Wolfcamp Completions: Lessons Learned through the Implementation of Completion Diagnostics to Optimize Existing Drilling and Stimulation Practices

Abstract

The lessons learned in the Wolfcamp formation from utilizing completion diagnostics have greatly increased productivity over the years. By employing proppant tracers and subsequent spectral gamma ray logging, along with water-based and oil-based chemical tracers and subsequent produced fluid analysis, trends have been observed, and, where appropriate, changes have been made to the wellbore design, landing interval and subsequent frac design. Throughout the changes, completion diagnostics were utilized and referenced to hydraulic fracturing characteristics, drainage patterns, wellbore spacing, geologic identifiers and overall completion effectiveness, as measured by post-stimulation well performance. This paper reviews many of the insights that have been developed through the use of completion diagnostics in the Wolfcamp formation, as revealed by an extensive database of completed wells. These insights have led to completion optimization, improved well architectures, production enhancements and field-wide cost reductions. The lessons learned should prove useful for both established Wolfcamp operators as well as those new to this play.