Infill Drilling

Test Your Knowledge

Infill Drilling Quiz

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary goal of infill drilling?

a) To explore new oil and gas fields.

b) To enhance production from mature fields.

c) To reduce the environmental impact of oil and gas extraction.

d) To develop new technologies for oil and gas extraction.

2. How does infill drilling contribute to improved reservoir management?

a) By reducing the pressure within the reservoir.

b) By injecting water into the reservoir to push out more oil.

c) By creating more precise control over fluid movement and pressure.

d) By isolating specific areas of the reservoir for separate production.

3. What is a potential challenge associated with infill drilling?

a) High initial investment costs.

b) Risk of well interference with existing wells.

c) Increased environmental impact compared to traditional drilling.

d) Difficulty in accessing remote areas.

4. Which of the following is an example of an infill drilling technique?

a) Vertical drilling.

b) Horizontal drilling.

c) Seismic exploration.

d) Surface mining.

5. How does infill drilling contribute to the long-term sustainability of the oil and gas industry?

a) By reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.

b) By maximizing resource recovery from existing fields.

c) By developing cleaner extraction technologies.

d) By reducing the demand for oil and gas.

Infill Drilling Exercise

Scenario:

A mature oil field has been producing for 20 years and production rates have declined significantly. The field operator is considering implementing an infill drilling program to increase production.

Task:

• Describe three potential benefits the operator might expect from infill drilling in this scenario.
• Outline two potential challenges the operator might face during the implementation of the infill drilling program.

Techniques

Chapter 1: Techniques for Infill Drilling

This chapter delves into the various techniques employed in infill drilling, highlighting their advantages and limitations.

1.1 Horizontal Drilling:

• Description: Drilling a well horizontally through the reservoir, targeting specific zones with high production potential.
• Advantages:
  • Enhanced reservoir contact, maximizing production from a single well.
  • Reduced environmental impact compared to vertical drilling.
  • Allows for the targeting of specific reservoir compartments.
• Disadvantages:
  • Requires advanced drilling technology and equipment.
  • Can be challenging in complex reservoir formations.
  • Higher initial cost compared to traditional vertical drilling.

1.2 Multi-lateral Wells:

• Description: Drilling multiple branches (laterals) from a single wellbore, accessing different areas of the reservoir.
• Advantages:
  • Increases well productivity by accessing a larger reservoir volume.
  • Allows for customized targeting of specific reservoir zones.
  • Reduces the need for drilling multiple individual wells.
• Disadvantages:
  • Requires specialized drilling equipment and techniques.
  • Can be complex to design and implement.
  • Higher risk of wellbore instability compared to single-lateral wells.

1.3 Fracturing:

• Description: Using hydraulic fracturing to create fractures in the reservoir, enhancing permeability and improving oil and gas flow.
• Advantages:
  • Increases production from tight or low-permeability reservoirs.
  • Can be combined with other infill drilling techniques to maximize recovery.
  • Offers a cost-effective way to improve well productivity.
• Disadvantages:
  • Can have environmental concerns, including water usage and potential for ground water contamination.
  • Requires a significant investment in equipment and technology.
  • May not be suitable for all reservoir types.

1.4 Other Techniques:

• Directional Drilling: Used to reach reservoir targets located at a distance from the drilling rig.
• Smart Wells: Employing downhole sensors and control systems to optimize production and minimize well interference.
• Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Incorporating chemical, thermal, or gas injection techniques to improve recovery from existing wells.

1.5 Conclusion:

The choice of infill drilling technique depends on various factors including reservoir characteristics, well location, production goals, and economic feasibility. By combining different techniques and optimizing their application, infill drilling can effectively maximize oil and gas recovery from mature fields.

Chapter 2: Models for Infill Drilling Planning

This chapter discusses the various models used in the planning and design of infill drilling programs.

2.1 Reservoir Simulation Models:

• Description: Sophisticated software programs that simulate fluid flow and production behavior within a reservoir.
• Purpose:
  • Predict the impact of new wells on existing production.
  • Determine the optimal location and spacing of infill wells.
  • Evaluate different drilling and production scenarios.
• Benefits:
  • Provides a comprehensive understanding of reservoir dynamics.
  • Helps minimize risks and optimize well placement.
  • Facilitates informed decision-making for infill drilling programs.

2.2 Geological Models:

• Description: Three-dimensional representations of the reservoir's geological features, including rock types, permeability, and porosity.
• Purpose:
  • Identify zones with high production potential.
  • Define the extent and connectivity of different reservoir layers.
  • Guide the design of infill wells to target specific geological targets.

2.3 Economic Models:

• Description: Tools used to analyze the financial feasibility of infill drilling projects.
• Purpose:
  • Estimate potential production increases and financial returns.
  • Compare different drilling and production scenarios.
  • Evaluate the economic viability of infill drilling projects.

2.4 Workflow for Infill Drilling Planning:

• Step 1: Data Acquisition and Analysis - Gather geological, geophysical, and production data from existing wells.
• Step 2: Reservoir Modeling - Develop detailed reservoir models to simulate fluid flow and production behavior.
• Step 3: Infill Well Design - Design and optimize infill well locations, spacing, and completion strategies.
• Step 4: Economic Evaluation - Analyze the financial feasibility of the infill drilling project.
• Step 5: Implementation - Execute the infill drilling program and monitor production performance.

