun assembly
Dan Pratt, Owen Oil Tools
This publication is provided for informational purposes only. The recipient of this publication assumes full responsibility for determining whether the information contained
herein is appropriate for its use.
25
James Barker, Jet Research Center, a division of Halliburton Energy

Services
John Hardesty, Jet Research Center, a division of Halliburton Energy
Services
Phil Snider, Marathon Oil Company
Neither the companies represented by the

Propellant Technology Development Group
nor any person acting on their behalf:
a. Makes any warranty or representation,
express or implied, with respect to the
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness
of the information contained in this
publication; or
b. Assumes any liability with respect to the
use of, or for damages resulting from
the use of, any of this information; or
29
c. Gives any warranties; all implied

warranties or merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose are expressly
excluded.
The information contained herein is
intended as a general illustration of the possible applications of the StimGun tools and
technology described herein. The companies
represented by the Propellant Technology
Development Group specifically disclaims any
warranties, expressed or implied, with respect
to suitability of a particular product as a solution to a specific problem or condition.
Propellants can break through formation

damage created by perforating
A nodal analysis of why near-wellbore

fracturing with propellant increases
productivity
John Gilbert, Marathon Oil Company
Craig Beveridge, Owen Oil Tools
Products & Applications Overview
33
Product testing to develop and confirm tool

performance
Bob Daly, Marathon Oil Company
1
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
35
Candidate well selection for the StimGun assembly technology
37
When StimGun products may be the wrong choice
39
Choosing the right tool and conveyance method
42
Pre-job planning
44
PulsFrac software: How does it work? What does it do?
46
IES high-speed/high-shock downhole memory gauge
50
PulsFrac software and IES high-speed memory gauges used to design

and confirm propellant behavior, perforation breakdown,
and formation fracturing
Bob Haney, HTH Technical Services, Inc.
David Cuthill, Computalog Wireline Services

Scott Ager, Instrumentation & Engineering Services, Inc.

Scott Ager, Instrumentation & Engineering Services, Inc.
56
Big-block surface test of the StimGun assembly
59
Using the IES high-speed gauge in TCP drop bar applications

Casey Weldon, Baker Atlas

Alphie Wright, Baker Atlas
Application Type: Perforation Breakdown
63
An interview with Buddy Woodroof, ProTechnics Technical Manager
65
Does propellant help or hurt hydraulic fracturing?
67
An overview of SPE paper 63104: New techniques for hydraulic fracturing in

the Hassi Messaoud Field
Paul Gardner, Marathon Oil Company
E. Glynn Williams, Marathon Oil Company
Kent Folse, Halliburton Energy Services
68
Improving hydraulic fracturing effectiveness by wireline StimGun assembly

perforating in the San Andres Formation of West Texas
Kevin Miller, Marathon Oil Company
74
Underbalanced TCP StimGun assembly applications to obtain

initial production and improve hydraulic fracturing
Jim Gilliat, Canadian Completion Services The Expro Group
2
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Ta b l e
o f
C o n t e n t s
StimGun
77
An overview of SPE paper 71639: Field performance of

propellant/perforation technologies to enhance placement of proppant
on high-risk sand-control completions
Kent Folse, Halliburton Energy Services
78
Propellant assisted perforation breakdown examples
83
Restoring injectivity
Application Type: Near-Wellbore Stimulation
87
The first applications of TCP underbalanced propellant jobs in shallow

Rocky Mountain gas wells
Ralph Affinito, Marathon Oil Company
Larry Staten, Halliburton Energy Services
89
High-speed gauge data improves job success on wireline-conveyed

near-wellbore stimulations
Todd McAleese, Marathon Canada, Ltd.
91
Combining StimGun assembly with EOB perforation and acid

stimulation significantly improves New York states gas production
Craig Smith, The Expro Group (formerly with Halliburton Energy Services)
92
An overview of SPE paper 68101: A unique approach to enhancing

production from depleted, highly laminated sand reservoirs using
a combined propellant/perforating technique
Kim Hungerford, Halliburton Energy Services
93
Successfully combining the StimGun assembly with

Pow*rPerf technologies
Frank Oriold, Canadian Completion Services The Expro Group
95
Slickline-conveyed StimTube tool stimulation: an alternative to

a high-rate acid fracture
Bill Barton, Tripoint, Inc. The Expro Group
96
Propellants have dramatically increased production from heavy oil wells:

the need for hydraulic fracturing has been reduced
Kevin Newmiller, Precision Drilling
Perry Huber, Plains Perforating Ltd.
101
Enhancing sand/oil production in the Lloydminster Canada area
106
Stimulation of shallow gas wells

Lane Merta, Computalog Wireline Services
3
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Application Type: Open Hole Stimulations
111
Open hole completions: case histories and technical studies with formation
micro imaging (FMI)
General Interest and Whats Next
117
Myths and misconceptions
122
Benefits of using high-speed gauge data to obtain rock properties
124
New product and technology development


Appendix
127
133
137
149
Glossary
Reference list
Contributing authors biographies
Selected SPE papers
Editors Notes
diting the StimGun Technology book was a daunting task, but I am grateful for the opportunity to
work with such experienced and highly knowledgeable individuals. I feel privileged to be a part of the
Propellant Technology Development Group and for
having the opportunity to gain knowledge from it. I
would like to express my gratitude to Cindy Guire for
her patience and perseverance working countless
hours with me on the layout and graphic work.
Although they do not appear here as contributors,
the Propellant Group wishes to recognize several individuals contribution during the early development
stage of the technology. Some of these individuals have
moved to other companies or occupations, but we
continue to consider them valued friends and partners.
David Wesson, formerly of Owen Oil Tools, had
the energy and ideas that became infectious,
making the project fun.
David Carlson and J.C. Picard, formerly with
Computalog Wireline Services, spent countless
hours driving between Edmonton, Canada and
Cody, Wyoming to perform the first evaluations of
the technology. They believed in the technology
4
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Janet Emr, Marathon Oil Company

and did a great job of executing early field work.
Doug Robinson and Mike Boyle, as early strong
supporters of propellant technology with vision.
Craig Dickerson continues to be key member of
the group and also deserves recognition. Craig's
practicality combined with his enthusiasm enables
continued manufacturing process improvement
and quality control.
The reader should find this book a valuable
resource for understanding and applying StimGun
propellant* technology. Please contact the Propellant
Technology Development Group if clarification or further information is needed. Contact information for
the members of the Propellant Technology
Development Group is included in the Appendix
along with the Contributing Authors Biographies.
* The StimGun family of products are DOT classified a oxidizers
(5.1) and not as propellants. For classification purposes, propellants are equivalent of explosives. Therefore throughout this publication, when the term propellant is used with regard to
StimGun products, it should technically be interpreted in DOT
terms to mean oxidizer, mixture, solid.
I n t r o d u c t i o n
The Propellant Technology

Development Group and the
licensees
he Propellant Technology Development
Group s goal is to integrate the perforation,
well stimulation, well production, computer modeling, and high-speed data collection technologies.
Each of the individual companies had been working on components of the technology, and when
Marathon Oil Company took the lead in forming
the group, the joint expertise and resources proved
successful in developing this technology.
Propellant Technology Development Group personnel represent a broad base of knowledge, experience, and expertise. The group has access to the
combined resources of the individual participating
companies.
The group s credentials include individuals with:
Over 20 mechanical oilfield tool patents
Eight individuals with 12 plus years of

propellant manufacturing/operations
experience
Completion engineers with over 20 years of
experience
Shaped charge design engineers with 30 years
of experience
Geophysicist with a PhD in rock mechanics
from MIT with 35 years of experience
Individuals assisting the United Nations
explosives shipping and testing organizations
Over 50 combined years of military experience
in high-shock measurements
Total of over 300 years of oil field experience for
the core team members
Propellant Manufacturing
Propellant Field Experience
Recorder Field Experience
Test Wells, Producing Wells

Perforating, Completion Expertise
Legal/Patent Expertise
.
&C
Shaped Charge Manufacturing

Hardware Manufacturing
Shipping/Distribution
Design Expertise
Computer Simulation Expertise

Rock Mechanics Expertise
Propellant Design Experience
High Speed Recorder

Hardware Manufacturing
Shipping/Distribution
Design Expertise
Wireline Service Company

Propellant Field Experience
Propellant Technology Development Group companies and their resources.

