Technology Focus: Production Operations (March 2012)

Abstract

Technology Focus At the 2011 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition in Denver, there were many interesting discussions on shale-gas (and/or liquid-rich) resources. While already an important part of the industry, we are just beginning to identify some of the challenges with these resources and how best to deal with them. With hydraulic fracturing being an integral part of these operations, one area of focus is how to optimize the well geometry and the fracturing treatment to achieve long-term production and high ultimate recovery. Nevertheless, two other key considerations concern where to obtain the huge volumes of water that are required for these fracturing jobs, and what water treatment is required to ensure a safe and problem-free operation. With the need to rely less and less on fresh surface water to minimize the environmental effects, operators have been forced to explore other options, including finding suitable aquifers and/or water-recycling technologies. Some of the papers featured in this issue (or listed as additional reading) illustrate some of these challenges and how companies are trying to address them. During this last year, we also saw an increase in the use of inflow-control devices in conjunction with horizontal wells in a variety of applications throughout the world. One of the most interesting developments is that of the so-called “autonomous” devices, which should be capable of adjusting themselves on basis of the type of fluid flowing through them (i.e., applying more choking to less-viscous fluids such as water and gas). There also have been interesting advancements in sandface-monitoring systems, as illustrated in two of the papers in the reading list. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 144032 A Novel Screening Method for Selection of Horizontal-Refracturing Candidates in Shale-Gas Reservoirs by Shekhar Sinha, SPE, Schlumberger, et al. (See JPT, November 2011, page 102.) SPE 147264 Shale-Gas Water-Treatment Value Chain—A Review of Technologies, Including Case Studies by Patrick Horner, Aqua Pure Ventures, et al. SPE 145737 The Autonomous RCP Valve—New Technology for Inflow Control in Horizontal Wells by Vidar Mathiesen, Statoil ASA, et al. SPE 147439 Fiber-Optic Strain Sensing at the Sandface Enables Real-Time Flow Monitoring and Compaction Mitigation in Openhole Applications by Denise M. Earles, SPE, Baker Hughes, et al. SPE 145581 Ormen Lange: Delivering Production Optimization and an Improved Reservoir Understanding Using a New Cableless Sandface-Monitoring System by B.P. Champion, SPE, Expro, et al.