In the world of oil and gas exploration, "heel" refers to a specific geological feature relevant to highly deviated wells. It signifies the area of the pay zone that is closest to the well's casing.
Imagine drilling a well that's not straight down, but instead, curves significantly, reaching its target reservoir at an angle. This is a deviated well, often employed to access reservoirs that are difficult to reach with traditional vertical drilling.
The heel is essentially the point where the wellbore first enters the pay zone. Because the wellbore is angled, the heel is located near the casing, which is the protective pipe lining the well. As the wellbore continues its deviated path, it leaves the heel behind and progresses through the pay zone.
The heel plays a significant role in oil and gas production:
The concept of the heel is particularly important in highly deviated wells because:
The "heel" in oil and gas exploration is a critical element in understanding the production behavior of deviated wells. Its location and characteristics significantly impact well productivity, reservoir characterization, and production optimization. By accurately analyzing the heel and understanding its role, engineers can ensure maximum recovery of hydrocarbons from these complex wells.
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
1. What is the "heel" in a deviated well?
a) The point where the wellbore first enters the pay zone.
b) The deepest point of the wellbore.
c) The area of the pay zone farthest from the casing.
d) The point where the wellbore transitions from vertical to deviated.
a) The point where the wellbore first enters the pay zone.
2. Why is the heel important in a deviated well?
a) It determines the well's total length.
b) It helps predict fluid flow patterns and optimize production.
c) It indicates the depth of the reservoir.
d) It helps determine the well's vertical depth.
b) It helps predict fluid flow patterns and optimize production.
3. Which of the following is NOT a challenge associated with the heel in a deviated well?
a) Increased complexity in well completion.
b) Potential for water production early in the well's life.
c) Difficulty in determining the well's horizontal reach.
d) Challenges in production due to its proximity to the casing.
c) Difficulty in determining the well's horizontal reach.
4. How does the heel's proximity to the casing affect production?
a) It increases the well's overall productivity.
b) It can lead to premature pressure decline in the reservoir.
c) It makes the well less susceptible to water production.
d) It makes it easier to monitor reservoir pressure.
b) It can lead to premature pressure decline in the reservoir.
5. What information can be gained by studying the production behavior at the heel?
a) The well's total cost.
b) The reservoir's permeability and porosity.
c) The well's trajectory.
d) The well's vertical depth.
b) The reservoir's permeability and porosity.
Scenario: An oil well is drilled with a significant deviation angle. The wellbore first enters the pay zone at a depth of 2,500 meters. The heel is located 100 meters from the casing, and the wellbore continues to deviate further into the reservoir.
Task:
**1. Diagram:**
The diagram should illustrate a deviated wellbore with the casing extending vertically down. The heel is marked as the point where the wellbore first enters the pay zone, located 100 meters away from the casing. The wellbore then continues its deviated path, moving further away from the casing.
**2. Production Impact:**
The heel's proximity to the casing can cause several issues for production:
**3. Optimization Strategies:**
Strategies to optimize production from this well, considering the heel's dynamics, could include:
These strategies should be carefully evaluated and implemented based on the specific reservoir characteristics and well conditions.
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