Packers Plus is actively involved in adding to the collective knowledge of the oil and gas industry. Through the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), we are working to provide thought leadership in the area of open hole multistage fracturing applications. To augment the information in this arena, Packers Plus employees write papers, make presentations at conferences and local chapter luncheons, attend applied technology workshops (ATW) and exhibit at conferences around the world.
Please click on the links below to read an abstract of our most recent paper presentations. For a list of our upcoming presentations, please visit the News & Events page.
By Region
CANADA
Authors: Kyle Kimmitt, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: Canadian Unconventional Resources Conference, 15-17 November 2011, Calgary, Alberta
Summary: This paper outlines the operational procedure for cemented back monobore open hole, multi-stage (OHMS) completions. Due to various issues with conventional plug-type cementing stage tools a new hydraulically activated, mechanically closed cementing stage collar was designed to open/close without the use of a plug/dart. The new stage tool addresses the operational issues encountered with conventional tools and further reduces costs by reducing rig time. With the new stage collar, there is no drill out of plugs and cement after the cementing operation, eliminating debris that could be problematic for the OHMS functioning. The development of the new stage collar through lab testing and field trials is discussed. This technology has been successfully used in various formations in Canada and the United States. This paper presents case study examples of installations in the Montney formation.
Authors: Brad Wilson, David Lui, James Kim, SPE, Murphy Oil Company Ltd.; Mike Kenyon, SPE, Matt McCaffrey, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: Canadian Unconventional Resources Conference, 15-17 November 2011, Calgary, Alberta
Summary: This paper compares two multistage hydraulic fracturing technologies applied in the Lower Montney Formation: cemented liner and openhole multistage system (OHMS) completions. In-depth analysis was performed on field data from 15 wells divided into two separate geographical areas within the same field. Comparisons included production analysis, lateral lengths, number of stages, stage spacing, proppant volumes, and pump rates. Additionally, operational time and cost comparisons on a per well and per stage basis for both technologies were determined. Based upon the field data analyzed, application of OHMS for the wells selected in the two study areas resulted in both greater initial production rates and overall cumulative production than cemented liner completed wells. Additionally, less time was required to perform the fracture stimulation job when using OHMS technology as compared to cemented liners. Both the average total cost of completion and average cost per stage in conducting cemented liner jobs was higher than employing OHMS completions.
Authors: Dan Baumgarten, SPE, Breaker Energy Ltd., and Doug Bobrosky, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services Inc.
Conference: SPE Saudi Arabia Section Technical Symposium, 9-11 May 2009, AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia
Summary: Over the past few years, a new multi-stage, multi-jet fracturing technology has improved the acid fracturing of the Wabamun formation located in south central Alberta. This paper will discuss the planning and design processes that led to the implementation of the multi-stage, multi-jet technology. It will outline the lessons learned during deployment of the completion, and will highlight the stimulation treatment execution and post-stimulation results. The text will detail examples from the case studies and will outline the benefits of this technology.
USA
Authors: Tully Roe, SPE, Rocky Seale, SPE, Daniel Snyder, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: Canadian Unconventional Resources Conference, 15-17 November 2011, Calgary, Alberta
Summary: Studies in the Lower Huron led to operators to run longer laterals with increased stage numbers in order to maximize production; however, the limitations of open hole, multi-stage systems (OHMS) restricted the potential of many wells. In order to deal with these limitations, the repeatable fracturing port (RFP) was developed. The RFP utilizes the same size ball to activate more than one fracture port – essentially multiplying the number of isolated stages. A field study in the Lower Huron demonstrated the benefits of using RFP technology, as the system functioned effectively and increased the number of potential stages. The success of RFP technology in the Lower Huron has been echoed throughout the U.S. and Canada, as increased knowledge continues to improve the technology and well performance.
