Engineering Approach To Optimize Development Strategy in the Oil Segment of the Eagle Ford Shale: A Case Study

Abstract

Summary This paper presents a case study of the implementation of an integrated engineering approach to drill, complete, evaluate, and optimize multiple sets of parallel horizontal wells in the oil segment of the Eagle Ford shale. Two sets of horizontal wells were drilled parallel to each other in the Eagle Ford shale. Chemostratigraphic analysis was used during the drilling process to assist in understanding the placement of the horizontal wellbores with regard to the target pay interval as well as to assess area faulting. This data was used in designing the stimulation-stage intervals and to evaluate surface injection responses during the fracture treatments. Ball-activated fracture valves and plug-and-perforation completion strategies were tested to determine whether one is superior to the other. Oil-soluble tracers were used to understand the efficiency of these different completion strategies and aided in the production comparisons. Downhole microseismic mapping was also used to assist in the completion evaluation. The integration of various engineering data allowed for interesting conclusions about horizontal wellbore placement and the effect it has on the fracture-stimulation treatments, as well as the resulting production from the comparative wells. These insights provide important information for optimizing infill-drilling, well-placement, and fracture-completion strategies in the Eagle Ford shale. The lessons learned were implemented on additional wells in the same field, and all of these results will be discussed.