UAEs Unconventional High-Pressure/High-Temperature (HPHT) Shale Gas Play Appraisal Technical and Operational Learnings

Abstract

The paper outlines the technical and operational journey experienced in completing this appraisal program, from wellbore preparation to the production. The paper will describe how the intervention tools and practices varied between the two wells drilled in same target and 500 ft a part. Also, the paper going to address the maximize operational efficiency, reduce emissions and availability of local resources. In addition to the modification and customization of available technologies and tools to address the UAE unconventional formations. Multistage well completions have been developed in the last two decades. Much of this advancement can be attributed to the unconventional shale Oil and Gas plays technology revolution, in which numerous transformational tools, techniques, and concepts have led to the efficient development of ultralow- permeability resources on a massive scale. However, careful consideration must be taken because these techniques cannot be used in areas outside in early in life fields, where reservoir rock properties and stress regimes are considerably different. Therefore, if not properly designed this can compromise the effectiveness of the hydraulic fracture treatment and impair project success which, impact energy self- sufficiency followed by strategy for the country. Diyab Reservoir is an organic-rich limestone unconventional play and our focusing area is located in Al Dhafra region, 250 km west of Abu Dhabi. The target formations comprise of extremely high stress rock in addition to the high-pressure and high temperature (HPHT). The appraisal strategy included two horizontal wells PAD that completed simultaneously (zipper) with massive multistage hydraulic fracture treatments using the perf and plug technique. Wells were long term flow tested through an early production facility to reduce emission while collecting key information to reduce the associated uncertainties and design a robust field development plan. The obstacles that have been faced and are still ongoing with this campaign is highlighting the importance of several critical factors. These including multidisciplinary integration and planning, wellbore construction impacts, contractor performance and tool reliability. This paper is providing a summary of case histories and operational results for the first horizontal wells intervention techniques used in UAE high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) reservoirs. This represents a very important contribution and key factors to UAE Gas self-sufficiency and Energy transition strategy plan.