Lessons Learned From an Eagle Ford Shale Completion Evaluation.

Abstract

Abstract A multi-disciplinary study combining reservoir, completion and production information enables understanding of how to optimize completion strategies and enhance well productivity. This study focuses on the Eagle Ford shale formation in northern LaSalle County. A data-driven approach is followed by first identifying general trends in completion designs from around 50 horizontal wells. The study aims to identify parameters that have the most influence on production in the Eagle Ford shale formation. Multivariate analysis was implemented to determine which completion parameters are the main production drivers. Special attention was given to dataset filtering and processing. Comparing well productivity across an entire play like the Eagle Ford can be challenging because reservoir characteristics change and operators employ various field development and completion design strategies. The study minimizes variations in geology and completion schemes by focusing on a 6-mile diameter area. Variation in completion design is also minimized by only considering newly completed wells with similar hydraulic treatment designs. In addition to production trends, the use of stress profiles, rock properties and microseismic clouds are investigated to constrain modeling of fracture length and height.