Consideration for Future Stimulation Options Is Vital in Deciding Horizontal Well Drilling and Completion Schemes for Production Optimization

Abstract

Summary Many horizontal wells have been completed without plans for stimulation. Often, horizontal wells were not planned for stimulation, because the belief at the time of completion was that horizontal wellbores eliminate the need for hydraulic fracturing stimulation. This presumption has turned out to be false. Often, by the time it is discovered that a horizontal well needs to be stimulated, it cannot be stimulated effectively because of mechanical or reservoir limitations. This regrettable outcome may have been avoided if extensive preplanning had included consideration for future stimulation. Such preplanning may be limited—not only to the already extensive plans for prospective stimulation activities and selection of the most promising stimulation methods—but for all activities required during the life of the well.