Analysis of the Impact of High-Performance Water-Based Mud (HPWBM) Invasion on the Physical Characteristics of Reservoir Rocks and Gas Well Production Enhancement through Treatment with Novel Stimulation Chemicals: Laboratory Study and Nodal Prediction

The invasion of High-Performance Water-Based Mud (HPWBM) into gas reservoirs can significantly impair production by altering rock properties and reducing permeability. This study investigates the impact of HPWBM invasion on a gas well in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, and evaluates the effectiveness of a novel stimulation chemical in restoring permeability and enhancing production. Laboratory experiments included core compatibility tests, core flooding with stimulation chemicals, XRD analysis of mud filter cake, solubility tests, skin factor determination, and nodal analysis. Results showed that HPWBM invasion reduced permeability by 72%, but treatment with the novel stimulation chemical nearly doubled it. Solubility tests confirmed that Novel Stimulation Chemical A dissolved 53.96% of the filter cake, while Chemical B achieved 93.39%, effectively breaking down Halite, Barite, Sylvite, and Calcite deposits. Skin factor analysis indicated that after HPWBM invasion, the skin factor increased to 45, causing severe well impairment. Post-treatment, the skin factor was reduced by 72% to approximately 12.6, reactivating the well and enabling an estimated gas flow rate of 1.2 MMscfd. These findings demonstrate that the novel stimulation chemical effectively mitigates HPWBM-induced formation damage, enhances permeability, and significantly improves gas well productivity. This study highlights its potential as a practical solution for optimizing production in HPWBM-affected reservoirs.