In field development programs where large variations in reservoir and completion parameters exist, the evaluation of reservoir performance to determine the optimal completion strategy can be a challenging task. This paper presents findings from a recent integrated cross-discipline analysis of a pilot program performed in the Bakken and Three Forks Formations (Williston Basin, North Dakota) to evaluate the impact of petrophysical and geomechanical properties on hydraulic fracture lengths, reservoir connectivity, well performance and well spacing.Microseismic, geological, geomechanical, completions, engineering and production data were integrated in single and multiwell modeling approaches to provide an objective method to evaluate and compare well performance. Results and conclusions from various disciplines were validated by integrating operational observations with the modeling. The application of the proposed workflow allows one to (1) understand and evaluate the effect of fracturing parameters (length/conductivity) on well performance, (2) characterize reservoir and fracture properties using hydraulic fracture pressure and production history matching techniques (3) relate fracture parameters to reservoir, geology and mechanical properties and, (4) provide a methodology to understand key drivers controlling the development strategy of an asset.

The evolution in oilfield technology to enable the drilling of longer horizontal wells and increased stimulation effectiveness via isolation has resulted in significant productivity gains. The challenges associated with data gathering, increased well count and understanding connectivity of the recently recognized additional reservoir (Three Forks) has generated concerns regarding the development strategy in the Williston Basin. In order to understand a development strategy it is crucial to characterize fracture properties and reservoir properties. A single well model is developed to capture current well performance to understand the impact of the range of fracture geometries and spacing on production performance. Modeling results and fracture pressure data are also presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of fracture initiation techniques, isolation techniques and number of clusters on fracture geometry generation. The paper presents results utilizing single well modeling techniques (using fracture history matching, production history matching and forecasting) to understand and differentiate reservoir quality, reservoir connectivity and completion effectiveness with the aim of understanding the direction in which completion changes must evolve.

On the Internet, newsgroups exist to promote the rapid exchange of views, critical comment, and information between interested parties. Newsgroups are accessible to everyone with access to the Internet, across the world. We propose a new newsgroup in the specific field of environmental education research to carry items likely to be of interest to those who read this journal.

No abstract