5
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
There are at least nine companies licensed with the

StimGun assembly and related technologies. These
licenses range from worldwide tubing-conveyed perforation (TCP) and wireline with integrated major
service companies to single country wireline licenses.
The Propellant Technology Development Group
views its association with its licensees as a team effort.
This approach has resulted in the rapid development
and worldwide commercialization of the StimGun
technology while minimizing the past reputation of
propellant stimulation products for misapplication,
misuse, and poor design.
License agreements for the StimGun body of technology are available from the Propellant Technology
Development Group through Marathon Oil
Company.
6
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
StimGun
Introduction to the StimGun

family of products
n the right application and with the right tool,
propellants work. However, all propellant-based
products are not the same. The StimGun family of
propellant-based products offers the industry the
first fully integrated, technology-based, and thoroughly tested tools designed to dynamically clean
up and stimulate the near-wellbore area. These
stimulations are not only cost-effective, but in
many instances may be the only available solution
for elimination of certain near-wellbore problems.
This technology is used both as a primary stimulation and in conjunction with other stimulation
technologies such as hydraulic fracturing.
To date, several thousand wells have been successfully treated. The key to our success has been
in development of an engineered process for
the optimization of stimulation design. The
process integrates computer modeling, high-speed
data acquisition, testing, and data interpretation.
The result is the ability to select propellant tools
and treatment procedures that ensure the customer that each specific job has been thoroughly
evaluated, the applicability of the technology has

been assessed, potential problems have been minimized, and when complete, results can be quantitatively evaluated.
Perhaps the easiest way for us to introduce the
technology is to review a few of our successes.
The remainder of articles in this publication present in detail the who, why, and how of the
StimGun family of products.
The StimGun assembly received Hart s
Petroleum Engineering International
Special Meritorious Engineering Award for
Engineering Innovation. The Propellant
Development Technology Group was honored to receive this prestigious award at the
Offshore Technology Conference in 1997. The entry was
submitted in the Completions and Perforating category
and was recognized as one of the year s best new engineering innovations in the industry s efforts to improve well
completions.
Hydraulic
fractures had
inefficient
proppant
placement.
Well was
perforated, but did
not flow.
Operator was
unable to initiate
hydraulic fracture
treatment due to a
lack of breakdown
West Texas
Gulf of Thailand
Western Canada
Perforate with
StimGun
assembly
Treat with 5 ft
(1.5 m) StimTube
tool centered on
11 ft (3.3 m)
perforated interval.
Treat with 6 ft (2 m)
WST centered on
10 ft (3 m) perforated interval
Proppant was
placed over the
entire zone, as verified by radioactive
tracer analysis.
The well flowed at

1 mmcf/day
(30 E3m3/d).
Hydraulic fracture
initiated and went
away successfully
with no discernible
breakdown
pressure.
Examples of case history successes for perforation breakdown and near-wellbore stimulation.
7
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Tools, components, and industry

usage
he StimGun family of products currently consists
of three unique tool configurations the
StimGun assembly, the StimTube tool and the Well
Stimulation Tool (WST). These three products allow
for maximum stimulation design flexibility for a wide
range of well configurations. With each of these products, production/injection enhancement is accomplished through perforation breakdown and nearwellbore stimulation.
StimGun assembly
StimTube tool
Well stimulation tool (WST) and hardware
High-speed/high-shock downhole memory gauge
8
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
The StimGun technology is best understood as an

engineered job design process that integrates the use
of the products with PulsFrac computer modeling and
data acquisition using the high-speed gauge. Unlike
approaches used by others, the StimGun technology
takes into account well fluids, well mechanicals, and
rock properties to select the optimum tool for each
specific application.
StimGun
perforating gun systems from 2 8 in. (60.3 mm)
through 7 in. (177.8 mm) outer diameter (OD).
The StimGun assembly can be lowered into the
well on wireline, tubing or drill pipe, or with coiled
tubing.
3
The StimGun assembly has two major components a conventional hollow steel perforating gun
and a sleeve of special propellant material surrounding the gun. The perforating gun is fired in
the wellbore as normal, and as a result of the perforating process the sleeve is ignited. The sleeve,
which is a proprietary oxidizer, and binder combination burns quickly and produces a burst of highpressure gas. This high-pressure gas enters the perforation and creates fractures resulting in an
improved flow path from the formation to the wellbore. The sleeves are available for hollow carrier
As of December 2001, over 30,000 ft (9140 m)

of the StimGun assembly have been run. This represents thousands of successful completions. These
include onshore-offshore oil, gas, and injector wells
around the world. The StimGun assembly is a
field-proven method of perforating and stimulating
in one run.
Propellant sleeve Cast tube of a proprietary oxidizer/resin binder material, similar in appearance to plastic pipe, that
simply slides over the perforating guns. The propellant-like material (actually classified as an oxidizer) is ignited by the perforating events. Usually a minimum of four shots per foot is required to adequately ignite the sleeve. However, 6 spf (20 spm)
are generally recommended. Maximum temperature rating is 330 F (160 C). The sleeves are impervious to all current well
fluids.
Centralizing rings Used to position and secure the sleeves to the outside of the perforating gun. In addition to securing the sleeves, the rings are available over-sized (typically
sleeve OD + 1 4"/6.4 mm) to protect the sleeves from contact with the casing.
Finned tandem/bull nose subs Subs centralize

the assembly and protect the sleeves while resulting
in minimum flow restriction. Typically gun OD + 1 2"
(12.7 mm)
Perforating guns Typically hollow steel carrier guns are recommended. Sleeves are currently available for the following gun OD sizes: 23 8", 21 2", 23 4", 27 8", 31 8", 33 8, 4", 41 2", 45 8", 51 8", & 7" (60.3 mm, 63.5 mm, 69.9 mm, 73 mm,
79.4 mm, 85.7 mm, 101.6 mm, 130.2 mm & 177.8 mm).
High-speed/high-shock downhole memory gauge Data acquisition at rates up to 100,000 points per second
(user programmable for high, intermediate, and low speeds). Sensors available include pressure, temperature, acceleration
high-G for shock measurement and acceleration, low-G for tool velocity calculation. Maximum memory = one million
data points. Sizes available (OD) = 111 16" & 2" (42.9 mm & 50.8 mm). Maximum temperature rate = 255 F (125 C).
9
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
The StimTube tool consists of a molded cylinder of

propellant-like oxidizing material surrounding an
internal steel support tube containing detonating
cord. The StimTube tool provides efficient, cost
effective remediation to existing perforated or openhole intervals. The StimTube tool is available in a
variety of sizes including 11 2 in., 111 16 in., 2 in., 21 2 in.,
and 3 in. (38.1 mm, 42.9 mm, 50.8 mm, 63.5 mm
and 76.2 mm). The StimTube tool is run into the
wellbore, typically on wireline, and positioned across
existing perforations. The conventional detonating
cord is then initiated causing the oxidizer to ignite.

Similar to the StimGun, the StimTube s proprietary
propellant burns quickly and produces a burst of
high-pressure gas.
As of December 2001, over 12,000 ft (3660 m) of

the StimTube assembly have been run. Applications
are primarily through-tubing pre-hydraulic fracture
treatment and stimulation of damaged wells, where
wellbore restrictions do not allow for the use of the
StimGun assembly.
The StimTube A cast cylindrical rod of proprietary oxidizer/resin material with an embedded steel support tube, ignited
with 40 grain detonating cord. Available sizes Outside Diameters 11 2", 111 16", 2", 21 2", and 3" (38.1 mm, 42.9 mm, 50.8
mm and 76.2 mm); lengths 1', 2', 3', and 4' (.3 m, .6 m, .9 m and 1.2 m). Maximum temperature rating = 340 F (170 C).
Impervious to all well fluids.
Firing head Used to connect the detonator to the detonating cord and to connect the tools to the wireline or coiled tubing.
Connecting subs Used to assemble multiple StimTube tools and to minimize tool contact with the casing. Generally,
maximum recommended total length per run of StimTube tool for wireline applications is 15' (4.6 m). Longer lengths can be
run on continuous tubing.
Bull nose sub Used to terminate the assembly and protect the propellant and detonating cord end seal.
High-speed/high-shock downhole memory gauge Typically run just below the wireline cable head.
10
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
StimGun
The WST is a stick tool consisting of a cast cylindrical rod of a proprietary oxidizer/resin material
with a central ignition system. It is primarily used in
perforated or open hole wells with no inner diameter restrictions.
As of December 2001, over 15,000 ft (4570 m)

of the WST has been run. This product has an
extremely reliable ignition system and a verified
burn repeatability. The WST is primarily used as a
perforation breakdown tool and as a horizontal
well stimulation tool.
End view
WST available sizes ODs 11 2", 111 16", 2 in., 21 2 in., and 3 in. (38.1 mm, 42.9 mm, 50.8 mm, 63.5 mm and
76.2 mm); lengths 1', 2 ft, 3 ft, and 4 ft (.3 m, .6 m, .9 m and 1.2 m). It is ignited with 40, 60, or 80 grain detonating cord, however 40 is typically recommended. Maximum temperature rating 250 F (120 C). Impervious to all well
fluids except methanol.
Steel carriers Similar to a spent perforating gun except with typically 24-1" holes per foot. It is available in
several ODs depending the specific WST used.
Connecting subs Used to assembly multiple WSTs. Generally, maximum recommended total length per run of WST
for wire line applications is 12 ft (3.7 m). Lengths of over 1000 ft (305 m) can run on tubing.
Bull nose sub Used to terminate the assembly.

