Abstract
The Haynesville-Bossier (HB) Shale is an extensive gas resource that has received significant publicity over the past two years, and is currently being developed by numerous operators. Since the HB is a relatively new play, it is anticipated that there will be many learnings in the future that will further improve well completions. However, the more quickly data-sharing and adoption of best practices occurs, the more effectively this tremendous resource will be developed.
This paper will describe some of the reservoir and completion concerns that have driven this operator's current completion philosophy, particularly as they affect well stimulation. Some of the topics described in the paper include:
Consideration of vertical and horizontal wellbores
Horizontal lateral placement within the vertical pay section
Orientation of wellbores with respect to anticipated fracture azimuth
Fracture stage isolation considerations
Perforation strategy
Design and implementation of hydraulic fracture treatments
Considerations to accommodate elevated temperatures and stresses in the frac design
Management of closure stresses on proppant
Hydraulic fractures are the key to unlock the potential of most low permeability shale reservoirs such as the Haynesville Shale, and many drilling and completion decisions must be made to ensure successful placement of the stimulation treatment. Although the approach used on initial wells is expected to evolve with future experimentation and optimization, it is hoped that this early discussion of current design philosophy will be useful to the SPE audience, and allow the industry to optimize their Haynesville completions in a timelier manner.
