Horizontal Wells in Tight Gas Sands—A Methodology for Risk Management to Maximize Success

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Abstract In general, successful applications of horizontal wells have been limited to high permeability reservoirs and unconventional formations such as coal, chalk, and shale. Conversely, few tight gas sandstone reservoirs that require stimulation have realized sustained success with horizontal completions. One example of such success is the Cleveland Sand of North Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle region. Very recently, some success with horizontals has been observed in the Bossier and Cotton Valley Sands of East Texas and North Louisiana. Horizontal wells are commonly two to four times more expensive to drill and complete than offset vertical wells, yet are theoretically capable of up to three to five times the production. Higher gas prices have lead to potentially better economics for horizontal wells. However, research shows that in practice, many of these wells typically produce only 10 to 30% more than offset vertical wells. With costs more than double those of vertical wells, the economics are obviously unfavorable. This paper discusses ways to identify and manage risks when planning, drilling, and completing horizontal wells in tight sandstone formations in order to improve success. Evidence has shown that shortcuts and blanket approaches usually do not work in these completion environments. A multitude of lithological and depletion possibilities exist as risks which need to be identified and managed through appropriate application of integrated drilling and completion technologies. Each risk may require different drilling and completion considerations to succeed. There is simply no magic recipe for repeat success. A detailed methodology is presented to identify, understand, and manage risk associated with horizontal wells drilled in tight gas sandstone reservoirs. The methodology will address all of the complex subjects that need to be considered for the successful placement and completion of a horizontal well including reservoir description (both static and dynamic), well design, drilling, stimulation, and production. It will also illustrate consequences of what may happen if these issues are not properly considered. Through this methodology horizontal well feasibility and economic results can be determined. If a horizontal well has been determined to be economically viable, this methodology can consistently provide a solution as to what the best completion type (vertical or horizontal) is to recover reserves and enhance recovery efficiency in tight gas sandstone reservoirs.