Firing head Used to connect the detonator to the detonating cord, and to connect the tools to the wire line or tubing.
High-speed/high-shock downhole memory gauge Typically connected below the bull nose sub.
11
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Safety and regulatory compliance

David Boston, Owen Compliance Services, Inc.
roduct safety and regulatory compliance are of paramount importance to the Propellant Technology
Development Group. The StimGun
family of products have all been thoroughly tested to ensure that they are
manufactured, transported, stored,
and handled in a manner that meets
worldwide regulatory requirements
and does not endanger people, property, or the environment.
Beginning in the product design
phase, issues of product safety and risk
management were addressed. The
chemical oxidizer used in these products was selected based on low sensitivity, high stability, and good performance. The binder used was selectFigure 1 Surface Test StimGun assembly, 27 in. (73 mm) Perforating Gun,
ed based on chemical compatibility,
6 spf (20 spm), no ignition of StimGun sleeve observed.
stability, and fuel content. Prior to startup of manufacturing, a preliminary
intrinsic hazards for handling of the products by the
hazard assessment was completed. Additionally, the
end-user.
products have been tested and classified per UN
Model Regulations and the US Department of
Transportation (DOT) regulations. The chemical comThe testing of the StimGun product family has been
patibility of the propellant with various well fluids was
ongoing since 1996. Owen Compliance Services, Inc.
(OCS) performed a hazard assessment review and witnessed the initial product testing. Based on this initial
testing, the products were classified as oxidizers.* This
product classification was later reconfirmed by testing
conducted by Natural Resources Canada (NRC),
through its Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory
(CERL).
8
products have been

tested and classified per
UN Model Regulations
and the US Department
of Transportation (DOT)
regulations
evaluated as well as the effect of rapid low-to-high

pressure cycling. As part of the risk management
assessment, all products were tested for ignition
potential at surface conditions. The results of the testing have also been used to identify any possible
A
Owen Oil Tools Inc. has conducted several explosive tests on the products, as follows.
Multiple surface tests were performed. An example
is shown in Figure 1. The most important result is that
perforating guns will not ignite the StimGun assembly sleeves at the surface.
* The StimGun family of products are DOT classified as oxidizers (5.1) and not as propellants. For classification purposes, propellants are
equivalent of explosives. Therefore throughout this publication, when the term propellant is used with regard to StimGun products, it
should technically be interpreted in DOT terms to mean oxidizer, mixture, solid.
12
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Figure 2 (a) View of the StimTube tool after detonating cord wrapped around the exterior of the tool was ignited
note that essentially none of the tool was ignited by the detonating cord. (b) View of the StimTube tool after detonating
cord was run through the central ignition tube and ignited. The ignition of the detonating cord resulted in fragmentation
of the tool and minor ignition of some of the fragments.
Multiple surface tests were conducted.

Detonating cord wrapped around the StimTube
tool will not ignite the oxidizer material (Figure 2a).
Detonating cord run through the full length of the
central igniter tube will fragment and only partially
ignite the oxidizer mixture (Figure 2b).
At surface, without confining pressure, detonating cord will not ignite the oxidizer mixture.
A
A harsh environment test at 20,000 psi
(138 MPa) and 400 F (204 C) generated no reaction. Multiple rapid pressure cycling tests from
atmospheric to 5000 psi (35 MPa) and back generated no reaction. Fluid compatibility tests with propellant mixtures used in the StimGun assemblies
and all StimTube tools indicated no reaction with

hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, xylene, and alcohol.
Mixtures used in the WST and certain obsolete
StimGun assemblies are affected by water or alcohol absorption.
C
The hazard assessment testing for the UN and
DOT classification and for product safety of the
StimGun family of products has been rigorous.
These products can be safely transported with all
domestic and international transport regulations.
Guidelines for safe handling and use have been
established. Sensitivities have been determined.
As with all dangerous goods, there is a potential
for error and/or abuse. Training is required for all
personnel involved with the manufacture, transportation, storage, and end use of the products.
13
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Nitroglycerin and other

explosives came into general
use as stimulants in 1867 and
prevailed until the late 1940s
when explosive-based
stimulation was replaced by
hydraulic fracturing.
B a c k g r o u n d
Historical and technical perspectives

apid energy-release stimulation of oil and gas
wells commenced nearly 150 years ago. In
1860, a black powder torpedo, a 3 ft (0.9 m)
length of 2 in. (50.8 mm) copper tubing filled with
rifle powder, was first used successfully to stimulate
an oil well.
Nitroglycerin and other explosives came into
general use as stimulants in 1867 and prevailed
until the late 1940s when explosive-based stimulation was replaced by hydraulic fracturing.
The WST is used primarily to stimulate: perforated cased intervals, open hole and long intervals in
horizontal wells. It is a cast cylindrical rod of propellant with a full length central ignition system.
The ignition system has been improved to increase
the tool s reliability, burn rate, and reproducibility.
Although these steps have enhanced WST performance and reliability, its use is somewhat limited by its design.
Solid propellants were introduced in the 1970s

and are the basis of modern propellant technology for oil field use. The performance and success
rate of the initially slow burning cylindrical tool
with a top-to-bottom ignition system was an
improvement but still marginal by today s standards and requirements. In successive years, considerable research, development, improved engineering design, and testing have been applied to
solid propellant technology in order to enhance
its stimulation effectiveness.
In cased wells, the interval must be perforated

prior to running the WST. This two-run requirement is less economical and not always physically
possible. Another consideration is that the tool
must be depth-correlated with the existing perforations. This is rarely a problem, but warrants
mentioning.
The latest steps forward, enabled by the commercialization of high-speed downhole data
recorders, more sophisticated computer modeling,
and newer tool designs, have been made by the
Propellant Technology Development Group. This
recent work has resulted in three distinct tool
designs now available and in use:
Nevertheless, the WST remains an attractive

choice for many previously perforated wells and
open hole intervals.
Well Stimulation Tool

StimGun assembly
StimTube tool
:
An integrated science and engineering
package
New propellant tool designs

High-speed data acquisition
Computer modeling
Data analysis and job optimization
Extensive field experience
The WST requires an external steel, supporting

carrier similar in appearance to a perforating gun.
The carrier s outside diameter sometimes prevents
WST use in wells with inside diameter restrictions.
The WST two-run requirement, mentioned

above, pointed out the need for a combined perforating gun/propellant stimulation tool and prompted the formation of the Propellant Technology
Development Group. In 1996, this group proposed
a new design comprised of a propellant sleeve
placed over the outside of the perforating gun. The
propellant sleeve is ignited by the perforating
charge; as the propellant sleeve burns energetic
gases are released.
The group conducted extensive field tests of different sleeve designs to optimize the ignition and
burn rate of this new StimGun assembly. The collection and interpretation of the down-hole, highspeed pressure data were essential in the optimization. Computer modeling demonstrated that combining propellant stimulation with the perforating
in one run resulted in a more efficient stimulation
15
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
as compared to the two-run perforating gun/WST

combination. This new design was subsequently
patented, trademarked, and is now in worldwide commercial use.
When run without its required protective steel carrier,

the WST failure rate is unacceptably high because of its
mechanical weakness. Work to strengthen the WST led
to the concept and testing of a tool with an endoskeleton, or central steel mini-perforated strengthening tube
which also contains the igniter. This design together
with a modified propellant type increases the maximum temperature rating and enhances the burn rate.
In addition to through-tube applications, the
StimTube tool, because of reduced equipment requirements, is an excellent replacement for the WST for full
inner diameter (ID), cased well stimulations.
The StimTube tool, both patented and trademarked,
is the Propellant Technology Development Group s
newest product, and has shown good success since its
introduction.
The burn of a propellant in a well is a rapid oxidation reaction causing the release of gaseous energy as
shown in Figure 1. This gaseous energy mixes with the
Tamping
liquid
Expanding
gasified
bubble
Propellant
energy
source
High-speed
recorder
Wellbore
interior
Fluid motion
in well
Flow through
perforations and
into fracture
(Two fractures
shown)
Figure 1 Representation of the release of gaseous propellant energy and its exit from the wellbore into the formation.
16
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
liquid in the well to penetrate the perforations (perfs)

and cause breakdown with fracture propagation into
the formation. It also causes the liquid to compress
and move upward and downward in the well.
Perforating guns release energy in microseconds

