Technology Challenges and Emerging Solutions

Abstract

Traditional fracture completion systems are often inefficient. They suffer from friction and pressure losses, large hydraulic horsepower requirements, premature openings with frequent screen-outs, and time-consuming multiple downhole operations. A monobore, or a single size ball system with disappearing seats, addresses many of the drawbacks to a traditional fractured completion. By minimizing friction losses and pressure drops, monobore systems increase fracture effectiveness throughout the well while decreasing hydraulic horsepower requirements at the surface by up to 60%. The system delivers higher flow rates, lower stimulation pressures, reduced surface pressures, less equipment, smaller pad sizes and higher safety at less cost. In this paper the authors will describe the design and advantages of a monobore system with one size ball and disappearing seats.