First Multi-Stage Plug & Perf Acid Fracturing with Dissolvable Plugs in the Mishrif Formation: A Case Study from West Kuwait Minagish Field

Abstract This paper presents the successful execution of the first-ever multi-stage Plug & Perf (PnP) acid fracturing using dissolvable plugs in the Mishrif Formation in West Kuwait. The subject well, located in a depleted region of the Minagish (MN) field, required an innovative stimulation approach to enhance production while overcoming challenges associated with low reservoir pressure, thief zones, and structural disturbances affecting fracture propagation and fluid flow. The stimulation design involved a seven-stage PnP acid fracturing treatment, targeting 13 perforation clusters in the M7 layer of the Mishrif Formation. A limited entry perforation design was implemented to optimize fracture initiation and distribution across clusters. Fully dissolvable frac plugs were deployed to provide mechanical isolation between stages while allowing full-bore production post-treatment without the need for milling. A Low Temperature particulate degradable diverter system (LTPDDS)was introduced to improve diversion and fracture efficiency in depleted reservoir conditions. A lightweight single-phase retarded acid system, (LWSPRAS), was selected to enhance acid placement and flowback efficiency. The success of the treatment was evaluated using Data Fracturing analysis, surface pressure response monitoring, and post-treatment coiled tubing (CT) intervention, ensuring optimal stimulation and plug performance. The treatment resulted in a 10-fold increase in production, with sustained production from the stimulated zones. Clear pressure responses at the wellhead confirmed effective diversion, ensuring that each cluster within a stage was successfully stimulated. The reduction in near-wellbore friction was observed throughout the treatment, facilitating better acid placement and improved stimulation efficiency. The dissolvable plugs functioned as designed, with all deployed plugs successfully dissolving post-treatment, eliminating the need for milling and ensuring full-bore access, as verified by a post-treatment CT run. The stimulation treatment was executed as planned, with optimized pumping rates achieving the required limited entry per cluster. Flowback times were shorter than anticipated, accelerating production recovery and minimizing well downtime. The success of this case study demonstrates the feasibility of PnP acid fracturing in the Mishrif Formation, particularly in depleted and structurally complex reservoirs, providing a strong foundation for future applications in similar environments. This case study represents the first successful multi-stage PnP acid fracturing using dissolvable plugs in Kuwait. The integration of limited entry perforations, dissolvable plug technology, and advanced acid and diversion techniques has established a proven methodology for enhancing production in depleted tight carbonate reservoirs. The insights gained from this project provide valuable guidelines for optimizing acid fracturing strategies in low-pressure, faulted, and thief-zone-affected formations, offering a new approach for stimulating similar reservoirs worldwide.