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Abstract In some basins, large scale development of unconventional stacked-target plays requires early election of well targeting and spacing. Changes to the initial well construction framework can take years to implement due to lead times for land, permitting, and corporate planning. Over time, as operators wish to fine tune their development plans, completion design flexibility represents a powerful force for optimization. Hydraulic fracturing treatment plans may be adjusted and customized close to the time of investment. With a practical approach that takes advantage of physics-based modeling and data analysis, we demonstrate how to create a high-confidence, integrated well spacing and completion design strategy for both frontier and mature field development. The Dynamic Stimulated Reservoir Volume (DSRV) workflow forms the backbone of the physics-based approach, constraining simulations against treatment, flow-back, production, and pressure-buildup (PBU) data. Depending on the amount of input data available and mechanisms investigated, one can invoke various levels of rigor in coupling geomechanics and fluid flow – ranging from proxies to full iterative coupling. To answer spacing and completions questions in the Denver Basin, also known as the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin, we extend this modeling workflow to multi-well, multi-target, and multi-variate space. With proper calibration, we are able generate production performance predictions across the field for a range of subsurface, well spacing, and completion scenarios. Results allow us to co-optimize well spacing and completion size for this multi-layer column. Insights about the impacts of geology and reservoir conditions highlight the potential for design customization across the play. Results are further validated against actual data using an elegant multi-well surveillance technique that better illuminates design space. Several elements of subsurface characterization potentially impact the interactions among design variables. In particular, reservoir fluid property variations create important effects during injection and production. Also, both data analysis and modeling support a key relationship involving well spacing and the efficient creation of stimulated reservoir volumes. This relationship provides a lever that can be utilized to improve value based on corporate needs and commodity price. We introduce these observations to be further tested in the field and models.
- North America > United States > Wyoming (1.00)
- North America > United States > Colorado (1.00)
- Geology > Geological Subdiscipline > Geomechanics (1.00)
- Geology > Rock Type > Sedimentary Rock > Clastic Rock > Mudrock (0.47)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > Laramie Basin > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > DJ (Denver-Julesburg) Basin > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- (22 more...)
- Well Completion > Hydraulic Fracturing (1.00)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Reservoir Simulation (1.00)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Reservoir Characterization (1.00)
- (5 more...)
Abstract This paper presents construction and validation of a reservoir model for the Niobrara and Codell Formations in Wattenberg Field of the Denver-Julesburg Basin. Characterization of Niobrara-Codell system is challenging because of the geologic complexity resulting from the presence of numerous faults. Because of extensive reservoir stimulation via multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, a dual-porosity model was adopted to represent the various reservoir complexities using data from geology, geophysics, petrophysics, well completion and production. After successful history matching two-and-half years of reservoir performance, the localized presence of high intensity macrofractures and resulting evolution of gas saturation was correlated with the time-lapse seismic and microseismic interpretations. The agreement between the evolved free gas saturation in the fracture system and the seismic anomalies and microseismic events pointed to the viability of the dual-porosity modeling as a tool for forecasting and future reservoir development, such as re-stimulation, infill drilling, and enhanced oil recovery strategies.
- North America > United States > Colorado > Weld County (0.37)
- North America > United States > Colorado > Denver County (0.37)
- North America > United States > Colorado > Larimer County (0.27)
- (3 more...)
- Geology > Rock Type > Sedimentary Rock (0.70)
- Geology > Structural Geology > Fault (0.69)
- Geology > Geological Subdiscipline > Geomechanics (0.46)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > Laramie Basin > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > DJ (Denver-Julesburg) Basin > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- (13 more...)
