Agenda
Friday, May 06
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.
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.
Monday, May 09
Tuesday, May 10
This session provides insight at how to choose the best refracturing candidates and appropriate recompletion methodology. A rigorous screening process can greatly improve the odds of success. Presentations will provide attendees with an awareness of the intricacies necessary for well selection required for successful refrac campaigns as well as how to select the most effective methodology for refrac.
There is abundant field data pointing to communication between hydraulic fractures created in the same or in adjacent horizontal wells. Relevant consequences of these interactions include uneven production distribution within a well and production interference between adjacent wells. Understanding the nature, cause and effect of these interactions is critical for optimizing various production operations, including re-fracturing. This session will discuss the different types of intra- and inter-well communications, their causes, how to identify them, and attempts to reduce their negative effects.
This session will focus on completion and coiled tubing technologies that are directly involved in refrac applications. These technologies include but are not limited to: (1) new or improved completion hardware such as, expandable and cemented liners, packers, plugs, sliding sleeves, dissolvables, etc.; (2) innovative implementation of completion and/or coiled tubing systems; (3) new design methodology or tools; (4) case histories, including design and execution of best practices, operations efficiencies and economic considerations.
The session will explore diversion and zonal isolation options to assure re-fracture treatments are placed in the targeted locations for optimum results. These techniques have historically included chemical, ball diversion and other solid diversion materials. The session will explore the results of these applications having been deployed. Additionally, new materials and techniques to improve diversion and zonal isolation will be discussed.
The Poster Session will be held in conjunction with the Reception on Tuesday evening. The Poster Session will have topics that cover all aspects of technologies and case histories relevant to Refracturing. The poster owners will be present during the poster session to explain and answer questions about the topics on their posters. We encourage all attendees to interact with each other during the reception, and rotate through the posters with questions and requests.
Poster Presenters:
Kevin Joseph, WellTec
Alfredo Sanchez, MorphPackers
John McGrath, Core Laboratories - Owen Oil Tools
Tanner Wood, ProTechnics
Terry Mytopher, Dissolvable Solutions
Josh Howk, Wellmatics
Eduardo Valverde, Emerald Surf Sciences
Neil Modeland, Halliburton
Jeff Osina, Thunderbird Services
Wednesday, May 11
Designing a refrac job requires an operator to have a holistic view of the geomechanics of the reservoir, historical production profiles of the candidate and neighboring wells, initial completion designs, and many other factors prior to pumping the actual field trial. To have a successful design, operators rely on simulation and economic modeling completed prior to the test to assess the risk vs. reward. This session focuses on the types of modeling that give insights for designing a refrac job and add confidence to delivering a positive rate of return project.
Common concerns that arise around horizontal well refracturing are often centered around stimulation effectiveness and analyzing the end result: How much lateral length coverage can be achieved? Do the isolation methods work? Has new rock been contacted? Pairing the proper diagnostic tools with refracturing opportunities can help the industry better address these concerns. This session will present effective diagnostics solutions and refrac case histories that help enable the sub-surface insight needed to optimize horizontal fracturing.
Refracturing technologies continue to evolve over time as more wells are restimulated and operators observe results. This session will focus on new technologies pushing the envelope in well restimulation. Furthermore it will focus on new refracturing treatment methodologies being trialed based upon gaps in current refracturing processes. Lastly, this session will look at various diagnostics being applied to capture more information before, during, and after refracturing treatments in order to push the industry further up the learning curve.
Many different types of Refracturing have been completed some successful and some not. This session will focus on lessons learned and to discuss what should be done going forward. This session should help keep others from making the same mistakes that others have made, and to learn to progress the technologies and practices to further Refracturing technologies and procedures.