(1/1,000,000 of a second), the gas energy from propellant burn releases in tens to hundreds of a milliseconds (1/1000 of a second), and hydraulic fracturing
stimulations expend energy over many minutes. A propellant is therefore intermediate to the other methods in its energy release rate.
Figure 2 (a, b, c) shows laboratory test results and
typical pressure-time records for (a) explosive events,
(b) propellant events, (c) hydraulic fracture events.
Explosive events, such as perforating, create very
high pressures, necessary to penetrate the well
casing, that also crush and damage the rock.
Propellant events rapidly exceed the fracture
pressure of the rock and maintain the pressure but
do not crush the rock.
Hydraulic fracture events balance the driving
pressure and the fracture pressure.
As a result, propellants pressurize and break down
many perforations along a significant proportion of
their length; while a hydraulic fracture, entering only
the path energetically allowed, breaks down only a
small subset of perforations. These breakdowns may
be very near to the sand face or in a micro annulus.
Propellant-driven fractures originating at the perforation tunnels will then move (propagate) into the
formation from a few feet to a few tens of feet, as
shown schematically in Figure 1 and in the scaled laboratory simulation of Figure 3. The high pressure
gas/fluid pulse generated by the burning of the propellant temporarily creates local stress concentrations
that are two to three times the normal fracture gradient. These stresses are oriented on a plane through
the axis of the wellbore/perforation tunnels.
Propellant-driven fractures will always tend to initiate
in the plane of the axis of the wellbore. This is true
whether the well is vertical or deviated, no matter
what the depth of the well. Contrarily, hydraulic fractures only will initiate in the in-situ stress preferred
plane in deeper vertical wells (Figure 5a). For wells in
the depth range of 500 to 2000 ft (152 to 609.6 m)
B a c k g r o u n d
Explosive event
~>105 psi
Rock Crushing
Fracturing
Time
(a) Laboratory explosive test
Microseconds
Pressure vs. time for typical explosive event.
Propellant event
~>104 psi
P
Fracturing
Time
(b) Laboratory propellant test.
Milliseconds
Pressure vs. time for typical propellant event.
Gas/liquid event
~>103 psi
P
Fracturing
Time
(c) Laboratory hydraulic fracture test.
Seconds
Pressure vs. time for typical hydraulic fracturing.
Figure 2 Laboratory test results and typical pressure-time records for explosive, propellant, and hydraulic fracture
events.
17
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Figure 3 Propellant stimulation with 90 perforation phasing (Laboratory Scale).
Figure 4 Perforation erosion caused by propellant gas energy (Large Block Surface Test)
18
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
B a c k g r o u n d
(depending on local conditions) and in highly deviated wells, hydraulic fractures will tend to be out
of the plane of the wellbore axis (Figure 5b).
Propellant-driven fractures will tend to curve back
into the in-situ stress preferred direction, but generally propagation is finished before much of the
curvature occurs. Because late-time propellantdriven fracture propagation is ultimately controlled
by in-situ stress, the longest propellant fractures
tend to be bi-wings and in the plane nearest the
in-situ stress preferred plane, although shorter
fractures will occur in the other planes.
Propellant-driven fractures will not contain

proppant in the formal sense, but will retain
some aperture due to erosion, ablation, debris,
and closure misalignment caused by shear as

shown in Figure 4 from a surface field test.
Although these fractures cannot compete with
long propped hydraulic fractures in absolute conductivity values, they can penetrate near-wellbore damage, reducing skin and mildly stimulating wells. They can also act as effective prehydraulic frac treatments, reducing breakdown
pressure and improving proppant placement.
Propellants can be used economically to
improve well productivity or injectivity. They are
not meant to be replacements for other processes
such as hydraulic fracturing, but they can be
excellent solutions or solution enhancements in
many situations to perforating limitations, near
wellbore damage, or reservoir problems that
restrict well potential.
Figure 5 (a) Initial orientation of propellant-driven fractures in all wells and hydraulic fractures in deeper vertical
wells. (b) Orientation of hydraulic fractures in shallower wells and some deviated wells.
19
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Demonstration of pressure wave

motion in the well caused by a
dynamic event
hen a downhole tool releases a large amount
of energy in milliseconds, pressure waves are
created that travel away from the tool in both directions. Good job design must minimize or control
these waves while still injecting a maximal amount of
energy into the formation. The tool energy should
breakdown, cleanup, and stimulate and not be wasted in the hole. Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely eliminate these waves when the tool resides
in wellbore fluids, as it must. When the waves are
created, most often they are harmless, but if too
large, they do have the potential to strongly move
the wireline (if used), and adversely affect packers,
bridge plugs and other hardware. These waves eventually travel to the surface, but are usually not a
problem there. However, for the more shallow wells,
potential impact upon surface equipment must be
considered. In this article, a case study is provided in
which three recorders were placed in a hole surrounding a StimGun assembly. The study shows
matching calculations and finally, with the help of
the PulsFrac simulation, shows the progress of the
waves up and down in the hole, including reflections. With knowledge gained in this way, and similar
computer runs made for planned jobs, the potentially adverse effects of pressure waves can be understood and controlled.
The wellbore configuration for the test is shown in

Figure 1. The source device is a tubing-conveyed
StimGun assembly containing 10 ft (3.1 m) of propellant sleeve on a 14 ft by 4.5 in. (4.3 m by 114.3
mm), 12 spf (39 spm), 30 phased perforating gun.
The formation is low-consolidation sand. Three
downhole recorders are in place. One is below the
tool and near to it. One is slightly above the tool,
and one is well above the tool and near to the packer holding the tubing in place. Calculations have
been made to match all of the data obtained.
The sequence of events starts with the source ignition followed by upward and downward propagating
20
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Packer at 7555 ft (2302 m)

Upper Recorder at 7593 ft (2314 m)
3-5/8 in. (92 mm) Tubing
Middle Recorder at 7797 ft (2376 m)

Perf Gun/Propellant 7814 to 7828 ft (2382 to 2386 m)
Lower Recorder at 7831 ft (2387 m)
7-5/8 in. (193.7 mm) (6.76/171.7 m ID) Casing
Plugged at 7960 ft (2426 m)
Figure 1 Simplified schematic diagram of wellbore configuration for dynamic reflection example.
waves. The upward propagating wave reflects off the

packer and then returns downward. The full complexity of equipment in the hole is not modeled, so
some details of the pressure behavior are not captured. However, all of the main features are easily
identified and calculated.
Figure 2 shows measured and calculated pressures
for the lower gauge (below the source) to a time of
100 ms. Measured peak pressure is about 9000 psi
(62 MPa), and is matched by calculation. All perfs
break down (not shown). Calculated fracture length
(also not shown) in this soft sand varies from a maximum of 5.2 ft (1.6 m) in the stress-preferred direction
to 0.75 ft (0.23 m) in the other. The steep drop to
below hydrostatic (3500 psi/24 MPa) after ignition
and the bottomhole reflection at 50 to 60 ms are
both seen and calculated. The peak magnitude of the
bottomhole reflection is somewhat high. This is commonly observed and can frequently be accounted for
by debris or fluid density or compressibility changes
near the bottom of the hole.
Figure 3 shows measured and calculated pressures
for the middle gauge (above the source). The peaks
match. The signal at about 80 ms is the bottomhole
reflection after it has passed through the gasified,
B a c k g r o u n d
Figure 2 Measured and calculated pressures for the lower gauge in the dynamic reflection example.
Figure 3 Measured and calculated pressures for the middle gauge in the dynamic reflection
example.
Figure 4 Measured and calculated pressures for the upper gauge in the dynamic reflection example.
highly dispersive, and attenuating tool zone. The

