Open AccessEconomic Recovery of Oil Trapped at Fan Margins Using High Angle Wells and Multiple Hydraulic Fractures
Author(s) -
Mike L Laue
Publication year - 1997
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/2206
Subject(s) - geology , hydraulic fracturing , directional drilling , petroleum engineering , margin (machine learning) , structural basin , geotechnical engineering , well stimulation , petrology , oil field , drilling , geomorphology , reservoir engineering , petroleum , engineering , machine learning , computer science , mechanical engineering , paleontology
The distal fan margin in the northeast portion of the Yowlumne field contains significant reserves but is not economical to develop using vertical wells. Numerous interbedded shales and deteriorating rock properties limit producibility. In addition, extreme depths (13,000 ft) present a challenging environment for hydraulic fracturing and artificial lift. Lastly, a mature waterflood increases risk because of the uncertainty with size and location of flood fronts. This project attempts to demonstrate the effectiveness of exploiting the distal fan margin of this slope-basin clastic reservoir through the use of a high-angle well completed with multiple hydraulic-fracture treatments. The combination of a high-angle (or horizontal) well and hydraulic fracturing will allow greater pay exposure than can be achieved with conventional vertical wells while maintaining vertical communication between thin interbedded layers and the wellbore. The equivalent production rate and reserves of three vertical wells are anticipated at one-half to two-thirds the cost