2.5 Conclusion:

By leveraging these models and following a systematic workflow, operators can plan and implement successful infill drilling programs that maximize oil and gas recovery from mature fields.

Chapter 3: Software for Infill Drilling

This chapter outlines the software solutions used in various stages of infill drilling, from planning to execution and monitoring.

3.1 Reservoir Simulation Software:

• Examples:
  • Eclipse (Schlumberger)
  • ECLIPSE (Shell)
  • CMG (Computer Modelling Group)
  • STARS (Roxar)
• Features:
  • Fluid flow modeling and simulation.
  • Production forecasting and optimization.
  • Well performance analysis and design.
  • Visualization and data analysis tools.

3.2 Geological Modeling Software:

• Examples:
  • Petrel (Schlumberger)
  • GeoGraphix (Landmark)
  • GoCAD (Paradigm)
• Features:
  • 3D geological modeling and visualization.
  • Data interpretation and analysis.
  • Reservoir characterization and property estimation.
  • Integration with reservoir simulation software.

3.3 Well Planning and Drilling Software:

• Examples:
  • WellCAD (Halliburton)
  • WellPlan (Schlumberger)
  • Compass (Landmark)
• Features:
  • Well trajectory planning and design.
  • Drilling optimization and simulation.
  • Wellbore stability analysis.
  • Data management and reporting.

3.4 Production Optimization and Monitoring Software:

• Examples:
  • PI (OSIsoft)
  • WellView (Schlumberger)
  • MAX (Emerson)
• Features:
  • Real-time production data acquisition and monitoring.
  • Well performance analysis and optimization.
  • Production allocation and optimization.
  • Alarm and notification systems.

3.5 Cloud-based Platforms:

• Examples:
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Google Cloud Platform
• Benefits:
  • Scalable computing resources.
  • Secure data storage and access.
  • Collaborative work environments.
  • Cost-effective solutions for data processing and analysis.

3.6 Conclusion:

These software solutions play a crucial role in enabling efficient and effective infill drilling programs, providing operators with the tools they need to optimize production, manage risks, and make informed decisions.

Chapter 4: Best Practices for Infill Drilling

This chapter explores the best practices that can enhance the success and sustainability of infill drilling projects.

4.1 Thorough Data Acquisition and Analysis:

• Importance: Gathering accurate and comprehensive data from existing wells is crucial for creating reliable reservoir models and planning effective infill programs.
• Data Sources:
  • Production data (rates, pressures, volumes).
  • Geological and geophysical data (seismic, well logs, core samples).
  • Reservoir engineering data (fluid properties, permeability, porosity).

4.2 Detailed Reservoir Modeling:

• Purpose: Creating a comprehensive understanding of the reservoir's structure, fluid flow patterns, and production potential.
• Modeling Techniques:
  • Statistical analysis and geostatistics.
  • History matching and calibration.
  • Sensitivity analysis and uncertainty assessment.

4.3 Optimized Well Placement and Design:

• Factors to Consider:
  • Reservoir characteristics (permeability, porosity, heterogeneity).
  • Well spacing and pattern.
  • Drilling and completion techniques.
  • Economic and environmental considerations.

4.4 Continuous Production Monitoring and Optimization:

• Importance: Tracking well performance and adjusting production strategies to maximize recovery.
• Monitoring Techniques:
  • Real-time data acquisition and analysis.
  • Production allocation and optimization.
  • Well intervention and maintenance.

4.5 Environmental Stewardship:

• Minimize Environmental Impact:
  • Use environmentally friendly drilling fluids and completion materials.
  • Implement waste management and recycling practices.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

4.6 Collaboration and Communication:

• Importance: Establishing effective communication channels among all stakeholders (operators, contractors, regulatory agencies).
• Benefits:
  • Improved decision-making.
  • Increased project efficiency.
  • Reduced risk of delays or conflicts.

4.7 Conclusion:

By adhering to these best practices, operators can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of infill drilling programs, ensuring maximum oil and gas recovery while minimizing environmental impact.

Chapter 5: Case Studies of Infill Drilling Success

This chapter showcases successful examples of infill drilling projects that have enhanced production and optimized recovery in mature fields.

5.1 Case Study 1: Increased Production in a Tight Oil Reservoir

• Location: Bakken Shale, North Dakota, USA.
• Challenge: Low permeability and production decline in a mature oil field.
• Solution: Infill drilling using horizontal wells with multi-stage hydraulic fracturing.
• Results: Significant production increases, extending field life and profitability.

5.2 Case Study 2: Improving Recovery in a Gas Field

• Location: North Sea, United Kingdom.
• Challenge: Declining production and high water cut in a mature gas field.
• Solution: Infill drilling using multi-lateral wells with optimized completion strategies.
• Results: Increased gas production, reduced water production, and improved field recovery.

5.3 Case Study 3: Applying EOR Techniques

• Location: West Texas, USA.
• Challenge: Low recovery rates and high reservoir pressure.
• Solution: Combining infill drilling with carbon dioxide injection (CO2 EOR) to enhance oil recovery.
• Results: Substantial increase in oil production and improved recovery efficiency.

5.4 Conclusions:

These case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of infill drilling in revitalizing mature fields and maximizing resource recovery. By leveraging technological advancements and innovative drilling techniques, operators can achieve significant production increases and extend the economic lifespan of existing fields.