calculation somewhat overemphasizes these effects,
smoothing the signal a bit too much.
Figure 4 shows measured and calculated pressures for the top gauge (near the packer). The double peak from the incoming and outgoing wave
(with respect to the packer) is modeled. The reflected peak is slightly too small due to small differences
in dispersion through the reflection zone.
The pressure wave motion triggered by this

event is shown in the six sequential computational
frames of Figure 5. These frames are seen as snapshots taken from a movie showing the pressure
profile in the well from 3 ms until 69 ms. Each
frame shows pressure vs. depth in the region
between the packer at the top and the plug at the
bottom. The well must be seen turned on its side.
21
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Frame (a) shows the pressure immediately after the

tool ignites. Pressure is approaching its peak and
waves have begun to more upward and downward.
Frame (b) shows motion at 15 ms. The downward
wave is slightly stronger than the upward due to the
asymmetric top-to-bottom burn of the tool. Frame
(c) shows the peak of the bottomhole reflection.
Pressure is nearly doubled, as expected in this type of
reflection. Frame (d) shows the reflected wave from
the bottom moving upward, while the original up
going wave has not yet reached the packer. Frame (e)
shows the top wave striking the packer while the bottom wave has been absorbed by the gasified region at
the gun. Finally, frame (f) shows the reflection from
the packer beginning to move downward. With this
type of calculation, it is possible to reposition equipment in the hole and resize tools to consider the
effect of pressure reflection effects. For example, a
clean reflection will momentarily double the pressure
22
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
at a boundary such as the upper packer or the lower

plug. In frame (c), the pressure has momentarily
grown to about 11,000 psi (76 MPa) at the plug.
Although doubling may exceed static packer or plug
specs, if the pulse is short in duration (in the case
show less than 10 ms) no physical damage may
occur. Unfortunately, packers and other downhole
equipment are not commonly tested and rated for
dynamic (impulse) loading.
All of the important wave features are shown in
this event. If this was a job design calculation, and
the modeled pressures at critical points, such as the
packer, were too high, tool dimensions or other
equipment could be modified to maintain pressure at
an acceptable level while still successfully performing
the job. This example demonstrates the potential
importance of pressure waves and how measurements and calculations can be used to design and
control even the most complex events.
B a c k g r o u n d
(a) shows the wave structure forming at the end of the perforation
gun burn and the early part of the
propellant burn.
(a) 3 ms
(b) shows the waves moving
upward and downward (left and
right, respectively).
(b) 15 ms
(c) captures the moment when the
downward incident wave strikes
the bottom plug.
(c) 27 ms
(d) shows the reflected wave from
the bottom nearing the tool zone,
while the incident wave is
approaching the upper packer.
(d) 44 ms
(e) shows the reflections at the
upper packer and the gasified tool
zone s absorption of the lower
wave.
(e) 61 ms
(f) shows the reflected wave from
the packer at the upper recorder.
(f) 69 ms
Figure 5 Calculated pressure wave structure for dynamic reflection example.
23
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Effective penetration is enhanced by

the StimGun assembly
Dan Pratt, Owen Oil Tools
nder downhole conditions, and especially for
hard rock, actual perforation penetration is less
than published API data. In many instances, shaped
charge penetration will be less than ten inches in
hard rock, highly-stressed formations. The current
standard for testing shaped charges is a Section I API
target, as defined by RP 19B. This a man-made, nonreactive, material (concrete). Natural rock is a reactive material, in that it does not act linearly to the
passage of the perforating jet. Rock porosity, grain
size, strength, density, and lack of homogeneity all
affect the velocity of the jet and therefore affect the
penetration of the jet.
The use of concrete targets is justified by the need
to reduce both cost and variability of test results.
However, results cannot be thought of as definitive
for real downhole conditions. As an example of how
shaped charge penetration decreases for real downhole conditions due to different rock types and for
high overburden stress (which are not the only
parameters affecting penetration), consider the data
in Table 1. As a basic rule of thumb, when the target
strength reaches the 12,000 to 15,000 psi (83 to
103 MPa) level, the penetration will be reduced by
approximately half that of the same charge tested in
concrete. Once the 22,000 to 25,000 psi (151 to
172 MPa) level is reached, the penetration again
decreases by about half, meaning the actual pene-
tration is only 25% that of concrete. The decrease in

shaped charge jet penetration in hard and/or
stressed formations is generally understood, but far
too often ignored. It is a critical aspect of production
optimization.
Many literature reports confirm and attempt to
explain this trend of results. Specialized shaped
charges designed for specific hard rock targets can
likely increase penetration by 10% to 15%, and this
is a better approach than designing for optimal concrete penetration, but penetrations will still be less
than ordinarily hoped for.
In hard, highly-stressed rock the StimGun assembly can break down perforations and extend fractures to a few feet from the wellbore. This may not
seem important at first when compared to API concrete data, but in reality this can be 500% deeper
into the formation than the perforating charges
alone might provide. In soft rock under low or intermediate stress, where actual penetrations may be
closer to API data, StimGun fractures can be more
than 10 ft (3 m) in length, still much greater than
perforation penetrations. Although these fractures
have limited conductivity as compared to hydraulic
fractures, studies have shown that significant flow
along the fracture plane to the perforation tunnel is
possible.
API Concrete
28.9 in. (734 mm)
27.8 in. (706 mm)
37.4 in. (950 mm)
Berea Sandstone
14.2 in. (361 mm)
14.4 in. (366 mm)
16.9 in. (429 mm)
Nugget Sandstone
11.8 in. (300 mm)
11 in. (280 mm)
14.2 in. (361 mm)
Blue Top Sandstone
6.4 in. (163 mm)
6.8 in. (173 mm)
7.9 in. (201 mm)
Table 1 Comparative data of three different shaped charges shot into separate targets from SPE paper 52203.
24
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
B a c k g r o u n d
Propellants can break through

formation damage created by
perforating
James Barker, Jet Research Center, a division of Halliburton Energy Services
John Hardesty, Jet Research Center, a division of Halliburton Energy Services
erforation of the well casing and its cement
sheath has been effectively and economically
carried out for many years with conical shaped
charges releasing large amounts of stored chemi-
cal energy per unit volume. The pressure related

to this large energy induces liner collapse. It is the
impact pressure of the liner that causes formation
damage, reducing the permeability. The following
Carrier
Explosive
Casing
Cement
Case
Conical
Liner
Booster
Fluid Gap
Formation
(b) DP charge prior to initiation
(a) DP Shape charged perforator
Jet Penetrates Carrier
Liner Collapses to Form Jet
(c) DP charge at start of initiation
Later Stages of Liner Collapse Produce

Slower-Moving Slug
(d) DP charge penetrating the carrier
Jet
Stretching Jet Penetrates Formation

with Millions of PSI of Pressure
(e) DP charge perforating jet beginning to extend
(f) DP charge penetrating into the formation
25
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Compacted Zone
(with Damaged Permeability
from Perforating)
Casing
Grain Fracturing Zone

Pulverization Zone
Charge and Core Debris
Open Perforation
Cement
Microscopic photograph of undisturbed sand grains prior to

perforating.
Microscopic photograph of damaged sand after perforating.
graphic illustrates how a deep penetrating (DP)

shaped charge penetrates the wellbore components.
significant amounts of funding and resources on combining perforating and flow testing in stressed permeable core samples. These tests clearly show that
because a shaped charge penetrates a significant distance into the formation, it does not mean the entire
perforation tunnel will allow fluid flow. Shaped charge
design, overburden stress, rock type and permeability,
and underbalance levels all have an impact the effective length of the perforation tunnel. It is common for
a perforation that penetrates 15 in. (38 cm) into the
formation to have only a flow contribution from the
first half of the created tunnel. The following three figures show the same charge design, shot into the same
formation permeability at underbalanced, overbalanced, and balanced conditions (Figures 1a, b, c). It
On a microscopic basis, the formation materials

