Abstract
Over the past 20 years, the evolution of de-watering unconventional gas wells has gone from simple vertical to more complex horizontal wells. Each has had it learning curve and each has had its own challenges to overcome. No application has been more challenging that getting results for de-watering horizontal wells.
This paper will focus on real case histories of this learning curve and discussion on what has worked best and what has not worked at all. We will discuss methodologies that were used to overcome specific challenges and although it is recognized that each application is different, these two case histories will show the commonalities that can be seen in all horizontal unconventional gas wells. No claim can be made that all wells are alike and this paper will not make this claim. However, these two examples will show that there are similarities that can be universally addressed and if nothing else it gives a better starting point without having to reinvent the wheel.
The paper will cover specific wells, each with a different completion technique and the challenges faced by each. This paper will cover new information not yet submitted under any review and showcase methods used to solve these challenges.
Specific examples will be shown how the initial attempts to draw the well down and subsequent gas production was hampered by old techniques and what was developed that let to a fourfold increase in gas production by being able to de-water below the bend.
1. Electric Submersible Pumps (ESP's) best practices for a horizontal well: A horizontal well is a place an ESP's flexibility can really shine. This paper will identify the key areas that drastically improve the chances of success. The paper will identify the operational differences and the different options in running in a horizontal well compared to a vertical well. It will cover the preplanning required to avoid negative operational issues including gas locking, solids intrusion and optimized draw down.
This paper will concentrate on horizontal wells and highlight techniques that will increase the effectiveness of utilizing ESP equipment for dewatering.
