Completion and Production: Field Results: Effect of Proppant Strength and Sieve Distribution Upon Well Productivity

Abstract:  During the past five years, approximately 500 million pounds of proppant have been placed in nearly 200 new wells in the Pinedale Anticline of western Wyoming.  Despite this high activity level, no clear consensus has emerged from the various operators as to the optimal stimulation design.  SPE 96559 compares production from 452 fracture treatments in 30 new wells completed by Shell Rocky Mountain Production.  The results of this study are believed to be the first published field comparison of broadly-sieved and tightly-sieved ceramics.

In addition to comparing production at 100-days post-frac, stimulation effectiveness was further evaluated using decline curve analyses on 112 treatments in nine wells that had multiple production logs over time.
 

Actual field results are compared to model predictions and laboratory results to determine whether proppant strength and sieve distribution affect production in a predictable manner.  Although the field results largely agree with model predictions, there were a number of unexpected observations that will be addressed during the presentation.

Location: Greenspoint Club
16925 Northchase
Houston , Texas 77060

Date: April 20, 2006, 11:30 a.m. - April 20, 2006, 1 p.m.