Authors: Jason Baihly, SPE, Raphael Altman, SPE, Isaac Aviles, SPE, Schlumberger, Rocky Seale, SPE, DJ Snyder, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 30 October – 2 November 2011, Denver, Colorado
Summary: This paper analyzes the various drilling and completion technologies that have been applied to the James Lime over its 50 year history. Some of the variants analyzed to determine their impact on production include hole direction, lateral length, completion isolation system, and number of stages treated. Hydraulic fracturing treatment details such as proppant type, treatment volume, and proppant volume were analyzed to determine their impact on production results as well. Other factors were taken into consideration when performing the production analysis including the timeframe when the well was drilled and completed. The results of this analysis uncovered the impact on production that technological advancements had over time on the tight James Lime carbonate formation.
Authors: Daniel J Snyder, SPE and Rocky Seale, SPE, Packers Plus
Conference: SPE EUROPEC/EAGE Annual Conference and Exhibition, 23-26 May 2011, Vienna, Austria
Summary: The two main methods of horizontal, multi-stage completions currently used in unconventional reservoirs are: cemented liner "plug and perf" and open hole, multi-stage fracturing systems. This paper describes the main methods of horizontal, multi-stage completions, and discusses how the choice of method can affect good fracturing practices as well as long-term production. Case study examples are presented from a variety of unconventional reservoirs included including shale, tight sandstone and carbonate formations.
Optimization of Completions in Unconventional Reservoirs for Higher Recovery (SPE 142729)
Author: Daniel J. Snyder, SPE and Rocky Seale, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: SPE Middle East Unconventional Gas Conference and Exhibition, 31 January-2 February 2011, Muscat, Oman
Summary: Over the last decade, an industry wide shift to unconventional plays has occurred due to advances in technology allowing for the recovery of previously uneconomic reserves. The primary objective of completions in these unconventional reservoirs is to increase the effective surface area of the well to maximize reservoir contact. This paper provides an introduction to unconventional reservoirs, describes the main methods of horizontal, multi-stage completions, and discusses how the choice of method can affect good fracturing practices as well as long-term production. Case study examples are presented from a variety of unconventional reservoirs including shale, tight sandstone and tight carbonate formations.
Well Completion Strategy and Optimization in a North Dakota Bakken Oilfield (SPE 142741)
Author: Dennis Zander, SPE, Fidelity Exploration & Production Company, Rocky Seale, SPE, Daniel J Snyder, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: SPE Middle East Unconventional Gas Conference and Exhibition, 31 January-2 February 2011, Muscat, Oman
Summary: First discovered in 1951, development of the Bakken formation in the Williston Basin has been problematic and inconsistent. However, technological advancements in horizontal drilling and completions in the past decade have steadily improved production results and consistency on a well by well basis. This study provides insight into the advantages of various stage numbers and optimum stage spacing by analyzing up to 21 months of production results from horizontal wells targeting the Bakken in the Stanley Field, North Dakota.
Authors: Darrell Lohoefer, SPE, Eagle Oil & Gas, Daniel J. Snyder, SPE, Rocky Seale, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: IADC/SPE Asia Pacific Drilling Technology Conference and Exhibition, 1-3 November 2010, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Summary: The Barnett Shale is considered to be a prototype for other shale plays in North America and throughout the world because it was the first shale play to be developed. This paper describes production results from two horizontal wells in the Barnett Shale completed with open hole, multi-stage fracturing systems (OHMS) compared to direct offset wells with conventional cemented liner, “plug and perf” completion.
Leveraging Innovative Technologies to Recover Reserves in the Bakken Formation (137864)
Authors: W.B. Lloyd, SPE, Cirque Resources; A.A. Starkey, SPE, Schlumberger; J.D. Jany, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: Canadian Unconventional Resources and International Petroleum Conference, 19-21 October 2010, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Summary: The Bakken formation in the Williston Basin has received increasing recognition over the past five years due to the ability of operators to consistently deliver wells with prolific production results and extraordinary economics. This paper presents a unique combination of drilling optimization with advanced open hole, multi-stage fracturing system (OHMS) technology, which together are pushing the envelope for continued improvement in operational and production efficiencies.