subjected to this very high load and load rate (millions of psi in microseconds at the jet center) shatter
the individual formation sand grains, as well as reduce
the cement particles to a very fine powder. This
diminished particle size creates a surrounding filter
cake, reducing permeability and inhibiting effective
subsequent fluid injection. Because this new filter cake
is so compacted, it is not easily removed by flushing
or underbalanced perforating operations.
Shaped charge manufacturing companies, such as
Halliburton s Jet Research Center are now spending
26
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
B a c k g r o u n d
(a) Figure a shows the effective length of the perforation, when a stressed Castlegate sandstone core was shot with 3500 psi (22 MPa) overbalance pressure and subsequently flow tested. The effective length of the perforation which would flow was only 5.5 in. (14 cm),
although the perforation penetrated 12 in. (30 cm). In all three examples, the fluid in the
sandstone s pore space was odorless mineral spirits and the permeability of the rock is
approximately 1000 md. The decrease in total target penetration of this specific test is also
due to a higher overburden stress.
(b) Figure b shows the effective length of the perforation, when a stressed Castlegate sandstone core was shot at balanced conditions and subsequently flow tested. The effective length
of the perforation which would flow was only 7 in. (18 cm), although the perforation penetrated 14 in. (35 cm).
(c) Figure c shows the effective length of the perforation, when a stressed Castlegate sandstone
core was shot with 3500 psi (22 MPa) underbalance pressure and subsequently flow tested. The
effective perforation would flow almost its entire length of 15 in. (38 cm). It is important to
note that 3500 psi (22 MPa) underbalance, generally considered an extremely high level, in this
high permeability sandstone with liquid filled pore space, and cannot always be achieved for
operational reasons.
Figure 1 Stressed Castlegate sandstone cores perforated at various pressure differential conditions.
27
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
can clearly be seen that underbalanced conditions can

improve the perforation s effective length, but there
still is a significant length of the perforation tunnel that
does not contribute to flow.
To solve this problem, the StimGun assembly, and
its family of products, use a high energy gas pulse,
with a significantly lower pressure loading rate
thousands of psi in milliseconds to break through
this hard filter cake and create a pathway into the formation, enabling further fluid injection or enhancing
the well s inflow performance. The force of the pulse
also removes materials plugging the perforations and
redistributes them farther into the fractures or back
28
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
into the wellbore. Many of those individuals intimately familiar with perforating believe the industry as a
whole will be moving towards more flow testing work
and tailored perforating charges specifically designed
for the operator s formation characteristics, as well as
the use of propellant technology to enhance inflow
performance. Operators may very well move away
from API charge penetration data and more towards
a focus on perforating for flow. The next article, does
an excellent job of showing some of the productivity
enhancements which can result in not only improved
perforating performance, but also using the propellant to break down the perforations with very short
fractures of varying conductivity.
B a c k g r o u n d
A nodal analysis of why

near-wellbore fracturing with
propellant increases productivity
Craig Beveridge, Owen Oil Tools
fter drilling and casing a

well, a path between the
producing formation and the
wellbore must be established. This usually involves
shaped jet perforators.
Unfortunately, high pressure
(millions of psi) required to
perforate the casing damages the adjacent formation,
reducing permeability.
The amount of damage in
terms of inflow reduction is
related to two main factors:
the thickness of the damage,
and the magnitude of the permeability reduction. Studies
have shown that permeability
reduction can be a factor of
the virgin formation permeability. In the crushed zone,
damage can be much greater;
this damage occurs in addition to drilling fluid damage.
Photo 1 Microscopic thin section of a clean sand before perforation. Notice the
rounded sand grains, good porosity, and interconnectivity between the pore spaces.
Photos 1 and 2 illustrate

the damage caused by the
perforating process.
Photo 2 Microscopic thin section of same sand after perforating. Notice the
crushing and compacting of sand grains and the loss of interconnectivity.
29
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Damaged-zone diameter
Openhole
diameter
The following reservoir parameters are selected to

model a typical wellbore producing gas.
Perforated Height
20 ft (6.1 m)
Reservoir Perm
1 md
Damaged Zone Perm
kd
0.25 md
Perf Crush Zone Perm
kc
0.025 md
Damaged Zone Radius
rd
14 in. (356 mm)
Crush Zone Thickness
rdp 0.5 in. (12.7 mm)
Perf Tunnel Radius
rp
0.19 in. (4.8 mm)
Perforation Length
lp
12 in. (305 mm)
Wellbore Radius
rw
4.25 in. (108 mm)
Perforation
tunnel
diameter
Perforation
spacing
(dependent on
shot density)
Perforation
length
Phase angle
For the crushed zone parameters, following

McLeod s1 model setting the crushed zone permeability to 1/10 of the damaged zone permeability
(Figure 1) is followed. McLeod also suggests that the
Case 1
Crushed-zone
diameter
Figure 1 McLeod s perforation model, inflow predictions.
depth of crushing is typically 0.5 in. (12.7 mm)

around the perforation tunnel. The following cases
are developed to compare the relative performance of
four completion techniques in the same wellbore.
Conventional perforation - Ineffective penetration (not reaching

undamaged reservoir)
Sa =
(C
)
Sa =
( )()
( ) ( )
k
r
-1 ln d
kd
rw
1
14
-1 ln
0.25
4.25
Sa = +3.6
Sdp =
Sdp =
Drilling
Damaged
Undamaged
Reservoir
( )( ) ( )
) (
( )(
12h
nLp
r r
k k
ln dpr+ p
p
kc kd
1 - 1
0.19+0.5
12 20
ln
0.19
120 12 0.025 0.25
Sdp = +7.7
S = 3.6 + 7.7 = 11.3
Because the perforator doesn t connect to the undamaged reservoir the skins associated with the undamaged and crushed zone are added together. This calculation assumes 6 spf (20 spm) over the entire formation height making 120 shots in all. The model used to calculate the skin associated with the crushed zone
is sometimes known as the horizontal micro-model from McLeod (1983).
From this analysis a total skin of +11.3 is calculated, +3.6 from the damaged zone around the well and
+7.7 from the crushed zone around the perforations. A nodal analysis is performed to determine the effect
on the performance of the well from the total skin.
1
McLeod, H.O. Jr.: The Effect of Perforating on Well Performance . J. Pet. Tech. (Jan 1983) p. 34-39.
30
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
B a c k g r o u n d
Case 2
Conventional perforation Effective penetration

(reaching undamaged reservoir)
(C
)
Sdp =
Sdp =
( )( ) ( )
( )(
)(
12h
nLp
k
kc
k
r r
ln dp + p
rp
kdp
12 20
1
1
0.19+0.5
ln
120 16 0.025 0.25
0.19
Sdp + 5.8
Sdp + 5.8
Drilling
Damaged
Undamaged
Reservoir
For the case of a 16 in. (406 mm) penetration, a similar calculation without a damaged zone yields a
skin of +5.8.
Case 3
StimGun application with 5 ft (1.5 m) created fractures

(Infinite conductivity in fracture)
Assuming for this application that the StimGun assembly typically generates fractures 5 ft (1.5 mm) in length. This technique has the benefit of by-passing both the crushed and the
damaged zones coupled with moderate stimulation from the
produced fractures. The best case scenario involves generating
infinite conductivity fractures. For an infinite conductivity fracture, the apparent wellbore radius can be calculated by
assuming a wellbore radius that is the fracture half length as
described in case 4.
Rwa = 0.5 Wf
Rwa = 0.5 5 = 2.5 = 30 inches
S = -ln
( ) ( )
30
Rwa
= -ln
= -1.95
4.25
Rw
This calculation yields a negative skin of -1.95 with an infinite conductivity fracture. A more realistic
calculation involves assuming a less than perfect conductivity in the generated fractures.
Case 4
StimGun application with 5 ft (1.5 m) created fractures

(Finite conductivity in fractures, 1 md ft )
FCD =
From Chart
0.1
0.051
Rwa/Xf
kfwf
=1
k Xf
5
Rwa
= 0.051
Xf
0.01
Rwa = 0.051 Xf
Rwa = 0.051 5 = 3.06 inches
0.001
S= -ln
0.0001
0.001
0.01
0.1
1/5
10
( ) ( )
Rwa
= -ln 3.06 = +0.33
Rw
4.25
The skin is calculated to +.33 with 1 md ft fracture conductivity.

