Expandable Tubulars Facilitate Improved Well Stimulation and Well Production

Abstract

Abstract Growing energy demand is leading the industry to re-evaluate resources found in challenging conditions such as unconventional gas formations, re-entry wells, and/or low producing wells. Cost-effective development of these resources depends on strategic application of advancing production solution technologies. To enhance production and improve recovery processes, more efficient perforating and fracturing methods have evolved along with advancements in wellbore production hardware via use of solid expandable tubulars or combinations of solid expandable and conventional tubulars. Expandable technology applied as a completion/production string facilitates increased fracturing rates, resulting in improved conductivity and enhanced hydrocarbon production. Expandable tubulars can be used in re-entry wells to isolate old perforations, allowing for new zones or new sections within zones to be perforated and stimulated. Either a combination tubular cladding system or a solid expandable system can provide an integral component in new wells or re-entry wells where low-permeability reservoirs, such as those characteristic of unconventional gas formations, require isolation and separation for selective or pinpoint hydraulic fracturing or re-fracturing. Although successful stimulation is routinely attained from hydraulic fracturing, ancillary downhole tools such as conventional completion equipment often compromise results by restricting flow and affecting pressure performance. Solid expandable systems can optimize the fracturing parameters by maintaining larger diameters and providing seals for selective multi-zone or zonal isolation purposes. These production systems can consist of either solid expandable tubulars or expandable sealing sections combined with conventional tubulars using premium connections, thus providing a superior completion solution. This paper will explain how solid expandable tubulars can be used to facilitate first-time fracturing, re-fracturing, and multi-zone fracturing, refurbishing older wells, and attaining large-diameter production/reservoir conduits. Integration and system development of this technology will be discussed. Case histories will be cited to illustrate the effectiveness of solid expandable systems in enhanced production and fracturing applications.