- Well Completion > Hydraulic Fracturing (1.00)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Reservoir Characterization > Seismic processing and interpretation (1.00)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Reservoir Characterization > Geologic modeling (1.00)
Abstract Accelerating the learning curve in the development of the Vaca Muerta utilizing lessons learned in North American unconventional resource plays is the focus of this paper. Reducing completion costs while maintaining high productivity has become a key objective in the current low-price environment. Completion diagnostics have been demonstrated to optimize stimulation and completion parameters that have shaped successful field developments. The paper reviews stimulation diagnostic data from wells completed in the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale, Eagle Ford, Wolfcamp and Niobrara shale formations. Case histories are presented in which proppant and fluid tracers were successfully employed in completion optimization processes. In the examples presented, diagnostic results were used to assess the stimulation of high productivity intervals within a target zone, evaluate various completion methods, and optimize stage and cluster spacing. The diagnostic data were compared with post-frac production rates in an effort to correlate completion changes with well performance. Results presented compare first, engineered perforations versus conventional geometrically spaced perforations to drive up effectiveness in cluster stimulation. Second, new chemistries, such as nanosurfactant, versus conventional chemistries to cut either completion cost or prove their profitability. Third, employing an effective choke management strategy to improve well productivity. Last, as in any stacked pay, determining fracture height growth in order to optimize well density, well spacing, field development and ultimately the recovery of the natural resources. Completion effectiveness is shown to be improved by landing laterals in high productivity target intervals, increasing proppant coverage across the lateral by utilizing the most effective completion methods, optimizing cluster spacing and decreasing the number of stages to reduce completion costs while achieving comparable production rates. Cluster treatment efficiency (CTE), in particular, has become a critical metric when optimizing hydraulic fracturing treatment designs based on current and future well densities. It can be used to rationalize well performance as well as to identify possible candidates for a refrac program. Using completion diagnostics, successful completion techniques were identified that led to production enhancements and cost reductions in prolific plays such as the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale, Eagle Ford, Wolfcamp and Niobrara.
- North America > United States > Wyoming (1.00)
- North America > United States > Texas (1.00)
- North America > United States > Colorado (1.00)
- North America > United States > Nebraska (0.88)
- Geology > Rock Type > Sedimentary Rock > Clastic Rock > Mudrock > Shale (1.00)
- Geology > Petroleum Play Type > Unconventional Play (1.00)
- South America > Argentina > Patagonia > Neuquén > Neuquen Basin > Vaca Muerta Shale Formation (0.99)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > Uinta Basin (0.99)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- (30 more...)
3D Hydraulic Fracture Simulation Integrated With 4D Time-Lapse Multicomponent Seismic and Microseismic Interpretation, Wattenberg Field, Colorado
Alfataierge, A.. (Colorado School of Mines) | Miskimins, J. L. (Colorado School of Mines) | Davis, T. L. (Colorado School of Mines) | Benson, R. D. (Colorado School of Mines)
Abstract 3D hydraulic fracture simulation modeling integrated with 4D time-lapse seismic and microseismic data were used to evaluate the efficiency of hydraulic fracture treatments in a one square mile spacing test within Wattenberg Field, Colorado. The study was conducted over a section within Wattenberg Field containing eleven horizontal wells that were hydraulically fracture stimulated and produced. The 4D time- lapse multicomponent seismic data were acquired pre-hydraulic fracturing, post-hydraulic fracturing, and after two years of production. The 3D simulation results integrated with and dynamic seismic observations are used to analyze the effect of geological heterogeneity on hydraulic fracturing efficiency and hydrocarbon production. A 3D geomechanical model was generated using geostatistical methods as an input to hydraulic fracture simulation and incorporated the faults and the lithological changes in the study area. The 3D geomechanical model was calibrated through the use of DFIT data from offset wells. A hydraulic fracture simulation model using a 3D numerical simulator was generated and analyzed for hydraulic fracturing efficiency and interwell fracture interference between the eleven wells. The 3D hydraulic fracture simulation is validated using observations from microseismic and 4D multicomponent (P-wave and S- wave) seismic interpretations. The validated 3D simulation results provide insight into the effect