This study investigates drawdown strategies' impact on condensate yield in Permian Basin unconventional assets, to achieve an optimal balance between technical and economic aspects of various flowback strategies. The research employs a comprehensive forecasting methodology to estimate the ultimate recovery based on different flowback strategies. The integration of technical analysis with economic evaluation is used to formulate strategic flowback options.
The performance of numerous wells was analyzed in the Permian Basin, encompassing different types of wells, such as parent, infill, and child wells. Employing forecasting techniques like decline curve analysis (DCA), rate transient analysis (RTA), and pressured normalize rate (PNR), the estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) was forecasted for both oil and gas. The study examined oil and gas production profiles and EUR and investigated their correlation with drawdown strategies across various domains, including time, cumulative production, and flowing bottomhole pressure.
This research offers essential insights for optimizing flowback strategies. While aggressive flowback practices show higher early production, their detrimental impact on reservoir performance is limited. The study concludes that aggressive flowback does not significantly affect ultimate oil and gas recovery.
This research significantly contributes to the industry by addressing the impact of aggressive flowback practices on unconventional condensate reservoirs. The economic viability of aggressive flowback adds a pragmatic dimension, assisting industry stakeholders in decision-making. Focusing on gas condensate reservoirs aligns with operators' strategic interests, especially as development transitions from oil to gas condensate reservoirs. It addresses unique challenges in a substantial portion of portfolios in the Delaware Basin.
Optimizing production in well flowback processes hinges significantly on the drawdown speed, which is controlled primarily by the opening of choke valves and the capacity of the flowback setup. When devising a flowback strategy, it becomes crucial to strike a delicate balance between short-term gains and long-term reservoir performance. Additionally, the selection of flowback facilities must also consider the equilibrium between immediate production needs and the associated costs. This intricate balance prompts operators to continually refine and experiment with various flowback strategies, employing choke management techniques to maximize cash flow and net present value (NPV).