Chris Carpenter

Design Optimization of Horizontal Wells With Multiple Hydraulic Fractures

T he ultimate performance of fractured wells in tight reservoirs is affected severely by the interfering effects inside the fracture and interfractures. The most important parameters for determining the optimum fracture length have been shown to be the formation permeability and the stimulated reservoir volume. Although studies have examined the performance of horizontal fractured wells and the fracture-geometry effect, fracture spacing and intersecting angles in vertical and horizontal wells should be investigated further. This study presents the results of a tight-oil-reservoir analogy.

New Magnetite Nanoparticles Allow Smart Drilling Fluids with Superior Properties

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper IPTC 18731 A Comprehensive Approach for the Development of New Magnetite Nanoparticles Giving Smart Drilling Fluids With Superior Properties for HP/HT Applications, by Z. Vryzas, Texas A&M University at Qatar; V. Zaspalis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; L. Nalbantian, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas; O. Mahmoud and H.A. Nasr-El-Din, Texas A&M University; and V.C. Kelessidis, Texas A&M University at Qatar, prepared for the 2016 International Petroleum Technology Conference, Bangkok, Thailand, 14 16 November. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2016 International Petroleum Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission.

Novel Proppant Surface Treatment for Enhanced Performance and Improved Cleanup

JPT • MARCH 2016 This paper describes the development and testing of a new proppant designed to exhibit a neutrally wet surface. The modified surface does not have a preferential affinity for oil, gas, or water and therefore will not promote the preferential entrapment of any phase within the proppant pack. This proppant technology and the results described in this paper should be useful for completions, production, and the work of reservoir engineers dealing with hydraulically fractured wells, particularly in oiland condensaterich reservoirs that are particularly challenged by multiphase flow.

Fracture Optimization in the Valdemar Field Offshore Denmark

JPT • SEPTEMBER 2015 The Valdemar field contains a target reservoir that is a Lower Cretaceous “dirty chalk” containing up to 25% insoluble fines, porosity greater than 20%, and permeability below 0.5 md. Stimulations on several wells showed suboptimal production rates, which led to the conclusion that the Lower Cretaceous was not economically producible. An intensive study was therefore carried out to evaluate all aspects of the fracture design and implementation. This paper focuses on the aspects of proppant selection and adequate fractureconductivity placement, with the goal of improving well productivity and cumulative recovery.

Digital-Slickline Capability on Plug-and-Abandonment Conveyance Phases

JPT • JANUARY 2014 Slicklines often play a vital role in offshore plug-and-abandonment (P&A) operations, either in those phases of the operation that require slickline conveyance or because logistical, footprint, operational, economical, environmental, or regulatory parameters of a P&A necessitate full reliance on this small, light, cost-effective conveyance offering. P&A activities using digital slickline increase equipment, logistic, and marine-support efficiency.