Author: Matt Houston, SPE, and Mark McCallister, SPE, Slawson Exploration, and Josh Jany, SPE, and Josh Audet, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 19-22 September 2010, Florence, Italy
Summary: Over the last decade, an industry wide shift to unconventional plays has occurred due to advanced drilling and completion technologies allowing the recovery of previously uneconomic reserves. A notable play in this category is the Bakken formation in the Williston Basin. Through multiple case study wells and direct offset comparisons, this paper analyzes production results for two completion methods employed in the Bakken today: cemented production liners with “plug and perf” stimulation and open hole, multi-stage system completions. Additionally, production differences based on stage number, stage interval length, and 640-acre versus 1,280-acre well spacing are presented.
Horizontal Drilling and Well Completion Optimization in North Dakota Bakken Oilfield (SPE 135195)
Author: Dennis Zander, SPE, and Michael Czehura, SPE, Fidelity Exploration & Production Company, and Daniel J Snyder, SPE, and Rocky Seale, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 19-22 September 2010, Florence, Italy
Summary: First discovered in 1951, development of the Bakken formation in the Williston Basin has been problematic and inconsistent. However, technological advancements in horizontal drilling and completions in the past decade have steadily improved production results and consistency on a well by well basis. This study provides insight into the advantages of various stage numbers and optimum stage spacing by analyzing up to 15 months of production results from horizontal wells targeting the Bakken in the Stanley Field, North Dakota.
Author: Darrell Lohoefer, SPE, Eagle Oil & Gas, and Daniel J. Snyder, SPE, Rocky Seale, SPE, and Daniel Themig, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 19-22 September 2010, Florence, Italy
Summary: The industry has made a very quick turn toward both unconventional reservoirs and horizontal, multi-stage fracturing. Some industry experts have begun to question the effectiveness of recoveries in these massive reserve assets. A notable formation in these discussions has been the Barnett Shale, where a variety of methods and technologies have been used to fracture stimulate horizontal wells. From 2004 through 2006, a new, open hole, multi-stage system (OHMS) completion technology was run in Denton County, Texas. Using publically available data from the past five years, this study contrasts long-term production results from OHMS completed wells and wells completed with cemented casing.
Optimizing Horizontal Completions in the Cleveland Tight Gas Sand (SPE 113487)
Authors: M.L. Samuelson, SPE, T. Akinwande, SPE, and R. Connell, SPE, Schlumberger; R. Grossman, SPE, Panther Energy; and B. Strickland, Packers Plus
Conference: CIPC/SPE Gas Technology Symposium 2008 Joint Conference, 16-19 June 2008, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Summary: This paper describes an efficient multistage horizontal openhole completion technique as an alternative to conventional openhole or cemented and perforated lateral completions. The application focuses on openhole (OH) completions in the Cleveland tight gas sand of the Texas panhandle. Horizontal wells have been drilled extensively in this low permeability gas reservoir to enhance productivity. While the increased contact area offers a potential for enhancing well productivity and overall well economics, additional stimulation is usually required.
Authors: R. Seale, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services, J. Athans, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: SPE Tight Gas Completions Conference, 9-11 June 2008, San Antonio, Texas, USA
Summary: This paper describes an efficient multistage horizontal openhole (OH) completion technique as an alternative to conventional openhole or cemented and perforated lateral completions. The application focuses on openhole completions in the Edward Lime of South Texas. Horizontal wells have been driled extensively in this deep high temperature gas field. This paper will detail the new horizontal completion system run as part of the production liner, which does not require cementing and provides mechanical diversion at specified intervals, so fracturing and stimulations can be pumped effectively to their targeted zone.
