Gazprom Neft fracs high-temperature horizon in Serbia

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia -- Naftna Indusrija Srbije (NIS), a subsidiary of Gazprom Neft, has undertaken a series of hydraulic fracturing operations in high-temperature horizons at Kikinda Istok, Crna Bara jug and Vojvoda Stepa fields in northern Serbia.

Fulfillment of these operations saw the company utilizing a new gel, which enabled the hydraulic fracturing of the deposit at temperatures of 150°С to 180°С. Using this unique technology will allow NIS to increase production by opening up reserves not currently in development.

Hydrocarbon reserves in Serbia are distinguished by specific temperature characteristics: at a depth of just 3.5 km, the oil-bearing horizon can reach a heat of up to 190°С. Such characteristics are more typical of ultra-deep strata, found at depths of more than five km.

Strata temperatures at Gazprom Neft's fields in Western Siberia do not exceed 70–100°С, so the gels traditionally used for proppant injection will not demonstrate the necessary reliability and effectiveness under Serbian conditions.

The special gel used on the high-temperature fields in Serbia has sufficient viscosity to retain heavy proppant particles during injection into the strata, and can withstand reservoir conditions; it can be applied under various fracing technologies, including multi-stage fracing, and is suitable for both oil and gas deposits.

“The application of high-technology operations in field development opens up a new stage in NIS’ activities, with the company increasing its efficiency in opening up mineral resources, and will ensure production growth, bringing new reserves into development,” Vadim Yakovlev, president of the NIS board of directors, said. “Gazprom Neft’s extensive experience in field development will allow international best practice to be used in Serbia, making operations as safe and as effective as possible.”