Capillary Phase Trapping (CPT) Explained
Why is CPT Important?
CPT is the least understood, but most prevalent form of skin damage in natural gas wells. In some instances, permeability reductions of 80-100% can be realized due to CPT.
CPT primarily occurs when water or hydrocarbon based fluids are forced into formations that naturally have sub-irreducible liquid saturation. This can occur when drilling muds or frac fluids are squeezed into tight rock. It can also occur as a result of acidizing tight formations. The same phenomenon can trap brine and condensate in gas wells as the liquids migrate towards the wellbore over time.
The good news is that CPT can be remediated to some extent. While SURGITECH have multiple solutions for CPT remediation, the NanoSLICK nano-fluid is the most cost effective method available to mitigate CPT in tight oil & gas wells.
