A New Approach to Fracturing and Completion Operations in the Eagle Ford Shale (SPE 152874)

Description: This paper describes a new approach to fracturing and completing shale wells - getting them on production more quickly. Many operators in south Texas use a traditional approach to completions and pipeline hookup. A new process has been introduced which integrates LWD, wireline, coiled tubing, fracturing, micro-seismic, and flow back/testing to bring wells online more safely, efficiently, and repeatably. Application: Wells in the Eagle Ford shale require large high pressure hydraulic fracturing fleets and multiple service providers. Traditionally this entails fifteen - twenty service companies to coordinate the stage fracturing process. 4500 foot laterals in the Eagle Ford shale required ten days to stimulate 14-20 stages using plug and perforating techniques. The new approach described in the paper reduces this time and improves KPIC"s. Results and Observations: The paper documents three south Texas case studies. Eagle Ford well completions are complex. When fifteen or more service companies are contracted this complexity results in inefficiency and safety incidents. The new integrated approach improves process flow, planning, safety and efficiency and has gained favor with south Texas operators. Planning and communicating are key to reducing non-productive time during 24 hour per day operations. New logistics software is described. Other improvements include hybrid and cross-linked fracturing fluids, open-hole completion assemblies, micro-seismic, chemical tracers and geo-chemical use along with azimuthal LWD measurements to ensure laterals remain in-zone. Significance of Subject Matter: This paper documents the efficiencies being experienced by Eagle Ford operators using a holistic approach to completing and fracturing shale wells. Experienced on-site service coordinators are key to effectively bringing wells on line quicker and more safely with fewer lost time problems. Because of the success described in the paper the new approach will become common in shale plays outside of North America.