Rate induced diversion for multi-stage stimulation

Abstract

The invention provides a method of stimulation a subterranean formation to improve formation fluid production, the method comprising: providing a wellbore which penetrates the subterranean formation, wherein the wellbore comprises at least two perforation cluster zones; injecting a treatment fluid into the wellbore at a fluid pressure equal to or greater than the fracture initiate pressure of the subterranean formation; contacting the subterranean formation with the treatment fluid through a first perforation cluster zone; performing a shutin by stopping injection of the treatment fluid; waiting for a determined period of time, wherein no physical material is introduced into the wellbore and no significant reverse flow from the subterranean formation to the wellbore occurs during said period of time; resuming the introduction of the treatment fluid into the wellbore at a fluid pressure equal to or greater than the fracture initiate pressure of the subterranean formation; and contacting the subterranean formation with the treatment fluid through a second perforation cluster zone.