You must log in to edit PetroWiki. Help with editing

Content of PetroWiki is intended for personal use only and to supplement, not replace, engineering judgment. SPE disclaims any and all liability for your use of such content. More information


Horizontal wells: Difference between revisions

PetroWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
mNo edit summary
 
(2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
Horizontal wells are high-angle wells (with an inclination of generally greater than 85°) drilled to enhance reservoir performance by placing a long wellbore section within the reservoir.  
Horizontal wells are high-angle wells (with an inclination of generally greater than 85°) drilled to enhance reservoir performance by placing a long wellbore section within the reservoir.


==Horizontal well Vs extended-reach well==
== Horizontal well Vs extended-reach well ==


Horizontal Well contrasts with an [[Extended reach wells|extended-reach well]], which is a high-angle directional well drilled to intersect a target point.
Horizontal Well contrasts with an [[Extended_reach_wells|extended-reach well]], which is a high-angle directional well drilled to intersect a target point.


==Growth of horizontal drilling==
== Growth of horizontal drilling ==


There was relatively little horizontal drilling activity before 1985. The Austin Chalk play is responsible for the boom in horizontal drilling activity in the U.S. Now, horizontal drilling is considered an effective reservoir-development tool.<ref name="r1" /> <ref name="r2" /> <ref name="r3" /> <ref name="r4" />
There was relatively little horizontal drilling activity before 1985. The Austin Chalk play is responsible for the boom in horizontal drilling activity in the U.S. Now, horizontal drilling is considered an effective reservoir-development tool.<ref name="r1">Burgess, T. et al. 1991. Horizontal Drilling Comes of Age. Oil Field Review 2 (3): 22-23.</ref> <ref name="r2">Fisher, E.K. and French, M.R. 1992. Drilling the First Horizontal Well in the Gulf of Mexico: A Case History of East Cameron Block 278 Well B-12. SPE Drill Eng 7 (2): 86-92. SPE-22545-PA. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/22545-PA.</ref> <ref name="r3">Gust, D.A. and MacDonald, R.R. 1989. Rotation of a Long Liner in a Shallow Long-Reach Well. SPE Journal of Petroleum Technology 41 (4): 401-404. SPE-17183-PA. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/17183-PA.</ref> <ref name="r4">Smith, R.C., Hayes, L.A., and Wilkin, J.F. 1994. The Lateral Tie-Back System: The Ability to Drill and Case Multiple Laterals. Presented at the SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, Dallas, Texas, 15–18 February. SPE-27436-MS. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/27436-MS.</ref>
 
== Advantages of horizontal wells ==


==Advantages of horizontal wells==
The advantages of horizontal wells include:
The advantages of horizontal wells include:


# Reduced water and gas coning because of reduced drawdown in the reservoir for a given production rate, thereby reducing the remedial work required in the future
#Reduced water and gas coning because of reduced drawdown in the reservoir for a given production rate, thereby reducing the remedial work required in the future
# Increased production rate because of the greater wellbore length exposed to the pay zone
#Increased production rate because of the greater wellbore length exposed to the pay zone
# Reduced pressure drop around the wellbore
#Reduced pressure drop around the wellbore
# Lower fluid velocities around the wellbore  
#Lower fluid velocities around the wellbore
# A general reduction in sand production from a combination of Items 3 and 4
#A general reduction in sand production from a combination of Items 3 and 4
# Larger and more efficient drainage pattern leading to increased overall reserves recovery
#Larger and more efficient drainage pattern leading to increased overall reserves recovery


==Characteristics of horizontal wells==
== Characteristics of horizontal wells ==


Horizontal wells are normally characterized by their buildup rates and are broadly classified into three groups that dictate the drilling and completion practices required, as shown in '''Table 1'''.  
Horizontal wells are normally characterized by their buildup rates and are broadly classified into three groups that dictate the drilling and completion practices required, as shown in '''Table 1'''.


