SPE - Society of Petroleum Engineers Well Completions and Stimulation Questions and Answers

Question 1

A well in a competent sandstone formation is completed by running and cementing casing through the production zone. To establish flow, which of the following completion techniques is required?

Accepted Answer

Perforating

Answer

When casing is cemented across a production zone, it creates a barrier between the reservoir and the wellbore. Perforating involves creating holes in the casing and cement sheath to establish a connection with the reservoir, allowing hydrocarbons to flow into the well.

Question 2

Which of the following stimulation techniques is most appropriate for removing near-wellbore formation damage in a high-permeability carbonate reservoir without fracturing the rock?

Accepted Answer

Matrix acidizing

Answer

Matrix acidizing is a stimulation technique where acid is injected at pressures below the formation's fracture pressure. The goal is to dissolve materials that are plugging the pore throats in the immediate vicinity of the wellbore, thereby removing skin damage and improving permeability.

Question 3

A production engineer is designing a completion for a well in an unconsolidated sandstone reservoir known for significant sand production. Which sand control method involves placing a downhole filter and packing the annulus with specifically sized sand to prevent the influx of formation sand?

Accepted Answer

Gravel packing

Answer

Gravel packing is a widely used sand control method where a screen is placed in the wellbore and the annulus between the screen and the formation is filled with gravel. This gravel pack acts as a filter to prevent the production of fine formation sand while allowing hydrocarbons to flow through.

Question 4

During a hydraulic fracturing operation, what is the primary purpose of the proppant?

Accepted Answer

To keep the induced fractures open after the pumping pressure is released

Answer

Proppant, such as sand or ceramic beads, is mixed with the fracturing fluid and pumped into the formation. After the hydraulic pressure creates fractures in the rock, the proppant is left behind to hold these fractures open, creating a conductive pathway for oil and gas to flow to the wellbore.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a primary design consideration for a hydraulic fracturing treatment?

Accepted Answer

Wellhead pressure rating during production

Answer

While the wellhead pressure rating is a critical aspect of the overall well design and safety, the primary design parameters for the hydraulic fracturing treatment itself include the properties of the fracturing fluid, the type and amount of proppant, and the injection rates and pressures used to create the desired fracture geometry.

(SPE) Society of Petroleum Engineers Certification Practice Test

(SPE) Society of Petroleum Engineers Certification Practice Test

SPE - Society of Petroleum Engineers Well Completions and Stimulation Questions and Answers