Data science continues to provide solutions for unconventional-well challenges. But innovative combinations of proven technologies also are delivering improved success in artificial lift wells. The articles I have selected for this feature provide details on these achievements. But can the learnings from one type of completion improve success in other types of completions?
The shale gas revolution is over 20 years old. The pace of innovation has been rapid, and many technologies and methods have been developed that reduce completion time and maximize access to the reservoir with one well. Unconventional-well innovation, therefore, has led to constant improvements in efficiency and reliability. There is no doubt this will continue, but can unconventional learnings be applied in conventional completions?
Electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) and intelligent-completion technologies are complementary, but each have very different service lives. For example, intelligent-completion hardware may have a 20-year service life, while ESPs may have a 2-year service life. So how can they be integrated in a way that ensures long-term reliability in the intelligent completion while accommodating periodic ESP workovers? Reimagining completion architecture is one way that a Middle East operator has achieved this goal.
Can large logging-while-drilling and measuring-while-drilling data sets be used to optimize completion of the well? One paper explains how perforation cluster design in Marcellus wells can be optimized by analyzing these data sets using a convolutional neural network model. The key to optimization involves mechanical specific energy. Is the lesson here to drill with the completion in mind or to complete with drilling in mind?
Will drilling engineers and completion engineers answer the last question differently, or will they agree on a different paradigm for the next well or project? It has been said that you will get the same result by repeating what you have done. But if you want to have a better result, you must change what you are doing. Is it time for a paradigm shift?
This Month’s Technical Papers
Study Summarizes 20 Years of Horizontal Multistage Completions
Integrated Approach Improves Completion Reliability Using Compact Horizontal Wellhead
Deep Convolutional Network Improves Completion Design
Recommended Additional Reading
SPE 199712 Evaluating Limited-Entry Perforating and Diverter-Completion Techniques With Ultrasonic Perforation Imaging and Fiber Optic DTS Warmbacks by Chase Murphree, SM Energy, et al.
SPE 207862 Modeling a Novel Approach To Delay the Water Breakthrough in Gas Cap Wells Using Smart Completions: Case Study Onshore Abu Dhabi Field by Aditya Ojha, ADNOC, et al.
SPE 201268 DTS Flow Profiling for a Horizontal Multistage Fractured Well in Tight Gas Reservoirs by Improved Model Considering an Openhole Packer Completion Scenario by Weibo Sui, China University of Petroleum, et al.
Doug Lehr, SPE, is a consultant and was previously senior manager for design for reliability activities at Baker Hughes. He has more than 40 years of experience in the development of downhole tools for completion and intervention applications, including high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) packers, composite fracturing plugs, and deepwater intervention tools. Lehr has authored nine technical papers, holds 29 patents, and has chaired SPE HP/HT workshops. He holds a BS degree in mechanical engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and an MBA degree in finance and marketing from the University of Houston. Lehr was an SPE Distinguished Lecturer and has won numerous engineering awards. He is a member of the JPT Editorial Review Board and can be reached at douglehrpe@gmail.com.