Case Study: Optimizing Eagle Ford Field Development Through a Fully Integrated Workflow

Abstract

Abstract An integrated project can take many forms depending on available data. As simple as a horizontally isotropic model with estimated hydraulic fracture geometries used for simple approximations, to a large scale seismic to simulation workflow. Presented is a large-scale workflow designed to take into consideration a vast source of data. In this study, the team investigates a development area in the Eagle Ford rich in data acquisition. We develop a robust workflow, taking into account field data acquisition (seismic, 4D seismic and chemical tracers), laboratory (geomechanical, geochemistry and PVT) measurements and correlations, petrophysical measurements (characterization, facies, electrical borehole image), real time field surveillance (microseismic, MTI, fracture hit prevention and mitigation program through pressure monitoring) and finally integrating all the components of a complex large scale project into a common simulation platform (seismic, geomodelling, hydraulic fracturing and reservoir simulation) which is used to run sensitivities. The workflow developed and applied for this project can be scaled for projects of any size depending on the data available. After integrating data from various disciplines, the following primary drivers and reservoir understanding can be concluded. At a given oil price, optimum well spacing for a given completion strategy can be developed to maximize rate of return of the project. Many operators function in isolated teams with a genuine effort for collaboration, however genuine effort is not enough for a successful integrated modelling project, a dedicated multidisciplinary team is required. We present what is to our knowledge, one of the most complete data sets used for an integrated modelling project to be presented to the public. The specific lessons from the project are applied to future Eagle Ford projects, while the overall workflow developed can be tailored and applied to any future field developments.