Recommendations for the multilateral wells design selection in various geological conditions based on lessons learned

The authors of the article have summarized the experience of multilateral well application, performed an efficiency analysis of multilateral wells vs horizontal wells in Rosneft Oil Company's fields with various subsurface architecture. The algorithm for multilateral well efficiency estimation, compared to other type of well completions, was developed. This algorithm is based on the selection of areas for well locations with similar reservoir properties, reservoir energy conditions, and reservoir development conditions to evaluate production startup parameters, decline rates, cumulative parameters for the areas of over 6 month production. A matrix of multilateral well applicability in various geological conditions was generated, and recommendations for preferable well design were made. This type of analysis was conducted for the first time due to collection of sufficient statistical data, because of a multiple increase in the amount of drilling complex wells in the recent years. The obtained results provide an opportunity to design an efficient field development system for new assets, perform an adjustment of brownfields development systems, select multilateral well design for certain geological conditions based on lessons learned.

Deep Directional Electromagnetic Technique Improves Well-Drilling Efficiency

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 202265, “Leap of Faith From Conventional to EM Look-Ahead: A Game-Changing Technology To Improve Well Efficiency,” by Muhamad Yanuar Mahardi, Hendarsyah Hendarsyah, and Kharisma Endarmoyo, PT Pertamina, et al., prepared for the 2020 SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, originally scheduled to be held in Perth, Australia, 20–22 October. The paper has not been peer reviewed. The structure in the Matindok block in Central Sulawesi operated by Pertamina has proven producible gas reserves in the Minahaki formation. One of the main challenges in this area is the low resolution of seismic data, leading to a high depth uncertainty. The complete paper describes a technology developed to meet these challenges with the capability to map and detect lithology changes ahead of the bit in real time. Geological Background A first exploration well, PEP-001, was drilled in 2018. The structure has a Miocene carbonate buildup play, and the target reservoir is the M pinnacle carbonate reef. The PEP-001 well was planned to set the 9⅝-in. casing point above the top of the M formation. Offset wells did not show any clear markers in the thick shale above the M formation that could have been used for log correlation. In previously drilled offset wells, correlation was performed convention-ally by examination of cutting samples and on drilling breaks. However, when Well PEP-001 was drilled, no apparent drilling break was observed. By the time cuttings reached the surface, the bit had drilled into 20 m of the M formation. Because the casing covered most of the upper carbonate formation, openhole logging and well-testing data were not acquired to delineate the target formation optimally. The second exploration well, PEP-002, was planned with an objective of setting 9⅝-in. casing approximately 5 m above the top of M to acquire full-interval coverage of coring, openhole wireline logging, and well testing. This information was critical for optimal reservoir delineation to allow for accurate reserves calculation and future development. Conventional correlation methods have proven insufficient for casing point placement. The presence of limestone stringers in offset wells within proximity of the top of M presented an additional challenge. The stringers could have been misinterpreted as the main carbonate body, if interpretation were based solely on cutting samples. Real-Time Electromagnetic (EM) Look-Ahead Technology

The Well Efficiency Criteria Revisited—Development of a General Well Efficiency Criteria (GWEC) Based on Rorabaugh’s Model

The Strategic Water Storage & Recovery (SWSR) Project in Liwa, Abu Dhabi is a leading and unique hydrogeology project in the world because of both its financial and scientific dimensions. The objective of the project is to store desalinized water in the local Liwa aquifer, to be able to supply water to Abu Dhabi in case of emergency. A total of 315 recovery wells have been drilled in pursuance of the scope of the SWSR project. Out of the total 315 wells, 25 wells met construction problems and were removed from the study. The remaining 290 wells have been analyzed using step drawdown tests (SDTs) and the model of Rorabaugh. This provided a large and unique database regarding the parameters of this model: linear aquifer-loss coefficient (B), non-linear well-loss coefficient (C) and the exponent p. Analysis of this exceptional data set revealed noteworthy and novel findings: (1) the range of the exponent p values is found to be very extensive, varying from 0.35 to 6.01. For comparison, the highest values of p given in the literature very seldom exceed 4; (2) p behaves like a lognormal variable; (3) parameters C and p are closely correlated. A semi-logarithmic diagram displays a linear relation of p vs. log C, with a determination coefficient R² = 0.83; (4) A graphical and tabulated procedure, termed General Well Efficiency Criteria, is proposed to assess well efficiency. Given the very wide range of p values implied in this procedure, it becomes possible thus to assess the efficiency of any well analyzed with an SDT. This study finally raises questions about Jacob’s model validity, which assumes that p is constant and equal to 2.

Unsteady-state conditions of producing wells at of the Urengoy oil and gas condensate field influences their efficiency

The development of oil and gas condensate fields is accompanied by phase transformations of reservoir mixtures, i.e. the when the bottomhole pressure drops below the dew point pressure, the liquid condensate becomes versatile and enters the gas phase. Retrograde condensate leads to a decrease in phase permeability in the bottomhole. As a result, it also leads to a decrease in production levels is reduced both by gas and natural gas liquids. The article considers this challenge and its possible solutions by the method of unsteady-state conditions well efficiency, on which the hydraulic fracturing was carried out. The issue of well efficiency is urgent in conditions abnormally high reservoir pressure and considerable condensate yield.

Research of the well efficiency improvement based on mathematical modeling

The important aspect of oil and gas production complex is stable operation of flooded gas and gas condensate wells.This existing plunger lift designs were analyzed by the authors. The efficiency of plunger lifts in flooded and low-debit wells was determined. The facility for well internal tubing surface cleaning from liquid was developed. Based on mathematical model, the research of well efficiency improvement was performed. Based on calculations, the graphical dependence of the cleaning facility velocity on its position in the well tubing system. It was determined, that increase of liquid specific mass in the well tubing leads to decrease of the facility velocity. Based on the mathematical model, the patterns of the cleaning facility motion mode in well tubing were determined.