An Efficient Horizontal Open Hole Multi-Stage Fracturing and Completion System (SPE 108712)
Authors: R. Seale, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: International Oil Conference and Exhibition in Mexico, 27-30 June 2007, Veracruz, Mexico
Summary: Over the last two decades many developments have enabled accelerated growth in horizontal drilling. Developments in completion technology specific for horizontal wells have broadened the reservoirs where horizontal wells can be effectively stimulated. This paper will discuss a new open hole completion system run as part of the production liner, does not require cementing and provides mechanical diversion at specified intervals, thus allowing fracturing and stimulations to be effectively pumped to their targeted zone.
Authors: R. Seale and J. Athans, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: Rocky Mountain Oil & Gas Technology Symposium, 16-18 April 2007, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.
Summary: Horizontal completion technology has progressed dramatically over the last six years, with the latest technical barriers being eclipsed with open hole technology. From the enhanced production witnessed using open hole completion with mechanical isolation, to the operational benefits of multiple fracturing operations being pumped in one continuous operation equating to time savings, more efficient fracs, faster cleanup and less safety hazards. These operational considerations will be thoroughly outlined, including case histories where this technology has been successfully applied.
An Effective Horizontal Well Completion and Stimulation System (SPE 101230)
Authors: R. Seale, J. Athans, and D. Themig, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, 5-8 November 2006, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Summary: Over the last two decades many developments have enabled accelerated growth in horizontal drilling. Drilling has led the way, with current technology capable of drilling thousands of feet laterally through a hydrocarbon reservoir. Second, has been completion and stimulation advancements. This paper will detail a new completion system which is run as part of the production liner, which does not require cementing and provides positive mechanical diversion at specified intervals, so fracturing and stimulations can be pumped effectively to their targeted zone.
Multistage Fracturing System: Improving Operational Efficiency and Production (SPE 104557)
Authors: R. Seale, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services; J. Donaldson, SPE, D&J Oil Co.; and J. Athans, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: SPE Eastern Regional Meeting, 11-13 October 2006, Canton, Ohio, USA
Summary: Over the last several years there have been many technical developments in horizontal completion methods. These developments have been designed to better stimulate the entire horizontal interval. A new completion system has been deployed in over 300 wellbores in various producing formations, such as sandstone, limestone, shale, dolomite and coal. This system uses a series of mechanical open hole packers deployed on the production liner with fracturing or stimulation ports located between the packers that allow for stimulation in each desired interval. This paper will detail the operational efficiencies and reliability of this novel completion system, as well as analyze the cost benefits and production increases that have been noted.
New Barnett Shale Horizontal Completion Lowers Cost and Improves Efficiency (SPE 103046)
Authors: D. Lohoefer, SPE, Eagle Oil and Gas, and J. Athans, SPE, and R. Seale, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 24-27 September 2006, San Antonio, Texas, USA
Summary: Over the last few years horizontal completions of the Barnett Shale have advanced in an attempt to better stimulate the entire horizontal interval. One standard completion process, where the horizontal is cased and cemented, has emerged. This process is very costly and time consuming, with the added risks of having to remove the composite plugs, plus there is no viable method for re-stimulating these wells at a later date. A new completion system has been deployed in over 300 wellbores in various producing formations, such as sandstone, limestone, shale, dolomite and coal. With a multitude of jobs completed to date in the Barnett Shale, this paper will analyze the operational efficiencies, cost benefits, reliability and production data of this completion system compared to the standard completion practices being implemented today.
Effective Stimulation of Horizontal Wells-A New Completion Method (SPE 106357)
Authors: Rocky Seale, Dan Themig, and James Athans, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: SPE Technical Symposium of Saudi Arabia Section, 21-23 May 2006, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Summary: Over the last several years there have been many developments in horizontal completions. These advancements have been designed to better stimulate the entire horizontal interval. A new completion system has been developed that addresses all of the issues in stimulating horizontal wells. With hundreds of jobs completed, this paper will detail the operational efficiencies and reliability of this completion system, as well as analyze the cost benefits and production increases that have been noted.
