Inconsistent production performance from wells completed in similar pay zones has been observed when shale formations are exploited through horizontal wells. This paper demonstrates the need to couple the wellbore model to the reservoir-simulation and hydraulic-fracturing model in shale formations to optimize well landing, trajectory profile, and long-term productivity. The authors aim to demonstrate and deconvolute the well-trajectory plan with an integrated parametric study that helps to improve well productivity.
Methodology
To plan a well profile, two critical pieces of information are required: Lateral landing depth, and well trajectory originating from the landing depth. To reach the targeted landing depth, the well trajectory undergoes a certain buildup of curvature deviating from the vertical section and, eventually, when the landing depth is reached, the designed trajectory profile is maintained and continued for the horizontal wellbore.
