Integrated Stimulation Strategy for Enhanced Recovery and ROI: A UAE Brownfield Case Study

Abstract This study presents a multi-year evaluation of acid stimulation practices in a mature Brown Field located in the UAE. With over 1,700 well strings across diverse reservoir zones and completion types- Open Hole (OH), Perforated Liner (PPL), and Limited Entry Smart Liners (LEL), the objective was to assess how combining stimulation technologies, acid systems, and placement techniques can arrest production decline and meet production mandates while maximizing economic returns. The insights from this study offer a replicable framework for other mature fields seeking to enhance recovery through cost-effective stimulation strategies. Acid stimulation was executed using Coiled Tubing (CT) and Bullheading methods. In 2023, 74 wells were stimulated using conventional and advanced acid systems, including 15%HCl, 28% HCl, 28% Emulsified Acid, Viscoelastic Diverting Acid (VDA), and Single-Phase Retarded Acid (SPRA). In 2024, 53 wells were treated with enhanced deployment of placement tools such as open hole tractors and mechanical agitators. Acid dosage was tailored to placement method and completion types. CT jobs used flow rates of 5-75 GPM, while Bullheading ranged from 21-42 GPF. Dosage and staging were optimized based on PLT diagnostics and reservoir permeability. Post-job evaluations included PLT surveys and contribution analysis to validate stimulation effectiveness. The combination of technologies and tailored acid systems yielded substantial production gains. In 2023, stimulation of 74 wells resulted in a significant percentage increase in production, with a return on investment (ROI) of 46x. In 2024, stimulation of 53 wells delivered a further percentage gain in production, with an ROI of 58x. Accessibility improvements were notable, with open hole tractor tools achieving 100% reach in a 6,627 ft OH interval. LEL completions showed dominant contribution from mid-lateral zones, guiding future acid placement strategies. The data confirms that combining stimulation tools, acid systems, and placement techniques is essential to arresting decline and sustaining field performance. This work demonstrates that recovery optimization in brownfields is best achieved through an integrated stimulation strategy. The synergy between advanced tools, tailored acid systems, and precise placement techniques enables operators to overcome accessibility challenges, enhance stimulation reach, and maximize production response. The economic analysis highlights the exceptional value generated per dollar spent, offering a replicable framework for mature assets across the region. This approach not only improves recovery but also ensures alignment with production mandates cost-sensitive environments.