of geological heterogeneity on the hydraulic fracturing efficiency by providing information relative to the induced fracture lengths, resultant effective fracture lengths and established fracture conductivity. The 3D simulation result and dynamic seismic interpretations both reveal that variations in reservoir properties (faults, rock strength parameters, and in-situ stress conditions) influence and control hydraulic fracturing geometry and stimulation efficiency. Microseismic data is observed to capture hydraulic fracture lengths over 1000 ft. This was also confirmed using tracer analysis. The P-wave time-lapse seismic response from hydraulic fracturing is shown to be affected by pressure pulses created from stimulating the reservoir. The 4D P-wave response is indicative of the presence of pressure compartmentalization caused by fault barriers within the reservoir. The P-wave response also confirms the results from the 3D hydraulic fracture simulation demonstrating an effective stress barrier above the Niobrara formation which allows hydraulic fracture containment to occur. Shear wave (S-wave) time- lapse seismic data are shown to provide a close estimate for effective fracture lengths that result from hydraulic fracturing based on a successful match to the simulation results. The effective fracture length is defined as the propped fracture length that provides communication with the wellbore during the production cycle. Through this integrated 3D hydraulic fracture simulation modeling more confidence is placed on results from the simulation as a guide for further optimizing the development of the Niobrara Formation within the Wattenberg Field. The integrated analysis provides valuable insight into optimizing well spacing, increasing recovery and improving production performance in the Niobrara, as well as highlighting intervals with bypassed potential within the reservoir.
- North America > United States > Colorado > Weld County (1.00)
- North America > United States > Colorado > Larimer County (1.00)
- North America > United States > Colorado > Denver County (1.00)
- (3 more...)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > Laramie Basin > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > DJ (Denver-Julesburg) Basin > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- (12 more...)
- Well Completion > Hydraulic Fracturing (1.00)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Reservoir Characterization > Seismic processing and interpretation (1.00)
Introduction The seismic characterization of the Niobrara presented here is based on recently acquired wide-azimuth 3D seismic data in Weld County, N.E Colorado (Figure 1), and publically available well data for calibration within the area. The presentation starts with the location and geologic setting of the Niobrara and its vertical reference to the seismic response (Figure 2). An association is made using geometric attributes relating the complex subtle faulting to the Laramide Orogeny, which occurred in a series of pulses with intervening quiescent phases, possibly influencing hydrocarbon production. This sets the local structural framework for using fracture anisotropy and related rock properties for locating possible areas of significant interest. The Niobrara Formation lies in a thermally mature fairway which today is the Denver-Julesburg Basin. These sediments were deposited in an ancient Cretaceous seaway (Western Interior Seaway) running in a north-south direction through the mid-western United States, with ends open to the ocean. The Niobrara is carbonate rich on the east side, where the study area is located producing oil, and clay rich on the west side of the Basin. The Smoky Hill Chalk Member is 300–400 ft thick and composed of three key limestones (chalk) benches A, B and C which are each approximately 30–40 ft. thick (Figure 2). They are named from their resistive nature as seen along cliff exposures, and are intercalated with organic rich marls, the source rock. URTeC 1576924
- Geology > Rock Type (1.00)
- Geology > Geological Subdiscipline > Geomechanics (1.00)
- Geophysics > Seismic Surveying > Seismic Processing (1.00)
- Geophysics > Seismic Surveying > Surface Seismic Acquisition (0.70)
- Geophysics > Seismic Surveying > Seismic Interpretation > Seismic Reservoir Characterization (0.49)
- Geophysics > Seismic Surveying > Seismic Modeling > Velocity Modeling > Seismic Inversion (0.31)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > Laramie Basin > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > DJ (Denver-Julesburg) Basin > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- (11 more...)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Unconventional and Complex Reservoirs (1.00)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Reservoir Characterization > Seismic processing and interpretation (1.00)
