Horizontal well completions to enhance hydrocarbon recovery have increased considerably in the past several years. The success of horizontal wells appears to be related to the development and application of special technology. Documentation of new technology exists in the literature; application to date has been limited and has not always met with measurable success. A critical evaluation of the technology and its associated applications allows one to choose the most practical options and methods.

This paper discusses seven specific categories of horizontal well technology: reservoir and well location selection, well planning, drilling, formation evaluation, completion and testing, stimulation and production and reservoir monitoring. In each category the practical options and techniques are presented in conjunction with specific applications. The associated discussions will allow the reader to use the information as a reference. Generic tool and technique names have been used; however, when discussing specific applications of the technology, references to Schlumberger services have been made.

Keywords:
trajectory, upstream oil & gas, drillstem/well testing, horizontal well, evaluation, formation evaluation, exhibition, fracture, interpretation, liner
Subjects:
Well Planning, Wellbore Design, Drillstring Design, Drilling Operations, Pressure Management, Drilling Equipment, Drilling Fluids and Materials, Casing and Cementing, Hydraulic Fracturing, Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring
Copyright 1990, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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