<gallery widths=300px heights=200px>
<gallery widths="300px" heights="200px">
File:Devol2 1102final Page 269 Image 0001.png|'''Table 1 - Horizontal Well Classification'''
File:Devol2 1102final Page 269 Image 0001.png|'''Table 1 - Horizontal Well Classification'''
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Build rate===
=== Build rate ===
The “build rate” is the positive change in inclination over a normalized length (e.g., 3°/100 ft.) A negative change in inclination would be the “drop rate.” A long-radius horizontal well is characterized by build rates of 2 to 6°/100 ft, which result in a radius of 3,000 to 1,000 ft. This profile is drilled with conventional directional-drilling tools, and lateral sections of up to 8,000 ft have been drilled. This profile is well suited for applications in which a long, horizontal displacement is required to reach the target entry point. The use of [[Directional deviation tools#Rotary steerable systems (RSS)|rotary-steerable systems (RSSs)]] may be required to drill an extra-long lateral section because slide drilling may not be possible with the conventional steerable motors.


===Medium radius horizontal wells===
The “build rate” is the positive change in inclination over a normalized length (e.g., 3°/100 ft.) A negative change in inclination would be the “drop rate.” A long-radius horizontal well is characterized by build rates of 2 to 6°/100 ft, which result in a radius of 3,000 to 1,000 ft. This profile is drilled with conventional directional-drilling tools, and lateral sections of up to 8,000 ft have been drilled. This profile is well suited for applications in which a long, horizontal displacement is required to reach the target entry point. The use of [[Directional_deviation_tools#Rotary_steerable_systems_(RSS)|rotary-steerable systems (RSSs)]] may be required to drill an extra-long lateral section because slide drilling may not be possible with the conventional steerable motors.
Medium-radius horizontal wells have build rates of 6 to 35°/100 ft, radii of 1,000 to 160 ft, and lateral sections of up to 8,000 ft. These wells are drilled with specialized downhole mud motors and conventional drillstring components. Double-bend assemblies are designed to build angles at rates up to 35°/100 ft. The lateral section is often drilled with conventional steerable motor assemblies. This profile is common for land-based applications and for re-entry horizontal drilling. In practical terms, a well is classified as medium radius if the [[Bottom hole assembly (BHA) design for directional control|bottomhole assembly (BHA)]] cannot be rotated through the build section at all times. At the upper end of the medium radius, drilling the maximum build rate is limited by the bending and torsional limits of American Petroleum Institute (API) tubulars. Smaller holes with more-flexible tubulars have a higher allowable maximum dogleg severity (DLS).
 
=== Medium radius horizontal wells ===
 
Medium-radius horizontal wells have build rates of 6 to 35°/100 ft, radii of 1,000 to 160 ft, and lateral sections of up to 8,000 ft. These wells are drilled with specialized downhole mud motors and conventional drillstring components. Double-bend assemblies are designed to build angles at rates up to 35°/100 ft. The lateral section is often drilled with conventional steerable motor assemblies. This profile is common for land-based applications and for re-entry horizontal drilling. In practical terms, a well is classified as medium radius if the [[Bottom_hole_assembly_(BHA)_design_for_directional_control|bottomhole assembly (BHA)]] cannot be rotated through the build section at all times. At the upper end of the medium radius, drilling the maximum build rate is limited by the bending and torsional limits of American Petroleum Institute (API) tubulars. Smaller holes with more-flexible tubulars have a higher allowable maximum dogleg severity (DLS).
 
=== Short radius horizontal wells ===


===Short radius horizontal wells===
Short-radius horizontal wells have build rates of 5 to 10°/3 ft (1.5 to 3°/ft), which equates to radii of 40 to 20 ft. The length of the lateral section varies between 200 and 900 ft. Short-radius wells are drilled with specialized drilling tools and techniques. This profile is most commonly drilled as a re-entry from any existing well.
Short-radius horizontal wells have build rates of 5 to 10°/3 ft (1.5 to 3°/ft), which equates to radii of 40 to 20 ft. The length of the lateral section varies between 200 and 900 ft. Short-radius wells are drilled with specialized drilling tools and techniques. This profile is most commonly drilled as a re-entry from any existing well.


