Kyle Cunningham
Petroplex Acidizing
With an estimated 46,000 producing horizontal wells in the Permian Basin currently yielding less than 200 BOPD, operators are facing a growing inventory of declining wells. This base production decline must be continually offset by new well additions—an increasingly costly and resource-intensive strategy. As a result, the industry is experiencing a resurgence of acidizing treatments in horizontal wells as a means to restore productivity and extend asset life.
Transitioning from traditional acid treatments applied to short vertical pay zones to long horizontal laterals introduces new complexities in treatment design and execution. Achieving consistent production uplift and sustained well performance requires innovation across multiple technical dimensions. Advances have emerged in candidate selection methodologies, surfactant chemistry, diversion techniques, equipment design, stage optimization, and scale management practices following acid stimulation.
This paper presents the latest strategies and innovations driving the effective revitalization of horizontal wells through acid stimulation. Emphasis is placed on integrating modern chemical systems, operational best practices, and field-proven designs to maximize production gains while maintaining long-term well integrity.