31
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Nodal analysis, a procedure for determining the

flow rate at which a well will produce, compares
conventional completions to StimGun in the following case results:
5000
4500
4000
Pressure (psia)
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
500
3.5" (89
6600 mscf/day
(187 E3m3)
4400 mscf/day
3
(125 E3m )
2500 mscf/day
(71 E3m3)
1700 mscf/day
(48 E3m3)
1000
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
Rate (mscf/day)
Tubing Curve
12" (.3 m) perforation

with damage zone
16" (.4 m) perforation
by-passing damage zone
StimGun fractures 2 x 5 ft
(.6 x 1.5 m); (1 md ft)
StimGun fractures 2 x 5 ft
(.6 x 1.5 m); (infinite conductivity)
C
The four cases are used to generate an expected initial production rate from a reservoir and tubing with
the following properties. Reservoir pressure = 5000 psi (35 MPa); tubing pressure = WHP 500 psi
(3.5 MPa); tubing length = 8000 ft (2438 m); tubing diameter = 3.5 in. (89 mm).
Conventional:
Case 1
Ineffective Perforation (not reaching undamaged reservoir)
1700 mscf/day (48 E3m3)
Case 2
Effective Perforation
2500 mscf/day (71 E3m3)
StimGun:
Case 3
StimGun (infinite conductivity fracture)
Case 4
StimGun (low conductivity fracture)
6600 mscf/day (187 E3m3)

(1 md ft)
C
Bypassing the damage generated by perforating
using StimGun assembly can drastically increase the
productivity of wells. A 76% increase in production
was obtained using this stimulation technique even
32
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
4400 mscf/day (125 E3m3)
when the fractures generated were assumed to have

little conductivity (Case 2 versus Case 4). If the fracture conductivity is better an even more dramatic
productivity increase can be realized.
Products
&
Applications
Overview
Product testing to develop and

confirm tool performance
Bob Daly, Marathon Oil Company
esting of the StimGun family of products has

been ongoing for over five years. Initial test
activities were conducted mostly to validate the
measured versus calculated burn rate properties of
the various products and product variations in a
wellbore at downhole conditions. More recently,
the testing program has been expanded to utilize
both downhole and surface test facilities. The surface testing program now includes basic product
testing, instrumentation evaluation, and assessment of auxiliary equipment. The goal of the testing is to further our understanding of the many
interactive dynamic processes involved when a
well and equipment respond to high-speed pressurization.
Test wells
Several test wells were utilized to measure,
under downhole conditions, the propellant burn
characteristics of all of the StimGun family of

products.
Design objectives using high-speed pressure data
and computer modeling:
Measure and optimize burn properties
Maximize tool performance
Allow accurate design predictions to be made
Operational objectives:
Assess product repeatability over time
Improve instrumentation, slickline-conveyance
of the StimTube tools, design of shock
absorber subs
Improve StimGun assembly components such
as rings and centralizers
Surface tests
Several small-scale high-pressure test chambers
Full-scale low pressure apparatuses
Series of full-scale unconfined block fracture
tests
Preliminary product batch testing
New product evaluation and instrumentation
evaluation
Future test activities

Assess ancillary equipment, such as packers
and plugs, under conditions of high pressure
and shock
Rate the equipment for use under dynamic
conditions
Assist the various manufacturers in creating a
dynamic rating system
Assess and document various components and
their interrelationships with other processes
Validate the calculated versus measured
relationship between tool burn rate and fluid
column compressibility
Figure 1 New product testing at Marathons Rigel #1
test well.
Study the details of propellant sleeve ignition

by various perforating charges
33
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Time vs. pressure plots

Examples of field testing to determine the
StimGun assembly propellant burn rate as a function
of perforation density. Run #1 and #6: 7 ft x 338 in.

(2.13 m x 85.7 mm) StimGun assembly (50%
sleeve coverage) run at identical depths.
14,000
Run #1: 2 shots per foot

(7 spm). The average burn pressure is approximately 5000 psi
(35 MPa).
12,000
Pressure - psi
10,000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0.000
0.050
0.100
0.150
Time - seconds
0.200
0.250
14,000
Run #6 6 shots per foot

(20 spm). The average burn pressure is approximately 8000 psi
(56 MPa).
12,000
Pressure - psi
10,000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0.000
0.050
0.100
0.150
Time - seconds
Conclusions
Dynamic testing of prototype products and ancillary
components, under downhole conditions, has enabled
the rapid development and commercialization of the
34
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
0.200
0.250
StimGun family of products. Continued testing of

products and equipment is critical for the long-term
growth and success of the technology.
Products
&
Applications
Overview
Candidate well selection for the

StimGun assembly technology
he StimGun family of products is typically used

to fracture reservoir rock in the nearwellbore area. In general, this fracturing process is
utilized either to ensure good connection to the
reservoir or break down the rock to enhance additional stimulations.
Successful applications of this

technology include:
Enhanced hydraulic fracturing and acid
treatment
Superior tubing-conveyed completions both

underbalanced and overbalanced
Improved gravel pack placement

Successful near gas/oil/water contacts
stimulation
Induced sand flow in heavy oil wells

Successful horizontal, open hole, naturally
fractured, and stripper well stimulations
Injector well remediation

Polymer injection enhancement
Given the wide range of potential applications
and the three different stimulation products, it is
sometimes difficult to select the best candidate
well for this type of stimulation. Candidate well
selection is typically a five-step process:
Assess the application
Select the appropriate product
Complete the computer modeling
Decide if the stimulation is appropriate
Review post stimulation results
Application assessment
Generally all wells, at some point in their lives,
will be candidates for propellant stimulation; but
the cost effectiveness and the feasibility of the
propellant stimulation must be thoroughly
assessed. Cost effectiveness is a function of
increased production/injection versus increased
cost relative to other available stimulation tech-
niques. Feasibility is a function of both the wellbore configuration and reservoir properties.
Drilling, completion, and perforating of a well
typically results in some near-wellbore formation
damage. For all new wells, it is recommended that
the StimGun assembly be used to improve the
perforating process. Although this damage does
not always significantly impede production, the
increased cost is insignificant as compared to the
possible returns. StimGun stimulation will not only
reduce near-wellbore damage, but will enhance all
future stimulations. It can also greatly assist the
reservoir engineer in completing a preliminary
productivity evaluation.
For previously perforated wells where damage is
suspected, cost effectiveness becomes more of an
issue (especially if a work-over rig is necessary). As
the total cost of the stimulation increases, the
probability of success must also increase. This can
be a difficult issue because the exact nature,
degree, and extent of the damage are sometimes
unknown. The StimGun products should not used
for primary reservoir stimulation if there is no indication of near-wellbore damage. If there is nearwellbore damage, a propellant stimulation can be
very effective in improving production. On-site
interpretation of the high-speed pressure data is
recommended to insure that connectivity to the
reservoir has been enhanced. Multiple stimulations
of the same zone are occasionally required to
breakthrough the damaged zone.
For all new wells, it is

recommended that the
StimGun assembly be used
to improve the
perforating process
For previously perforated wells where additional
stimulation is required, such as hydraulic fracture
or acid treatment, the StimGun family of products
35
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
can be used to improve the effectiveness of these

treatments. For large intervals with varying rock
properties, propellant stimulation can be used to
stimulate the lower permeability/porosity zones to
ensure an even placement of the proppant or acid.
In zones with high hydraulic breakdown pressure
due to high in-situ stress and/or high rock strength,
propellant stimulation can significantly reduce the
breakdown pressure. For damaged wells with near
water/oil/gas contacts, StimGun stimulation may be
the only solution.
Select the appropriate product

The three products StimGun assembly,
StimTube tool, and Well Stimulation Tool have
very specific applications and limitations. The wellbore schematic is generally used to select the most
appropriate tool. If the well requires new perforations
and there are no major casing ID reductions, use the
StimGun assembly. If there are casing ID restrictions, generally it is recommended to perforate the
well if necessary, then use the StimTube tool. If the
well does not need to be perforated and there are no
casing ID restrictions, the Well Stimulation Tool is
recommended. There are several other considerations, such as well temperature and fluid type, but
these are the general guidelines. Selecting the appropriate product not only increases the probability of
success, but also can reduce costs.
Complete the computer modeling

