Infill well deployment optimization based on a novel multi-well productivity model considering inter-well interference for shale gas reservoir

Abstract

Optimizing the deployment of infill wells is significant for improving the recovery of shale gas reservoir. A multi-well productivity prediction model considering complex fracture morphology and flow interference between multiple-staged fractured horizontal wells is established in order to optimize the deployment of infill well. The cumulative production curves of three simultaneous wells in a shale gas area in Sichuan Basin are accurately predicted with a relative error less than 5.5%. The optimal deployment location and timing of infill wells were determined quantitatively to maximize the 20-year cumulative production of infilling well and parent wells. The results show that: The later the infill wells were deployed, the more production the two parent wells produced, and the less the infill well produced; When the spacing d 1,3 between parent well 1 and infill well is larger, the two wells produce more and the parent well 2 produces less; The optimal deployment time for infill well is 2.85 years; The optimal well spacing d 1,3 between parent well 1 and infill well is 450 m, and the optimal well spacing d 2,3 between parent well 2 and infill well is 350 m. The findings of this study can help for better understanding of improving shale gas EUR.