What are the most cost-effective well completion and stimulation programs?

1 Completion design

The completion design is the configuration of the wellbore and the equipment that allows the flow of fluids from the reservoir to the surface. The completion design should match the reservoir characteristics, the production strategy, and the economic constraints. Some of the factors that affect the completion design are the well type (vertical, horizontal, or multilateral), the completion interval (open hole or cased and perforated), the completion hardware (tubing, packers, valves, screens, etc.), and the completion fluids (water, oil, or gas based).

2 Stimulation methods

The stimulation methods are the techniques that enhance the flow of fluids from the reservoir by creating or enlarging pathways in the rock. The stimulation methods can be classified into two main categories: hydraulic fracturing and matrix acidizing. Hydraulic fracturing is the process of injecting a pressurized fluid into the rock to create fractures that connect the wellbore to the reservoir. Matrix acidizing is the process of injecting an acidic fluid into the rock to dissolve or etch the minerals that block the pores and reduce the permeability.

3 Cost-benefit analysis

The cost-benefit analysis is the process of comparing the expected benefits and costs of different well completion and stimulation programs. The benefits are usually measured by the incremental production, recovery, and revenue that result from the programs. The costs are usually measured by the capital and operational expenditures, as well as the potential environmental and social impacts. The cost-benefit analysis should consider the uncertainties and risks associated with the reservoir performance, the completion and stimulation effectiveness, and the market conditions.

4 Best practices

The best practices are the guidelines and recommendations that can help you implement the most cost-effective well completion and stimulation programs. For example, a thorough reservoir characterization and engineering analysis should be conducted to select the optimal completion design and stimulation method for each well. Additionally, data-driven models and tools should be used to optimize the completion and stimulation parameters. Furthermore, monitoring and evaluating the completion and stimulation results with various methods, such as pressure and temperature gauges or tracer tests, is recommended. Lastly, it is important to apply appropriate quality control and safety measures to prevent or mitigate any operational issues.

6 Future trends

In the near future, emerging technologies and innovations will improve the cost-effectiveness of well completion and stimulation programs. Smart completions, utilizing sensors, actuators, and controllers to monitor and adjust the flow of fluids in real time, can optimize production performance and efficiency. Nanotechnology can be employed to enhance fluid properties, fracture conductivity, and reservoir recovery. Additionally, biotechnology may be used to degrade or modify the rock matrix, fluid additives, or formation damage with biological agents such as enzymes, bacteria, or fungi.