The computer modeling ties together what the customer wants versus what the products can do. This is
36
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
a critical step in the process. It is quite common that

during the candidate selection process, the customer
has identified the problem (damage) and selected the
product (1.5 in./38.1 mm OD StimTube tool), but the
modeling calculates that the stimulation will not be
effective (fracture lengths too short due to inadequate
volume of propellant). The importance of computer
modeling, with accurate well information, cannot be
over stressed. The licensed technology provider will
make a recommendation on the applicability of the
stimulation based on the results of the modeling and
the customers goals.
Post-stimulation review
This step is critical for the evaluation of future candidate wells. The validity of the candidate selection
process is verified by interpretation of the stimulation
results, analysis of the high-speed pressure data, and
post-stimulation modeling. This post-stimulation
review is also used in the stimulation optimization
process. As with all technologies, there is a learning
curve. Different reservoirs are subject to different formation damage mechanisms. What works in one
area might not work in another. To optimize fully the
hydraulic fracturing of a reservoir, it may take several
propellant stimulations combined with tracer analysis
of the hydraulic fractures to optimize fully the treatment. However, through use of our engineered
approach of propellant-based well stimulation, many
near-wellbore problems with minimal risk and at reasonable costs can be solved.
Products
&
Applications
Overview
When StimGun products may be the

wrong choice
he StimGun assembly, the StimTube tool,

and the Well Stimulation Tool are not the solutions for all problems. Based on experience, applications that are not recommended can be placed
into the following groups:
Both porosity and permeability are extremely
low but all perforations are effective.
There are no near-wellbore damage or perforation restrictions.
Formation damage is very deep and extensive.
The reservoir is sensitive to all available
tamping liquids.
The wellbore configuration limits practical tool
use.
Extremely low porosity and permeability

with good perforations
Effective penetration of a propellant stimulation
generally extends only 2 to 20 ft (.6 to 6.1 m)
from the wellbore, and therefore cannot replace
medium to large hydraulic fracturing or acid treatments in low porosity and low permeability reservoirs. However, in this situation, if perforation
breakdown is difficult or has incomplete coverage,
propellants as a pre-fracturing treatment can
reduce horsepower requirements and control proppant placement.
No near-wellbore damage or perforation

impairment
If there is little or no damage from drilling or
cementing and perforations are effective, propellant stimulation will likely not significantly increase
the production or injection rates.
Deep and extensive formation damage

If damage extends great distances from the wellbore throughout the entire formation thickness,
propellant stimulation may not be effective. An
example is an injection well with deep formation
damage as a result of precipitation. This precipitation of scale can take place many tens of feet from
the wellbore. Another example is a reservoir interval with excessive drilling fluid loss. In some
instances, drilling fluid can invade the formation to
tens of feet.
Reservoir fluid sensitivity

The StimGun products will inject some wellbore
fluid along with the gas generated. If the reservoir
is sensitive to this fluid and it cannot be easily produced back, propellant treatment can be ineffective or actually damaging. For example, stimulating
a low pressure gas well overbalanced with water
can create more damage than it removes. This
problem can be solved in many instances by using
a hydrocarbon tamping fluid. For all stimulations,
the selection of the tamping fluid can make the difference between success and failure. As has been
learned for hydraulic fracturing, the base fluid has
to be clean and compatible with the formation.
Wellbore configuration, temperature and

fluid limitations
Some applications are not recommended
because a specific wellbore configuration is unsuitable. Configuration problems are usually related to
diameter restrictions or proximity to packers and
plugs. Some deep wells are too hot to maintain
integrity of propellant materials. Some wellbore
liquids are not compatible with certain propellant
materials.
Pre-job evaluation and screening process

During the pre-job evaluation and screening
process, there are certain applications that are typically not recommended. These include jobs with
limited probability of success, physical restraints,
and unacceptable risks. In some instances, there is
no feasible solution and the technology may be
attempted. The following examples are generic
applications not recommended.
37
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y
Examples of non-recommended applications

Example 1
StimTube tool stimulation
Production tubing:
1.9 in. (48.3 mm) minimum ID not removed
Casing:
7 in. (177.88 mm)
StimTube:
112 in. (38.1 mm) OD
This specific application would not typically be recommended because the limited tubing ID restricts the maximum possible
volume of propellant to an ineffective amount. Although there have been several successes with small tools in large casing,
the overall probability of success is low. However, in some instances, there are no alternatives.
Example 2
Some proposed StimGun assemblies in extremely long,

or in highly deviated holes
In some instances, the StimGun sleeves cannot be adequately protected from possible damage while running in hole.
Some wellbores and tool configurations could result in sleeve damage and possible single point sleeve ignition (low
pressure burn). However, most of the potential problems have been eliminated with new over-sized centralizing rings.
These rings were initially designed to secure just the sleeves to the perforating guns. This system was adequate for short
gun lengths. However, long gun strings (>20 ft/6 m) have a tendency to bow resulting in the center section of the
gun/sleeve contacting the casing. This is especially true for the smaller OD perforating guns. With the new oversized
rings securing sleeves at 3 ft (76.2 m) intervals, there should be minimal risk of sleeve damage.
Example 3
StimGun assembly stimulation
Casing:
412 in. (101.6 to 127 mm), heavy wall
StimGun:
278 in. (73 mm), 100 ft (30.5 m) of guns
The limited casing ID would prevent the use of the standard oversized rings while maintaining the recommended
clearances. Given the long gun length, use of smaller rings is not recommended. Therefore, the stimulation, as
designed, would not be advisable. Instead, it is recommended to run a smaller StimGun assembly or perforate conventionally and follow with the use of a 212 in. (63.5 mm) StimTube tool.
Example 4
StimGun assembly stimulation
Horizontal well
Casing:
7 in. (177.8 mm), with 412 in. (114.3 mm) liner
StimGun:
278 in. (73 mm), 100 ft (30.5 m) of guns
Depending on the exact location of the liner top, this may or may not be a good application. Problems with entering
liners when lowering or retrieving live guns have been experienced. Every wellbore configuration must be evaluated
for potential problems. In some instances, only the WST or StimTube would be recommended.
Example 5
WST:
WST well temperature > 240F (116C); Methanal Tamping Fluid
Methanol tamping fluid
The WST is not rated for temperatures greater than 240F (116C) and is incompatible with methanol.
Example 6
350F (177C)
StimTube well temperature:
> 350F (177C)
StimGun well temperature:
> 330F (166C)
High well temperatures and/or some fluids can reduce specific tool burn rates and tool mechanical strength. Each
applications should be evaluated for the use of a specific propellant tool.
38
S t i m G u n
T e c h n o l o g y

Stim Gun Tec

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Stim Gun Tec

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Stim Gun Tec

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What are some examples of applications that are typically not recommended for propellant stimulation?

What are some examples of applications that are typically not recommended for propellant stimulation?

What factors are considered during the pre-job evaluation and screening process?

What factors are considered during the pre-job evaluation and screening process?

StimGun

The Propellant Technology Development

Introduction to the StimGun family

Tools, components and industry usage

Safety and regulatory compliance

Instrumentation & Engineering

Brent Kirschner, Owen Oil Tools

David Boston, Owen Compliance Services, Inc.

Marathon Oil Company

Owen Oil Tools

Historical and technical perspectives

Demonstration of pressure wave motion in the

Joe Haney, HTH Technical Services, Inc.

John Schatz, John F. Schatz Research & Consulting, Inc.

Effective penetration is enhanced by the

James Barker, Jet Research Center, a division of Halliburton Energy

Neither the companies represented by the

c. Gives any warranties; all implied

Propellants can break through formation

A nodal analysis of why near-wellbore

Products & Applications Overview

Product testing to develop and confirm tool

Candidate well selection for the StimGun assembly technology

When StimGun products may be the wrong choice

Choosing the right tool and conveyance method

PulsFrac software: How does it work? What does it do?

IES high-speed/high-shock downhole memory gauge

PulsFrac software and IES high-speed memory gauges used to design

Bob Haney, HTH Technical Services, Inc.

Joe Haney, HTH Technical Services, Inc.

Phil Snider, Marathon Oil Company

David Cuthill, Computalog Wireline Services

John Schatz, John F. Schatz Research & Consulting, Inc.

Scott Ager, Instrumentation & Engineering Services, Inc.

John Schatz, John F. Schatz Research & Consulting, Inc.

Big-block surface test of the StimGun assembly

Using the IES high-speed gauge in TCP drop bar applications

Brent Kirschner, Owen Oil Tools

Casey Weldon, Baker Atlas

Application Type: Perforation Breakdown

An interview with Buddy Woodroof, ProTechnics Technical Manager

Does propellant help or hurt hydraulic fracturing?

An overview of SPE paper 63104: New techniques for hydraulic fracturing in

Paul Gardner, Marathon Oil Company

E. Glynn Williams, Marathon Oil Company

Kent Folse, Halliburton Energy Services

Improving hydraulic fracturing effectiveness by wireline StimGun assembly

Underbalanced TCP StimGun assembly applications to obtain

An overview of SPE paper 71639: Field performance of

Propellant assisted perforation breakdown examples

David Cuthill, Computalog Wireline Services

Bob Haney, HTH Technical Services, Inc.

Application Type: Near-Wellbore Stimulation

The first applications of TCP underbalanced propellant jobs in shallow

High-speed gauge data improves job success on wireline-conveyed

Combining StimGun assembly with EOB perforation and acid