The World's First Offshore Multilateral Well Completed with Multistage Proppant Fracturing: A Case Study from Offshore Black Sea

Tomlins, Andrew; Conrad, Joel; Bocaneala, Bogdan

doi:10.2118/194324-ms

Day 2 Wed, February 06, 2019 2019

DOI: 10.2118/194324-ms

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The World's First Offshore Multilateral Well Completed with Multistage Proppant Fracturing: A Case Study from Offshore Black Sea

Andrew Tomlins

Joel Conrad

Bogdan Bocaneala

Abstract: The paper aims to present the successful execution of the first offshore multilateral well completed for multistage high-pressure proppant stimulation - in the Black Sea, offshore Romania. The paper describes the drivers that lead the operator to trial a multilateral well as well as cover the considerations made in selecting, defining and executing the final completion solution with a review of the lessons learned. With only one platform slot left and a significant undrained area of reservoir th… Show more

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Cited by 6 publications

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Multilateral Multistage Hydraulic Fractured Offshore Wells; A New Trend in Completion Design and Optimization for More Effective Field Development

Bocaneala

Norris

Conrad³

et al. 2019

Day 3 Thu, September 05, 2019

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Recently two multilateral horizontal wells have been completed offshore using dedicated multistage hydraulic fracturing completions. The first well, located in the Central North Sea (referred to as ML-CNS), was stimulated using acid fracturing; while the second well, located in the Black Sea (referred to as ML-BKS), was stimulated using proppant fracturing. This paper presents the different drivers, challenges and lessons learned for each well while emphasizing the well construction and stimulation methodologies developed for the different reservoirs and field characteristics. The field development drivers for drilling and completing these offshore hydraulic fractured multilateral wells, a first of their kind globally, was different for each case. The objective of the first project, initially considered uneconomic, was to engineer a technical solution for completion and production of two separate reservoirs with only one subsea well. The second project was seeking to optimize infill drilling from the last available slot on the offshore platform to maximize reservoir contact and production in the same reservoir. ML-CNS was a TAML Level 2 completion with a 14-stage, 5 ½" multistage completion run in each lateral and set-up for sequential acid fracturing. Operationally, the first lateral was drilled and stimulated, followed by the drilling and stimulation of the second lateral, using the drilling whipstock to navigate through the multilateral junction. ML-BKS was a TAML Level 3 completion that had a 6-stage, 4 ½" multistage completion installed in each lateral, which were proppant fractured following a sequence designed to minimize the jack-up rig time required. Both legs were drilled and completed prior to starting the stimulation, access to either lateral was achieved with the existing workover unit on the platform by manipulating a custom designed BHA. The lessons learned from the first project executed in the North Sea were able to be transferred and applied to the second project in the Black Sea to allow for a more efficient and confident completion solution. Led by varying economical and regional constraints, the key factor for both wells centered on delivering operationally simple and reliable multilateral completion designs to economically meet the field development strategy in place. To the knowledge of the authors and following subsequent literature research, both wells are a worldwide first for an offshore multilateral well completed with multistage acid fracturing and multistage proppant fracturing, and together they represent a new trend in cost-effective offshore field development through well stimulation. The successful case studies for both wells with the combined analysis of the benefits, challenges, and lessons learned will provide a guide and instill confidence with operators who find this approach beneficial with a view to applying it in other assets.

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Multilateral Multistage Hydraulic Fractured Offshore Wells; A New Trend in Completion Design and Optimization for More Effective Field Development

Bocaneala

Norris

Conrad³

et al. 2019

Day 3 Thu, September 05, 2019

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Successful Multistage, Hydraulically-Propped Stimulation through Gas Lift Completion Leads to Remarkable Capex Savings Offshore

