Pillar Propped Hydraulic Fracturing Optimized by the Application of Monolayer Technique in the Llanos Orientales Basin from Colombia

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract This paper explores the integration of monolayer technology into pillar propped hydraulic fracturing to enhance reservoir stimulation in Colombia's Llanos Orientales Basin. The objective is to evaluate operational efficiency, fracture conductivity, and hydrocarbon recovery improvements. By analyzing field data and technique performance, the study aims to optimize fracturing design for complex geological settings, contributing to sustainable and cost effective energy production in the region. The pulsed or pillar hydraulic fracturing method was implemented to enhance conductivity by forming high flow channels between strategically placed proppant pillars. To address challenges like channel closure and pillar misalignment, the procedure was refined by injecting ultralight proppant at an optimized concentration, forming a partial monolayer between pillars. This technique improves channel stability and guides pillar placement within the fracture. The process involves precise sequencing of proppant pulses and carrier fluid to maintain fracture openness, ultimately boosting long-term production and injection performance. The optimized pillar propped hydraulic fracturing technique, enhanced by partial monolayer application, was successfully deployed in the Llanos Orientales Basin across two injection wells and one production well. Incorporating diverting agents enabled broader vertical coverage of the target formation, improving stimulation effectiveness. Field observations revealed a marked increase in injection and production rates, with sustained performance over time. The technique demonstrated superior fracture conductivity and reduced screen out incidents, validating its operational reliability. Compared to conventional fracturing methods previously used in the basin, this approach significantly lowered material consumption and pumping time, resulting in notable cost savings. Additionally, the improved placement of proppant pillars contributed to more uniform fracture geometry and enhanced reservoir contact. These results confirm that the integration of partial monolayer technology not only boosts efficiency and well productivity but also offers a scalable, cost effective alternative for future hydraulic fracturing operations in similar geological settings. This study introduces a novel integration of partial monolayer technology with pillar propped hydraulic fracturing, demonstrating improved fracture conductivity, vertical coverage, and cost efficiency. Its successful application in Colombia's Llanos Orientales Basin provides actionable insights for optimizing stimulation in high permeability formations, offering a scalable alternative to conventional methods. The refined technique enhances performance while reducing operational risks, contributing valuable field based evidence to hydraulic fracturing literature and practical advancements for oil and gas operations.