Directional/complex wells
This paper highlights nontraditional methods to cure oil-based-mud losses in horizontal wells drilled in unconventional plays.
The authors of this paper write that the use of high-angle wells through anisotropic shale formations represents a promising approach to improving oil recovery while reducing the overall number of wells required.
This paper presents a continuous passive magnetic ranging technique that can provide real-time distance and direction to the offset well while drilling without interrupting drilling operations.
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This paper compares the performance of three mature-field horizontal infill wells, one of which is completed with autonomous inflow-control devices (AICDs). -
Multistage horizontal well designs were first implemented in the Bakken in 2007. Since then, more than 12,000 wells have been completed in either the Middle Bakken or Three Forks zones.
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The complete paper documents the development, laboratory- and field testing, and lessons learned from a project to evaluate coated centralizers.
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Optimizing horizontal well placement is not limited to identifying the most-favorable reservoir, but also involves identifying the ideal target window within that reservoir.
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This paper presents the results of an experimental and modeling study that demonstrates the existence of severe slugging in systems with upward-inclined lateral flow paths, such as a toe-down well.
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Drilling has become a complex operation that requires a multitude of tasks to be managed at the same time. Not surprisingly, then, drilling automation will gain momentum in the near future to deliver consistent execution and performance safely and with good wellbore quality.
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This paper covers the 7-year history of drilling-fluids application in a reservoir drilling campaign offshore Abu Dhabi, from the early use of a solids-free, brine-/water-based mud to the recent application of nondamaging, nonaqueous fluids (NAFs) with micronized acid-soluble ilmenite.
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The complete paper describes a physics-based model of interference and a sensitivity study to propose guidelines for well spacing and a drilling timeline for multiple horizontal wells in the Vaca Muerta shale.
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Moving their directional drillers into their Houston real-time remote operations centers has improved drilling efficiency for two of the top shale producers.
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As the country pushes for higher output from its emerging unconventional sector, nature is pushing back. To get better results, operators there are increasing their reliance on technology.
