Arab Finance: Badr El Din Petroleum Company (Bapetco), a joint venture (JV) between Cheiron and the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), is preparing to launch Egypt's largest multi-stage hydraulic fracturing operation, targeting the Obaiyed H18 horizontal gas well in the Western Desert.

The operation aims to promote the deployment of advanced technologies to boost gas recovery from a well experiencing production decline.

The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources’ strategy and five-year plan to increase domestic oil and gas production. These efforts are intended to strengthen local energy supplies and bridge the gap between local production and consumption.

With a total depth of approximately 5,630 meters and a horizontal section extending more than 1,600 meters, the Obaiyed H18 well is considered a suitable candidate for multi-stage hydraulic fracturing.

The technique involves injecting fluids at high pressure to create fractures in gas-bearing formations, enhancing their connectivity with the wellbore and facilitating the flow of gas into the production system.

By targeting multiple sections of the horizontal well, the operation seeks to improve reservoir access and maximize production from existing assets.

The first phase, involving well preparation using a drilling rig, has already been completed. Meanwhile, the second phase will consist of a six-stage hydraulic fracturing program executed using a rigless approach, which is designed to improve operational efficiency and reduce the need for conventional rig deployment during the stimulation process.

The third and final phase will involve completing the well using a workover rig to prepare it for production.