==References==
== References ==
<references>
 
<ref name="r1">Burgess, T. et al. 1991. Horizontal Drilling Comes of Age. ''Oil Field Review'' '''2''' (3): 22-23.</ref>
<references />
<ref name="r2">Fisher, E.K. and French, M.R. 1992. Drilling the First Horizontal Well in the Gulf of Mexico: A Case History of East Cameron Block 278 Well B-12. ''SPE Drill Eng'' '''7''' (2): 86-92. SPE-22545-PA. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/22545-PA.</ref>
 
<ref name="r3">Gust, D.A. and MacDonald, R.R. 1989. Rotation of a Long Liner in a Shallow Long-Reach Well. ''SPE Journal of Petroleum Technology'' '''41''' (4): 401-404. SPE-17183-PA. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/17183-PA.</ref>
== See also ==
<ref name="r4">Smith, R.C., Hayes, L.A., and  Wilkin, J.F. 1994. The Lateral Tie-Back System: The Ability to Drill and Case Multiple Laterals. Presented at the SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, Dallas, Texas, 15–18 February. SPE-27436-MS. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/27436-MS.</ref>
 
</references>
[[Fluid_flow_in_horizontal_wells|Fluid flow in horizontal wells]]
==See also==
 
[[Fluid flow in horizontal wells]]
[[Estimating_horizontal_well_productivity|Estimating horizontal well productivity]]
 
[[Horizontal_well_applications_in_steamflooding|Horizontal well applications in steamflooding]]
 
[[Steam_assisted_gravity_drainage|Steam assisted gravity drainage]]


[[Estimating horizontal well productivity]]
== Notworthy papers in OnePetro ==


[[Horizontal well applications in steamflooding]]
== Online multimedia ==


[[Steam assisted gravity drainage]]
Campbell, T. Scott, Rajan Chokshi, Bill Lane, and Stephen W. Turk. 2013. Deliquification of Horizontal Wells.&nbsp;https://webevents.spe.org/products/deliquification-of-horizontal-wells


==Notworthy papers in OnePetro==
Miskimins, Jennifer L., 2015. "Near Wellbore Complexity Considerations in Horizontal Well Completions." Web Events. Society of Petroleum Engineers, [https://webevents.spe.org/products/near-wellbore-complexity-considerations-in-horizontal-well-completions https://webevents.spe.org/products/near-wellbore-complexity-considerations-in-horizontal-well-completions].


==Online multimedia==
Matar, Omar K. 2013. Defoaming Additives in Horizontal Multiphase Flow—Impact on Flow Regime and Separations.&nbsp;https://webevents.spe.org/products/defoaming-additives-in-horizontal-multiphase-flow-impact-on-flow-regime-and-separations
Campbell, T. Scott, Rajan Chokshi, Bill Lane, and Stephen W. Turk. 2013. Deliquification of Horizontal Wells. http://eo2.commpartners.com/users/spe/session.php?id=11701


Matar, Omar K. 2013. Defoaming Additives in Horizontal Multiphase Flow—Impact on Flow Regime and Separations. http://eo2.commpartners.com/users/spe/session.php?id=11417
== External links ==


==External links==
[http://www.api.org/ American Petroleum Institute (API)]
[http://www.api.org/ American Petroleum Institute (API)]


[[Category: 1.6 Drilling Operations]]
== Category ==
[[Category: 1.6.7 Directional Drilling]]
[[Category:1.6 Drilling operations]] [[Category:1.6.7 Directional drilling]] [[Category:YR]]

Latest revision as of 10:21, 15 January 2018

Horizontal wells are high-angle wells (with an inclination of generally greater than 85°) drilled to enhance reservoir performance by placing a long wellbore section within the reservoir.

Horizontal well Vs extended-reach well

Horizontal Well contrasts with an extended-reach well, which is a high-angle directional well drilled to intersect a target point.

Growth of horizontal drilling

There was relatively little horizontal drilling activity before 1985. The Austin Chalk play is responsible for the boom in horizontal drilling activity in the U.S. Now, horizontal drilling is considered an effective reservoir-development tool.[1] [2] [3] [4]

Advantages of horizontal wells

The advantages of horizontal wells include:

  1. Reduced water and gas coning because of reduced drawdown in the reservoir for a given production rate, thereby reducing the remedial work required in the future
  2. Increased production rate because of the greater wellbore length exposed to the pay zone
  3. Reduced pressure drop around the wellbore
  4. Lower fluid velocities around the wellbore
  5. A general reduction in sand production from a combination of Items 3 and 4
  6. Larger and more efficient drainage pattern leading to increased overall reserves recovery

Characteristics of horizontal wells

Horizontal wells are normally characterized by their buildup rates and are broadly classified into three groups that dictate the drilling and completion practices required, as shown in Table 1.