Chiriac

Latif

Sauter

et al. 2019

Day 3 Wed, November 13, 2019

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The paper / presentation objective is to describe the achievement of the first gas lift well completed for multistage, hydraulically propped stimulation in a Romanian offshore field. The scope of the paper is to present the challenges and learnings associated with this well concept / design, engineering, modelling, equipment selection, yard testing, final design / program and offshore installation, operation, and results. Reservoir depletion modelling indicated artificial lift would be required as early as 6 months within initial well start up. In order to effectively optimise production from the well for a longer range of well life cycle, a multi-stage stimulation sandface completion was selected and plans were made to install gas lift equipment during initial completion installation, prior to rig release. To meet the concept requirements, risks were assessed and case histories were investigated / incorporated during the planning phase to ensure reliability of performing high-pressure stimulations through gas lift (dummy) valves. The material selection and specifications of the lower and upper completion equipment were defined considering:Artificial lift designReservoir characteristics, Casing size, High pressure stimulation, Life of well operations Equipment suitability and compatibility considerations resulted in a few equipment selection changes, requiring yard trials to define optimum pulling / running tool string components and configurations, which were then applied offshore. The final upper completion design consisted of gas lift mandrels (Gas lift dummies were replaced with gas lift valves following the HP stimulation), safety valve, permanent downhole pressure gauge and chemical injection mandrel. The lower completion consisted of hydraulic open hole packers, open hole anchor and open-close stimulation sleeves (all HP rated). Collaboration within the multi-discipline and with multiple service providers was vital in developing the final, tested design and implementation in the offshore well. The current design in the well is showing great benefits in terms of production (a higher rate than expected) and cost (initial completion includes gas lift equipment already available for future potential use). The concept proof is considered to be of great success for upcoming projects and is increasing the confidence of the operator to develop and approach the upcoming wells with multistage stimulation gas lift completions. This is the first well constructed in Romania that was hydraulically stimulated using proppant through an upper completion already having gas lift capability. A review of literature indicates this is an industry first. The success and communication of this well could provide benefit to the industry and could increase confidence when combining life-of-well requirements early in the well construction process.

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Maximizing Stimulation Efficiencies in Offshore Multistage Completions, Black Sea, Romania

Grubac

Conrad²,

Janiczek

et al. 2022

Day 2 Wed, January 12, 2022

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This paper presents an analysis of the stimulation treatment design and operational efficiencies in the Black Sea. In greater detail, the paper focuses on how the stimulation design and each operational step has been optimized to save time, money and ensure an HSE driven completion methodology. An analysis was performed on the stimulation design and implementation approach looking at its evolution through a knowledge building and lesson learning process. The principal goal was to determine the most economical way to stimulate an offshore well without making any concessions to the reservoirs’ production or ultimate recovery. From the basics of well and frac design to completion optimization, effort was applied in analyzing ball launching procedures, frac spacing, logistical arrangements on the stimulation vessel and all other areas where there was potential to make improvements. Ultimately, an analysis of fluid displacements during flush was performed and deductions inferred. Past stimulation treatments were analyzed in an effort of better understanding the advantages and disadvantages in terms of production output of the wells. Similarly, an analysis of the completion approach and operational efficiencies showed the ability of pumping three stimulation stages a day. Considering that horizontal wells in the area are usually completed in six stages, a stimulation campaign would effectively be completed in 2 pumping days, 4 days total if no weather or operational delays are faced. Further improvements of this approach have been implemented in 2021 when six stimulation stages have been pumped in a single vessel ride. Applying the ball drop procedure offshore showed optimal results, as it is efficient in reducing downtime in between fracturing stages and in achieving proper isolation between stimulation zones. Likewise, with over flush being a concern throughout most of the stimulation population, certain cases in the Black Sea showed that over flushing did not adversely affect production of the wells with the production exhibiting ~15% above expected production rates post stimulation. In conclusion, the authors believe that the operational efficiencies achieved in the Black Sea are transposable in other offshore environments and successful cost cutting can be achieved by sound engineering and logistical decisions. The approach and results are beneficial in understanding where the economics are positively impacted in multistage stimulation treatments in the offshore environments, hence ultimately improving the rate of return.

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The World's First Offshore Multilateral Well Completed with Multistage Proppant Fracturing: A Case Study from Offshore Black Sea

Cited by 6 publications

References 2 publications

Multilateral Multistage Hydraulic Fractured Offshore Wells; A New Trend in Completion Design and Optimization for More Effective Field Development

Multilateral Multistage Hydraulic Fractured Offshore Wells; A New Trend in Completion Design and Optimization for More Effective Field Development

Successful Multistage, Hydraulically-Propped Stimulation through Gas Lift Completion Leads to Remarkable Capex Savings Offshore

Maximizing Stimulation Efficiencies in Offshore Multistage Completions, Black Sea, Romania

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