Unconventional/complex reservoirs

Field Study Explores Condensate-Banking Effect in Unconventional Gas-Condensate Reservoir

This paper investigates condensate-banking effects on well performance by conducting field-modeling studies on Delaware Basin deep Wolfcamp condensate producers using compositional simulation models with hydraulic fractures.

Fig. 1—Pressure comparison of three landing plans.
Fig. 1—Pressure comparison of three landing plans.
Source: SPE 220733.

This paper investigates condensate-banking effects on well performance by conducting field-modeling studies on Delaware Basin deep Wolfcamp condensate producers using compositional simulation models with hydraulic fractures. The models found condensate banking to be of minimal concern; condensate dropped out mostly in fracture networks and could be efficiently produced through highly conductive fractures. An optimal development plan with an aggressive flowback strategy, validated by actual Permian Basin gas-condensate well performance, is proposed that should improve project value without condensate-banking risk.

Introduction

In the past decades, the Delaware Basin has been developed with horizontal wells targeting the Bone Spring and Wolfcamp formations. The operator drilled two appraisal wells in late 2023 to test the deep Wolfcamp in New Mexico Field A. Key aims of this study were to analyze how well performance changes with well spacing, stacking scheme, completion designs, and drawdown strategy to improve well productivity and economics, thus optimizing deep-bench drilling-spacing-unit design, which aligns with field‑development goals.

Geology

New Mexico Field A covers more than 14,000 surface acres.

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