Cost-Effective Fracture Detection in southern Kuwait: Real-Time Mapping with Surface Logging to Optimize Acid Fracturing

Summary In southern Kuwait, a complex carbonate reservoir within the Lower Cretaceous formation has been characterized by micritic and wackestone facies with variable dolomitization, resulting in heterogeneous porosity and permeability. Its compartmentalized nature—divided by impermeable barriers such as tight carbonates or shale—poses challenges for hydrocarbon extraction ( Khan et al., 2013 ). To enhance production, horizontal drilling and acid fracturing are employed to connect isolated reservoir sections. Effective fracturing depends on the accurate identification of open natural fractures, which are typically detected using expensive wireline logging tools, such as formation micro-imagers or acoustic logs. This study presents a cost-effective alternative: using surface logging to monitor drilling fluid dynamics through a high-accuracy sensor. By analyzing micro-losses in conjunction with drilling parameters (e.g., rate of penetration and weight on bit), this method can detect open fractures, induced fractures, or permeable zones in real time. Field trials conducted in South Kuwait demonstrated a strong correlation between the surface-logging-derived fracture indicators and wireline log data. This technique offers a cost-effective solution, improves drilling efficiency, improve drilling safety, and supports more targeted completion designs—potentially enhancing production outcomes in a tight carbonate reservoir by optimizing acid fracturing stage placement.