Build rate

The “build rate” is the positive change in inclination over a normalized length (e.g., 3°/100 ft.) A negative change in inclination would be the “drop rate.” A long-radius horizontal well is characterized by build rates of 2 to 6°/100 ft, which result in a radius of 3,000 to 1,000 ft. This profile is drilled with conventional directional-drilling tools, and lateral sections of up to 8,000 ft have been drilled. This profile is well suited for applications in which a long, horizontal displacement is required to reach the target entry point. The use of rotary-steerable systems (RSSs) may be required to drill an extra-long lateral section because slide drilling may not be possible with the conventional steerable motors.

Medium radius horizontal wells

Medium-radius horizontal wells have build rates of 6 to 35°/100 ft, radii of 1,000 to 160 ft, and lateral sections of up to 8,000 ft. These wells are drilled with specialized downhole mud motors and conventional drillstring components. Double-bend assemblies are designed to build angles at rates up to 35°/100 ft. The lateral section is often drilled with conventional steerable motor assemblies. This profile is common for land-based applications and for re-entry horizontal drilling. In practical terms, a well is classified as medium radius if the bottomhole assembly (BHA) cannot be rotated through the build section at all times. At the upper end of the medium radius, drilling the maximum build rate is limited by the bending and torsional limits of American Petroleum Institute (API) tubulars. Smaller holes with more-flexible tubulars have a higher allowable maximum dogleg severity (DLS).

Short radius horizontal wells

Short-radius horizontal wells have build rates of 5 to 10°/3 ft (1.5 to 3°/ft), which equates to radii of 40 to 20 ft. The length of the lateral section varies between 200 and 900 ft. Short-radius wells are drilled with specialized drilling tools and techniques. This profile is most commonly drilled as a re-entry from any existing well.

References

  1. Burgess, T. et al. 1991. Horizontal Drilling Comes of Age. Oil Field Review 2 (3): 22-23.
  2. Fisher, E.K. and French, M.R. 1992. Drilling the First Horizontal Well in the Gulf of Mexico: A Case History of East Cameron Block 278 Well B-12. SPE Drill Eng 7 (2): 86-92. SPE-22545-PA. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/22545-PA.
  3. Gust, D.A. and MacDonald, R.R. 1989. Rotation of a Long Liner in a Shallow Long-Reach Well. SPE Journal of Petroleum Technology 41 (4): 401-404. SPE-17183-PA. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/17183-PA.
  4. Smith, R.C., Hayes, L.A., and Wilkin, J.F. 1994. The Lateral Tie-Back System: The Ability to Drill and Case Multiple Laterals. Presented at the SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, Dallas, Texas, 15–18 February. SPE-27436-MS. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/27436-MS.

See also

Fluid flow in horizontal wells

Estimating horizontal well productivity

Horizontal well applications in steamflooding

Steam assisted gravity drainage

Notworthy papers in OnePetro

Online multimedia

Campbell, T. Scott, Rajan Chokshi, Bill Lane, and Stephen W. Turk. 2013. Deliquification of Horizontal Wells. https://webevents.spe.org/products/deliquification-of-horizontal-wells

Miskimins, Jennifer L., 2015. "Near Wellbore Complexity Considerations in Horizontal Well Completions." Web Events. Society of Petroleum Engineers, https://webevents.spe.org/products/near-wellbore-complexity-considerations-in-horizontal-well-completions.

Matar, Omar K. 2013. Defoaming Additives in Horizontal Multiphase Flow—Impact on Flow Regime and Separations. https://webevents.spe.org/products/defoaming-additives-in-horizontal-multiphase-flow-impact-on-flow-regime-and-separations

External links

American Petroleum Institute (API)

Category