Stimulating a well is the process of modifying the flow conditions or reservoir properties so that a well produces more than it would naturally. Generally, stimulation includes processes to open up pathways around the wellbore to increase hydrocarbon fluid flow. The process of drilling through rock can damage the walls of the bore hole and seal them with mud cake. The tall column of drilling mud pushing against the walls of the hole can invade into the formation, reducing permeability to a degree that requires some kind of intervention to make the well economically viable. In some reservoirs, the permeability is so low that a well won’t produce unless a stimulation technique is used on it. This lesson walks through the process of hydraulic fracturing and takes a look at acidizing, two of the most common methods of stimulating a well.