First Application of Just-In-Time Perforating in a Horizontal Well

Abstract

Just-In-Time-Perforating (JITP) was developed by ExxonMobil over a decade ago to improve multi-zone stimulation in vertical and S-shaped wells in the Piceance basin, Colorado. With this technology, multiple single-zone fracture stimulations are performed on a single wireline run using ball sealers and perforating guns that remain downhole during the fracturing treatment. This results in substantial cost reduction and productivity uplift because perforation intervals are individually and effectively treated one at a time with less horse power, smaller number of frac plugs, and fewer wireline runs. The method has been successfully implemented by ExxonMobil in more than 350 wells and over 10,000 treatments and is licensed to a number of service companies.There is substantial business incentive to implement the JITP technique in horizontal wells, extensively used in unconventional gas developments. With XTO Energy joining ExxonMobil, the global gas portfolio incremented by 45 trillion cubic feet. This includes conventional gas, shale gas as well as other unconventional resources, such as tight gas, coal bed methane, and shale oil. This paper presents the first application of JITP in horizontal wells. Operations were conducted in the Fayetteville Shale, Arkansas. The paper discusses advantages and disadvantages of the method as well as lessons learned from pre-field trials and full-well implementations. Critical to the success of the initial technology application was the enforcement of a structured approach which included technical feasibility studies, contractor qualification, pre-field trials, well candidate selection, and a deployment plan to capture learnings and best practices. Pre-field trials were executed in several wells to test potential technical/operational concerns, such as sand build-up around perforating guns, fluid diversion with buoyant and non-buoyant ball sealers, and the ability to move guns through the lateral. Preliminary field costs and production performance in horizontal wells are promising and support continued deployment of the technology.

A Technology Roadmap for Strategic Development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems

“…Fracturing techniques available at present in the O&G sector are well summarized by Angeles et al,2009 and include: cemented liners with plug-and-perf (e.g., Blanton and Mackenzie, 2006), coiled-tubing conveyed annular fracturing (Hari et al, 2010), open-hole systems with external mechanical or swellable packers and ballactuated sliding sleeves (e.g., Lohoefer et al, 2006;Snyder and Seale, 2011), high-velocity sand-jet stimulations (e.g., McDaniel and Surjaatmadja, 2009;Itibrout et al, 2010) as well as the Just In Time Perforating (JITP) process (Tolman et al, 2009;Angeles et al, 2012). Each method was developed to improve technical and economic aspects of resource development; the ability to place and initiate fractures more accurately and efficiently facilitates better utilization of resources through increased production per well, which in turn improves economics.…”

One Year of Just-In-Time Perforating as Multi-Stage Fracturing Technique for Horizontal Wells

“…The list of major potential risks and mitigation steps has been previously published and discussed (Angeles et al, 2012a). The list of major potential risks and mitigation steps has been previously published and discussed (Angeles et al, 2012a).…”