Well stimulation is carried out to increase well production by improving the movement of

hydrocarbons in to the well bore. In addition, drilling and completion fluids sometimes damage a
formation by blocking pores in the reservoir, thus preventing the flow of hydrocarbons to the
wellbore, so well stimulation may be applied to unblock the pores.
Onshore well stimulation is less complex than offshore, from both a logistical and
technological standpoint. While planning is important, it is less complicated than for offshore,
and any fluctuations in stimulation requirements may be met with ease and quick availability.
Materials are brought by trucks and stimulation operation can be carried out continuously
without having to stop for restocking trips. Space availability usually becomes irrelevant and a
job can be done with any number of pumps and trucks. One of the key challenges for onshore
well stimulation, however, is water supply in very high quantities. This is where a big tank and
trucking capacities are required. On some occasions, when a long horizontal well requires
stimulation, a large storage capacity may be required to provide continuous pumping operation
without any interruptions. In addition, the equipment blending speed, horse power and gearbox
of the stimulation pumps play vital roles in providing uninterrupted pumping (Daleel).
Offshore well stimulation challenges are more from both a logistical and technological
standpoint at the moment. The cost of well stimulation comprises of the cost of the equipment
and vessel used for the intervention. The Vessel cost being bulk of the money spent, needs new
technological advancement springing up to reduce the cost of vessel. For example, a rig will cost
from $300,000 $800,000 / day for a well stimulation operation offshore which makes the
operation really expensive and not economical viable especially in the downturn which the oil
and gas industry is experiencing at the moment. Although there are rigless intervention carried
out with MPSV (Multipurpose Supply Vessels) which are less cheap than the rigs the industry
still needs more technological advancement in the offshore stimulation operation so it can
cheaper than the MPSV to survive on the long run.
The future of subsea well stimulation technologies is sure to reduce the cost of vessels
used for stimulation operation, reduce the equipment required for a stimulation operation,
stimulate deeper reservoirs that seem impossible the moment (arctic). Also improve on the
efficiency of stimulation operation and spend lesser time offshore to achieve the desired result or
better. One thing is sure, offshore production today is reaching new depths, and the need for
stimulation vessels and product technologies will continue to evolve and expand to accommodate
the higher demand.
In addition, Pressure/Horsepower needs are based on the job requirements and how deep
or shallow the well being stimulated is. Again, an offshore job is limited to the number of pumps
that a vessel has space for, so this will determine the pressure/capacity. On land, as many pumps
as needed for the job can be brought to the site. (Jackie Wilkerson, Weir Oil & Gas).
References:
Daleel. (n.d.). Onshore Well Stimulation. Retrieved from Daleel:
http://www.scmdaleel.com/category/onshore-well-stimulation/151
Jackie Wilkerson, Weir Oil & Gas. (n.d.). Well Completion & Stimulation. Retrieved
from Upstream Pumping: http://www.upstreampumping.com/article/well-completionstimulation/well-stimulation-requirements