The paradox of increasing initial oil production but faster decline rates in fracking the Bakken Shale: Implications for long term productivity of tight oil plays

Columbu, Stefano; Duncan, Ian

doi:10.1016/j.petrol.2021.109406

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 11 publications

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“…However, this approach faced several challenges due to factors such as tight reservoir lithology and non-Darcy flow seepage [4]. Consequently, a significant initial decline in oil well productivity, inadequate maintenance of reservoir pressure, and widespread occurrence of low-production wells were encountered [5][6][7]. Presently, international attention in horizontal well development primarily focuses on fracturing methodologies such as hole patching and generalized repetitive fracturing [8][9][10][11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dramatically Enhancing Oil Recovery via High-Efficient Re-Fracturing Horizontal Wells in Ultra-Low Permeability Reservoirs: A Case Study in HQ Oilfield, Ordos Basin, China

He,

Huang,

Bai

et al. 2024

Processes

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The ultra-low permeability oil reservoir in the HQ oilfield within the Ordos Basin exemplifies a classic “three-low” oil reservoir characterized by low pressure, low permeability, and low abundance. Upon the commencement of oil well production, substantial initial production decline and inadequate pressure maintenance levels are encountered. Consequently, these wells commonly face persistent low production issues resulting from ineffective water injection. Currently, the available technical approaches for repeated stimulation of such wells to enhance production and efficiency are limited, thereby restricting the effective utilization of the remaining oil reserves. In response to this challenge, this article presents an innovative technology tailored for high-efficiency re-fracturing to improve oil recovery in ultra-low permeability reservoirs. Grounded in the theory of multiple flow couplings and volume development, this technology introduces a novel integrated process encompassing seepage field reconstruction, fracturing, and oil displacement. This comprehensive approach culminates in an integrated energy replenishment methodology applicable throughout the entire reservoir’s life cycle. The proposed technology materializes a novel development method for ultra-low permeability reservoirs, centered on the principles of “seepage field reconstruction, integration of fracturing and oil displacement, multi-mode energy replenishment, and all-round displacement”. This integrated strategy ensures the efficient development of ultra-low permeability reservoirs. The successful implementation of this technology in the HQ oilfield is a notable achievement. Notably, the daily oil production of directional wells and horizontal wells significantly increased from 0.5 tons and 1.8 tons to 2.4 tons and more than 10 tons, respectively. Furthermore, the estimated ultimate recovery rate witnessed a substantial improvement from 5.2% to 17.3%. These compelling results underscore the potential of this technology in revitalizing the production of low-yield wells in ultra-low permeability reservoirs.

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