A RUN HISTORY OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN THE BAKKEN PLAY: MULTILATERALS AND INCREASED STAGE OPENHOLE PACKER/SLEEVE SYSTEMS

This paper describes the run history results of a multilateral well with an increased number of openhole packer and sleeve system (OHP/S) stages in the Bakken play in Williston Basin, North Dakota. OHP/S systems reduce the completion elapsed time and inherent risks in pumping plugs in deep, long, horizontal hydraulically fractured completions. They are in wide use and provide improved well productivity in multi‑stage hydraulically fractured completions, such as the Bakken, resulting in markedly improved well performance, when compared to offset wells. Multilateral completions greatly enhance the operational efficiency and production capability of a well by doubling the exposure of formation from one surface location. Application The OHP/S system works in low‑permeability formations requiring hydraulic fracturing for productivity. It also is being used in multistage isolation for acidizing. It offers an alternative to traditional "plug & perf' completions. The multilateral system enhances productivity of a well, decreases time to production of an operator's asset, and minimizes surface impact of drilling activity. Results, Observations, Conclusions The Multilateral equipment and increased stage OHP/S were deployed successfully; the well was fractured, and is now on production. Many more similar completions are scheduled for deployment in the Bakken shale. Significance This paper will discuss the applicability of using OHP/S and multilateral systems in tight gas, gas shale, oil shale, and other low‑permeability formations that require hydraulic fracturing to be commercially viable, and will illustrate the technology through a run history. The new technology design, lessons learned, best practices, well performance improvement, and run history of these combined systems will be discussed. The technologies applied here are of significant importance to all operators working in unconventional reservoirs which require hydraulic fracturing.