Optimizing Horizontal Completions in the Cleveland Tight Gas Sand

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes an efficient multistage horizontal openhole completion technique as an alternative to conventional openhole or cemented and perforated lateral completions. The application focuses on openhole (OH) completions in the Cleveland tight gas sand of the Texas panhandle. Horizontal wells have been drilled extensively in this low permeability gas reservoir to enhance productivity.(5) While the increased contact area offers a potential for enhancing well productivity and overall well economics, additional stimulation is usually required. Conventional OH or cemented and perforated completion alternatives have had various operational and logistic issues that have minimized efficiency and production impact. The system applied involves the use of a series of mechanical openhole packers deployed on the production liner with a frac port located between each set of packers and a process of subsequent multistage stimulation of the entire interval. The multistage OH completions have resulted in better connection to the reservoir compared to conventional cased-hole staged completions. Significantly increased completion efficiencies have been realized in all areas of the Cleveland tight gas sand, resulting in reduced completion costs and reduced overall completion timeframes.