SPE APOGCE conference preview – An Integrated Approach for Tackling Horizontal Drilling Challenges in Eromanga Basin to Maximise Production Benefits

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Abstract

Eromanga Basin in central Australia was deposited from early Jurassic to late Cretaceous and has witnessed commercial discoveries in different formation units throughout the basin’s spatial distribution. Lately, operators have shifted from vertical to horizontal wells to enhance production outcomes. However, there are still many challenges for achieving and enhancing these benefits with horizontal drilling. These include navigating an undulating reservoir structure whilst staying in the target zone and maintaining appropriate vertical standoff from oil water contact (OWC) to avoid early water breakthrough.

In this paper, the author summarizes the experiences and approaches made in tackling and resolving these challenges, by elaborating on the new methods applied during the recent horizontal drilling campaign. These include new drilling technologies, such as the latest rotary steerable systems and new logging-while-drilling technologies, such as the multilayer bed boundary detection services. The methodology of using this data both while-drilling and post-drilling for critical decision making on both geosteering and completion strategies, is also addressed. The author illustrates an integrated approach that was adopted by incorporating new data into the reservoir model for the purpose of referencing and planning future wells.

Case studies from two of the recent wells are discussed in detail to illustrate the operational workflows and the integrated approach. Landing and geosteering practices are examined separately to demonstrate how to achieve best results and avoid both identified and potential pitfalls. The overall drilling and production performance of the recent ten wells are summarized, as are the results of applying these methods. Finally, the author reveals the new insights that the post-job data integration brought for the field.

This new approach has allowed the operator to drill an increased number of wells than originally planned in the same timeframe. This approach has also allowed for longer wells to be drilled. By comparing the production benefits with the cost of drilling, the author shows the viability of these methods in resolving the challenges of horizontal drilling in this region.

Fig 1 Post-drilling data integration and visualization in 3D for the horizontal wells drilled in this campaign using this approach.