INTERNATIONAL
Authors: Mohammed Al-Ghazal, SPE Justin Tate Abel, SPE, Saudi Aramco; Stuart Wilson, SPE, Henry Wortmann, SPE, Schlumberger; Bryan Johnston, SPE, Packers Plus
Conference: SPE Middle East Unconventional Gas Conference and Exhibition, 23-25 January 2012, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Summary: In general, open hole multistage fracturing completions provide an excellent advantage in that they are intervention-less in their standard mode of operation. However, an aspect that is evolving is the secondary use of coiled tubing (CT) to handle the planned and unplanned operations occasionally required to reach well production objectives. In addition, the use of CT to function ball-activated ports to shut off zones or to re-stimulate is starting to be appreciated. This paper presents case studies where CT has been deployed and investigates the operational impact and productivity enhancement. Correlations taken from the key hardware variables, such as fracturing port size and type, motor type, mill bit type, and CT size, are also considered and analyzed.
New Openhole Technology Unlocks Unconventional Oil and Gas Reserves Worldwide (SPE 147927)
Authors: Mark Rivenbark, SPE and Bob Dickenson, SPE, Packers Plus
Conference: SPE Asia Pacific Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition, 20-22 September 2011, Jakarta, Indonesia
Summary: OHMS systems have been run in every type of formation from the much heralded shale gas plays in North America to the massive carbonate formations in Saudi Arabia and have also been used in offshore wells in the North Sea, Black Sea and West Africa. This paper focuses on the open hole packer used in OHMS systems to generate the annular compartmentalization necessary for effective multi-stage stimulation and production. This packer is a dual element, hydraulic-set, mechanical (DHM) packer and provides reliable open hole isolation with various benefits compared to swellable, inflatable and other mechanical packers.
Authors: Abdul Halim Ab. Hamid, SPE, Mohammed E. Khalil, SPE, A.K. Al-Mohammad, SPE and Shaker A. Al-Khamees, SPE, Saudi Aramco; Wael El-Mofty, SPE, Bryan Johnston, SPE, Packers Plus; Stuart Wilson, SPE, Schlumberger
Conference: SPE Saudi Arabia Section Technical Symposium and Exhibition, 15-18 May 2011, AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia
Summary: This paper describes the successful implementation of open hole multistage system (OHMS) completions in the pre-Khuff Unayzah sandstone formation of Saudi Arabia. At 13,000 to 17,000 ft TVD, this formation is a deep, hostile environment and is extremely difficult to drill. A lateral section was drilled from an existing vertical well in the direction of minimum stress, uncommon in Saudi Arabia. However, by drilling in this direction, the OHMS was able to create transverse fractures and increase production by 2.4 times that of the original vertical well.
Success Criteria for Multistage Fracturing of Tight Gas in Saudi Arabia (SPE 149064)
Authors: Zillur Rahim, SPE, Adnan Al-Kanaan, SPE, Hamoud Al-Anazi, SPE, Saudi Aramco; Bryan Johnston, SPE, Packers Plus and Stuart Wilson, SPE, Daniel Kalinin, SPE, Schlumberger
Conference: SPE Saudi Arabia Section Technical Symposium and Exhibition, 15-18 May 2011, AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia
Summary: This paper presents extensive field data on the use of open hole multistage systems (OHMS) in unconventional, tight-gas zones in Saudi Arabia to prove their applicability and show the factors contributing to their success. Unconventional plays in Saudi Arabia are typically deeper, harder and hotter than those in North America and now that they are being exploited, the need for OHMS has increased. This paper goes on to describe how multistage fractured wells completed with OHMS produce better than offset wells completed with conventional methods.
Authors: Cameron Radtke, Mark Rivenbark, Dan Themig, Packers Plus; Rod Elliott, Dean Hindle, Iain Clyne, Geodynamics Ltd.
