SPE Study Session: Overview of Refracturing Completion Systems

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Disciplines: Production and Operations | Reservoir

Course Description

DISCLAIMER: Re-entry and re-stimulation of wells is an approach that has been successful for many operators and will be the focal point for the SPE Workshop: Refracturing: A Critical Resource to Maximize Economic Recovery on May 10-11 in Galveston, Texas. For attendees, and all interested parties alike, reviewing terms and process prior to workshops can enhance overall experience and aid in your understanding of more advanced topics covered. This SPE study session will prepare you for engaging conversations surrounding the enticing topic of Refracturing.  

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Shales, and other low-permeability formations that require multistage completions are known for having a high production decline, leaving operators with the challenge of improving ultimate recovery. One of the primary ways to improve ultimate recovery is to refracture existing wells. However, the initial completion system used in most wells present a variety of challenges for successful refracturing, such as lack of annular isolation and lack of through-tubing isolation. This study session will review the fundamentals of the primary techniques used for the initial completion [plug-and-perf, ball-activated systems (frac sleeves), and coiled tubing-activated systems (annular fracturing)], and then discuss refracturing completion system options, challenges, and how each option compares.

Topics:

• Initial wellbore completion options for multistage hydraulic fracturing
  • Plug-and-perf completions
  • Ball-activated completion systems (frac sleeves)
  • Coiled-tubing-activated completions systems (annular fracturing)
• Intro to refrac
• Possible reasons for production decline
• Challenges and (possible) low-hanging fruit for refrac selection
• Refracturing completion system options
  • Diverters
  • Straddle isolation
  • Expandable liners
  • Additional tubing strings
  • Reclosable frac sleeves
  • Other
• Comparing refracturing options

Learning Level

Introductory

Course Length

Half day

Why Attend

Intended for those individuals new to field of refracturing and completions or those who are interested general overview of the discipline. In order to improve approaches to unconventional resource development in existing plays, it is important to understand and recognize the multiple options and challenges of multistage completion systems in these types of wells.

Upon completion of this study session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the challenges associated with each type of initial completion system
• Identify the primary refracturing completion systems options
• Recognize the benefits and considerations for each type of refracturing completion systems
• Use knowledge gained to better participate in the SPE Workshop: Refracturing: A Critical Resource to Maximize Economic Recovery that is associated with this study session.

Who Attends

This course is designed for all Oil and Gas Industry professionals involved in planning, drilling, completing, hydraulic fracturing, asset management, operating wells, and trying to increase estimated ultimate recovery with multistage hydraulic fracturing that want a better understanding of the different refracturing completion options available for these applications.

CEUs

0.4 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are awarded for this half-day course.

Additional Resources

This course has a supplemental book located in our SPE Bookstore entitled Hydraulic Fracturing Fundamentals and Advancements. Please check out this valuable resource!

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be received no later than 14 days prior to the course start date. Cancellations made after the 14-day window will not be refunded. Refunds will not be given due to no show situations.

Training sessions attached to SPE conferences and workshops follow the cancellation policies stated on the event information page. Please check that page for specific cancellation information.

SPE reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule courses at will. Notification of changes will be made as quickly as possible; please keep this in mind when arranging travel, as SPE is not responsible for any fees charged for cancelling or changing travel arrangements.

We reserve the right to substitute course instructors as necessary.

Instructor

Other courses by this instructor