Abstract

A multi-well program was developed to control the influence of completion design on the near wellbore region in order to optimize well completion of two wells in the 3rd Bone Springs formation. The pumping parameters, fracture measurements, and early production analysis of three previously completed wells near the target area were used to generate a base completion design for the monitored wells. The controlled wells met these criteria: 1) they were semi-bounded, meaning there were parents wells to the east and virgin rock to the west; 2) the rock had to be generally homogeneous; and 3) the pump design had to be the same from stage to stage during hydraulic fracturing. This study aimed to maintain a consistent near wellbore stimulation across the lateral, thus focusing on uniform cluster efficiency. Increased cluster spacing appeared to decrease stress shadow effects reflected by increasing trends in instantaneous shut-in pressure (ISIP). Rate per perforation was found to be a statistically significant predictor of near wellbore connectivity. Far-field diverter was also used to enhance nearfield connectivity and achieve better uniformity.

Introduction

Hydraulic fracturing is the driving force behind the successful development of unconventional resources around the world (Almulhim & Miskimins, 2023). This technological revolution is most likely the product of routinized investment in research and development identified by William J. Baumol that drives routine progress in market economies (Baumol, 2002). However, progress can still be made in terms of completions design and improved well performance. Barba and Villarreal (2023) identify that legacy cluster spacing of 50 ft. in the Haynesville has left stranded resources in place (Barba & Villarreal, 2023). This is important because cluster level analysis is critical in producing quality hydraulic fracturing stimulations (Mao, Godefroy, & Gysen, 2023) and the quantity and direction of transverse fractures created during treatment will impact production of the well (Roussel & Sharma, 2010). Salazar et al.

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