Well Completion and Simulation

Friction reducer is a hydraulic fracturing fluid additive meant to lower costs by decreasing the friction pressure in tubulars during pumping operations. High viscosity friction reducers (HVFRs) have become increasingly popular in well stimulation applications in lieu of conventional slick water fluid systems involving linear and cross-linked gels. However, various factors must be considered when...

This paper will present a methodology being applied which examines well heterogeneity, and designs the diversion strategy based on actual reservoir properties.  Estimations of minimum insitu stress at each cluster are combined with estimates of stress shadow effect both from previous stages and between treatment clusters, to determine at which pressure each cluster will accept fluid.  This data is...

The development of horizontal drilling combined with hydraulic fracturing has allowed operators to develop unconventional plays once considered uneconomical. As operators move toward drilling more complex sections in these plays, proper placement of a competent cement plug on the first attempt becomes increasingly challenging. The use of a bottom hole kickoff assembly (BHKA) minimizes risk and...

Corrosion enhanced abrasive wear is a common cause of failure in sucker rod systems. The combination of high side loads caused by deviation and the presence of corrosive chemicals creates a very difficult environment for operators. The cyclical loading nature of sucker rod system adds to the problem, leading to premature failures in rods and tubing. Operators are turning to many technologies to...

Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2) has been used as a well damage removal and stimulation fluid since the late 1980’s. It was originally investigated as a means to remediate reservoirs of the permanently damaging effects of polymer, monomer, and polyacrylamide floods popular in the 1980’s across many conventional oilfields, including those in the Permian Basin of West Texas, U.S.A. Chlorine Dioxide is a...

During the life of Yeso horizontal oil producers, well intervention and remediation is an essential step to ensure the maximum inflow volumes are being obtained and recovered volumes are matching the established production decline curves. Utilizing a Jet Junk Basket BHA with stick pipe has enabled Concho to successfully clean out a wellbore without the added cost of energized fluids and minimize...

This paper discusses Permian Basin examples of a modern epoxy resin system that is compatible with most water- and oil-based wellbore fluid systems. Its unique mechanical properties and resistance to contamination make it a good solution for issues too complex, costly, or difficult to resolve using traditional remediation methods and materials. These case studies include the following uses of this...

Reservoirs having clays that swell/migrate can potentially impair production. When these clays are present, it is advantageous to use clay stabilizers to mitigate this damage potential.  The industry has adopted several clay assessment methods including analytical procedures such as XRD, SEM and performance testing methods such as capillary suction test (CST) and roller oven test. This paper will...

Understanding natural fracture systems plays a key role in tight carbonate fields where production is dependent on secondary porosity and pore connectivity. Locating geographic and stratigraphic areas with high natural fracture density and optimizing horizontal well plans to connect fractures can enhance well performance and asset value. A workflow to identify the influence of natural fractures on...

Multi-component, pliable plugging agents used to combat lost circulation are well known in the drilling industry. The role of these materials is to provide wellbore pressure containment and to allow for drilling ahead by sealing thief zones and stopping drilling fluid losses. This paper presents a unique method to model and quantify the optimal downhole mixing energy for multi-component, squeezable plugging agents. Understanding and controlling the mixing energy involved in placing these types of treatments is vital for success.