Conference: Thirty-Sixth Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering, 31 January – 2 February 2011, Stanford, CA, USA.
Summary: Traditionally, geothermal electric plants have been built on the edges of tectonic plates where high temperature geothermal resources are available near the surface. Recent improvements in drilling and extraction technology have enabled the creation of geothermal power plants in areas where the thermal resources lie deep under the surface. Temperatures up to 600°F and 100% aqueous environments create well completion and operating problems that are unique to even experienced petroleum engineers. This paper presents first-of-their-kind completion tools and methods in a major Australian geothermal development.
Authors: M. Rotondi, G. Pace, H. Malonga, F. Pounga, Eni Congo; T. Batmaz, E. Ndoassal, E. Asibor, D. Sobernheim, Schlumberger; P. Amare, Packer Plus International
Conference: SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 19-22 September 2010, Florence, Italy
Summary: This paper describes the successful combination of different stimulation techniques during the development phase of an offshore field in Congo. The detailed study of design methodology, different stimulation fluids and operation sequences are described. Particular attention will be given to the comparison of well responses to multi-stage proppant and acid fracturing techniques.
Authors: Hasan Hussein Al-Jubran, SPE, Saudi Aramco; Stuart Wilson, SPE, Schlumberger; and Bryan Johnston, SPE, Packers Plus
Conference: SPE Deep Gas Conference and Exhibition, 24-26 January 2010, Manama, Bahrain
Summary: Horizontal wellbores have enabled significant increases in productive zone contact areas. However, even with these increased contact areas, the expected long-term production increases were not initially realized with conventional stimulation techniques. Multistage fracturing systems have resulted in impressive long-term production improvements, but the deployment of these assemblies into deep and long reach horizontal wells was initially problematic. After the original difficulties were encountered, modifications were made to the well preparation and assembly running procedures which resulted in the recent successful deployment of several multistage fracturing systems into long reach horizontal wells in the Khuff formation in Saudi Arabia.
Multi-Stage Stimulation Technique Boosts Production for Horizontal Wells in Kuwait (IPTC 13316)
Authors: Sameer Desai, Naz H. Gazi, Hussain Al Ajmi, and Bader Al-Matar, SPE, Kuwait Oil Company; Hai Liu and Azmin Hartme Majid, SPE, Schlumberger; and Bryan Johnston, SPE, Packers Plus
Conference: International Petroleum Technology Conference, 7-9 December 2009, Doha, Qatar
Summary: In recent years, horizontal well technology has evolved as the more favorable option in the Middle East over the conventional vertical and deviated wells. The advantages are (a) maximum reservoir contact, (b) higher production rate and (c) better access to reserves. This paper illustrates case histories where an innovative technique was used to stimulate horizontal wells, where production had dropped to zero shortly after an openhole completion due to formation damage and incomplete cleanup.
Authors: Alberto Casero, SPE, ENI US; Loris Tealdi, SPE, ENI Congo; Roberto Luis Ceccarelli, SPE, ENI E&P; Antonio Ciuca, SPE, ENI E&P; Giamberardino Pace, SPE, ENI Congo; Brad Malone, SPE, Schlumberger; and Jim Athans, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference, 19-21 January 2009, The Woodlands, Texas
Summary: During the past decade, multiple transverse fracturing in horizontal wells has been applied so successfully in onshore low permeability reservoirs that it is becoming the standard completion practice in many areas. The reasons for the success of this technique vary, but the two main reasons are related to the undisputed effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing as a production enhancement technique and the relatively low cost of pumping services in onshore areas. This study documents the successful effort of taking these techniques to the offshore environment.
