Introduction
General speaking, modern low permeability systems are completed with horizontal well through to Multi-fractured horizontal wells (MFHW), and other various combinations. An idealized example of the MFHW is shown below:
Both the micro- and macro-evolutions of completion designs toward high-intensity completions have led to a drastic reduction in breakeven production costs. For example:
|
|
2015 |
May 2019 |
|---|---|---|
|
Average North American Break-Even |
$68/Bbl |
$48/Bbl |
Cost effectiveness were attributed to a variety of micro and micro evaluations in completion designs, fracture stimulation, and even workflows.
The cost reductions have not been a result of a single innovation, or even just a few. As Pioneer Natural Resources explained in a paper presented the 2018 n(SPE) Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, design teams must consider more than 20 different design parameters for a well’s completion, including:
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Proppant and proppant intensity
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Fluid type and amount
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Crosslinked gels vs slickwater fracs
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Energized fracs
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Cluster spacing,
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Stage length and
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Well spacing
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Multi-Well Pads
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Continuous operation
According to Guo [2023] and others, the many of these types of wells are completed:
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Using Cemented Sleeves (ball or coiled tubing activated)
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Plug and Perf (or limited entry)
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Pin Point Fracturing
References:
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Hart Energy, Hartenergy.com , https://www.hartenergy.com/ep/exclusives/progression-completions-180330
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B. Gou, Well Productivity Handbook: Vertical, Fractured, Horizontal, Multilateral, and Intelligent Wells, 2008