Abstract This paper presents geologic and reservoir parameters of the Niobrara Formation In Weld County, Colorado. With the use of computer generated contour maps, It is possible to predict favorable areas of profitable possible to predict favorable areas of profitable Niobrara pay. This predictability Is further enhanced when combined with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis and historical production analysis. The SEM results show that the Niobrara In this region is a micrite and not a true chalk. The porosity Is, therefore, lower than would be expected in a chalk. The thickness of the second bench and the pore volume appear to have a better relationship to known faults In the Niobrara than present day structure. These parameters were analyzed in order to predict areas of parameters were analyzed in order to predict areas of faulting and fracturing, since these areas are known to have the best potential for Niobrara production. Use of these techniques Indicates that the northern portion of the study area has the highest potential portion of the study area has the highest potential for successful Niobrara wells. Based on the limited amount of production history available in this region and current market oil and gas prices, the average Niobrara well in this region appears to be uneconomic unless supported by additional production from other horizons. However, computer mapping suggests that current production Is not located in the most promising areas. Greater Niobrara production potential may be found In local areas characterized by greater porosity, thicker benches, and proximity to faults. Introduction The development of cost effective predictive techniques for petroleum exploration has been a continuing quest in the petroleum geology industry. This paper presents one such technique found useful in the Weld County, Colorado, Niobrara Formation of the Denver-Julesburg Basin. More specifically, the data were derived from the Second Chalk Bench of the Niobrara. This bench was selected as It constitutes the most continuous bench across the study area and has the highest potential for commercial hydrocarbon development. The geographical study area consists of 56 townships located in Weld County, Colorado, T1-7N, R61-68W (Figure 1). The purpose of this paper Is to Identify favorable areas for Niobrara hydrocarbon exploration. Seven critical variables from publicly available well logs were input Into a computer and used to generate a series of contour maps showing present day structure, paleostructure, porosity, thickness, and pore-volume. paleostructure, porosity, thickness, and pore-volume. Two further techniques, Scanning Electron Miscroscopy (SEM) analysis of sidewall cores and historical production analysis, were employed to assist In production analysis, were employed to assist In interpreting and predicting potential reserves. Evaluation of the computer maps, SEM data, and historical production data provided the basis for predicting favorable areas for hydrocarbon exploration predicting favorable areas for hydrocarbon exploration in the Niobrara Formation. GENERAL GEOLOGY The Niobrara Formation was deposited during the Late Cretaceous Period in the Western Interior Seaway. The Niobrara is divided Into two members: the Smoky Hill Chalk and the Fort Hays Limestone. The upper member, the Smoky Hill Chalk, consists of gray to white chalky shale with three locally massive chalk benches, referred to as benches 1, 2, and 3 (from top to bottom). The Fort Hays Limestone, the lower member, is composed of 25 to 85 feet of chalk and shaly chalk interbedded with thin beds of chalky shale (see Figures 2 and 3), The Niobrara produces gas from low-relief structures on the east flank of the Denver-Julesburg Basin and the north flank of the Las Animas Arch in Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska (Smagala, 1981). In Yuma County, Colorado, and portions of the Las Animas Arch, Bench 1 is a high porosity, low permeability reservoir. This differs from the correlative chalk bench in the Weld County Denver-Julesburg Basin which is of lower porosity. This reduced porosity is thought to be due porosity. This reduced porosity is thought to be due to greater depth of burial. The Niobrara produces biogenic gas In low volumes ranging from 20 to 300 thousand cubic feet of gas per day (MCFGPD) (Lockridge, 1978). Niobrara wells are commonly stimulated with a foam fracture treatment. P. 353
- North America > United States > Texas > Colorado County (0.85)
- North America > United States > Colorado > Weld County (0.85)
- Research Report > New Finding (0.34)
- Research Report > Experimental Study (0.34)
- Geology > Rock Type > Sedimentary Rock > Clastic Rock > Mudrock > Shale (0.48)
- Geology > Rock Type > Sedimentary Rock > Carbonate Rock > Limestone (0.46)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > Laramie Basin > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- North America > United States > Wyoming > DJ (Denver-Julesburg) Basin > Niobrara Formation (0.99)
- (10 more...)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Reservoir Fluid Dynamics > Flow in porous media (1.00)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Reservoir Characterization (1.00)
- Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Formation Evaluation & Management > Open hole/cased hole log analysis (1.00)
- Production and Well Operations > Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring (1.00)