Successful Case History of a Novel Open-Hole Horizontal Well Completion in Saudi Arabia (SPE 114961)
Authors: K. M. Al-Naimi, B. O. Lee, S. M. Shourbagi, Saudi Aramco, S. K. Kelkar, M. Shaheen, Schlumberger, B. Johnston, Packer Plus Energy Services
Conference: SPE Asia Pacific Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition, 20-22 October 2008, Perth, Australia
Summary: Horizontal completion technology has progressed dramatically over the last six years, with the latest technical barriers being eclipsed with open hole technology. These completions have allowed multiple zones to be fractured and the benefits of utilizing open-hole technology have been well documented. This paper will discuss the new completion designed specifically for open-hole fracturing of both sandstone and carbonate reservoirs.
Authors: J.R. Solares, SPE, C.A. Franco Giraldo, SPE, H.Al-Marri, SPE, H. Al-Hussain, SPE, N. Abualhamayel, SPE, Saudi Aramco, Venkateshwaran Ramanathan, SPE, O.A. Ishteiwy, SPE, Schlumberger, and Bryan Johnson, SPE, Packers Plus
Conference: SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 21-24 September 2008, Denver, Colorado, USA
Summary: One of the key strategies in Saudi Aramco's optimum gas development project includes lateral horizontal wells designed to achieve maximum reservoir contact to maximize productivity. This strategy has proven very successful over the past few years as the majority of horizontal gas producers have yielded excellent results, with open-hole completions in particular. However, due to the complex nature of the Khuff reservoir some wells have experienced complications during the drilling phase, encountering unexpected reservoir challenges, and hence not meeting production targets.
Authors: J.R. Solares, SPE, C.A. Franco, SPE, H.M. Al-Marri, SPE, and H.A. Al-Jubran, SPE, Saudi Aramco; Venkateshwaran Ramanathan, SPE, and Shri Kelkar, SPE, Schlumberger; and Bryan Johnston, SPE, Packers Plus
Conference: CIPC/SPE Gas Technology Symposium 2008 Joint Conference, 16-19 June 2008, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Summary: One of the key strategies in Saudi Aramco’s optimum gas development project is drilling single and multilateral wells to achieve maximum reservoir contact to maximize well productivity. This strategy has proven very successful over the past few years as the majority of the horizontal gas producers have yielded excellent results, with open-hole completions in particular. Nonetheless, due to the highly complex nature of the Khuff carbonate reservoir some wells have experienced complications during the drilling phase and encountered unexpected reservoir challenges which has kept them from achieving their production targets.
Application of a Novel Open-Hole Horizontal Well Completion in Saudi Arabia (SPE 113553)
Authors: K. M. Al-Naimi, SPE, B. O. Lee, SPE, K. M. Bartko, Saudi Aramco, S. K. Kelkar, SPE, M. Shaheen, SPE, Z. Al-Jalal, Schlumberger, and B. Johnston, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: SPE Indian Oil and Gas Technical Conference and Exhibition, 4-6 March 2008, Mumbai, India
Summary: Horizontal completion technology has progressed dramatically over the last six years, with the latest technical barriers being eclipsed with open hole technology. These completions have allowed multiple zones to be fractured and the benefits of utilizing open-hole technology have been well documented. This paper will discuss the new completion designed specifically for open-hole fracturing of both sandstone and carbonate reservoirs.
Authors: Alberto Casero, SPE, and Giamberardino Pace, SPE, Eni E&P; Brad Malone, SPE, and Francois Cantaloube, SPE, Schlumberger; Loris Tealdi, SPE, and Henri Malonga, SPE, Eni Congo; and Rocky Seale, SPE, Packers Plus Energy Services
Conference: SPE International Symposium and Exhibition on Formation Damage Control, 13-15 February 2008, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
Summary: Many West Africa offshore fields are maturing and operators are completing secondary targets in their wells to maintain the economic operation of their valuable assets. Three candidate wells were selected for placing multiple propped fractures using a technique that has been used for six years in North America. This technique utilizes a series of mechanical packers and frac ports that are sequentially shifted “on the fly” allowing continuous placement of more than one hydraulic propped fracture without shutting down the pumping equipment.
*StageFRAC is a mark of Schlumberger Limited.