Matrix Acidizing Treatments with Particulate Diverters to Enhance Stimulation Fluid Reach in Wells Completed with Inflow Control Devices

Abstract A horizontal oil producer well, equipped with a complex dual completion configured with inflow control devices (ICD) and a pre-perforated liner (PPL), situated in an offshore Middle East carbonate reservoir, underwent stimulation using HCl combined with a self-degradable multimodal particulate diverter (PD). The purpose of the PD was to bridge the ICD intervals and significantly redistribute the acid fluid flux from the high-injectivity ICD intervals to the lower-injectivity PPL, maximizing the reach of stimulation treatment fluid to enhance reservoir coverage. PDs have been successfully used to achieve diversion in cased and perforated completions for years. However, PDs have rarely been used in ICD completions because the ICD design typically ensures even distribution of acid across the completion. In this case, a significant permeability contrast between the ICD-heel interval and the PPL-toe interval necessitated the PD application. Injected particulates bridged the ICD nozzles, diverting acid flow towards the lower-permeability wellbore section. To validate this method, a proof-of-concept yard test with an ICD tool string calibrated the necessary particulate volume, while laboratory testing verified PD degradation under reservoir conditions. Near-wellbore modeling indicated that introducing a PD stage ahead of the main acid stage could temporarily divert acid from the heel to the toe compartments, resulting in a more uniform wormhole length and stimulated skin profile. The PD was successfully pumped into the ICD liners, and during treatment injection, diversion was confirmed through the pressure response. Upon the first pill landing, the PD stage generated over 400 psi of diversion pressure in the heel compartments, affirming the bridging of the ICD nozzles. Subsequently, when the second pill reached the ICD section, bottomhole pressure remained stable, indicating complete bridging by the first pill. Stimulation acid was effectively diverted and injected into the PPL compartment of the well. The post-stimulation production logs verified the success of the stimulation, demonstrating a more uniform distribution across the entire horizontal drain, despite the permeability contrast between the heel and toe compartments.