Real-time Awareness: A Novel Application of Fiber Optics to Optimize Simultaneous Operations of Drilling and Frac

Abstract

Abstract It is challenging for asset management teams to balance the schedules of drilling rigs and frac fleets based on ever-changing schedule constraints and the potential of subsurface interference. These challenges increase as assets mature, causing last-minute changes in pad sequencing or pausing drilling and frac operations. To mitigate fracture-driven interactions (FDIs) and minimize schedule disruptions, the service company and operator team deployed disposable fiber optics in two lateral wells between adjacent drilling and frac operations. These fibers functioned as security fences, watching for approaching fractures heading for the drilling wellbore. The operator could immediately act on the completion pad if an approaching fracture threatened the rig. Disposable fiber optics have existed for several years, gaining favor due to the ease of operation, low comparable cost, and value of the data provided. The value of the data includes using acoustic distributed sensing strain data to observe the approaching fractures from a nearby treatment well. The system can detect fractures that directly intersect the monitoring well and fractures passing nearby or approaching. For processing, machine learning (ML) systems, overseen by human analysts, monitored and identified FDIs in real-time and relayed them to the team managing the operation. This operation is the first instance where disposable fiber, or any fiber, was used explicitly for managing simultaneous subsurface operations. Historically, fiber is considered a high-cost diagnostic, unsuited for this common operational challenge. Now, it is operationally and economically viable to use it for routine purposes.